Tourists arriving on flights to Colombo will land at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Flights to Colombo connect from thirty-six destinations in twenty countries. Bandaranaike International Airport provides a large variety of services for its passengers.

You can exchange your currency at either the airport's bank or a currency exchange. A post office is provided, along with a fully equipped medical centre. A range of duty-free shops is available, providing everything from liquor to household electronics. There is also a childcare service for busy parents.

When arriving or departing on Colombo flights, an airport transfer is needed, as the airport is thirty-five kilometres from Colombo. Transfers can be provided by luxury express trains, intercity buses or taxis. The airport also provides a 400-space car park and car rental facilities.

Colombo is well served by public transportation. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available. In Pettah, near the fort, several main bus stations are located and provide frequent services. Intercity buses and train services establish links with other Sri Lankan cities.

Colombo is a mix of old and new. It still retains some of its colonial architecture, although most structures are now used for a variety of purposes. Visiting the cobbled streets of the bazaar district in Pettah will offer treats for the eyes and the wallet of visitors on cheap flights to Colombo. The national museum will give a glimpse into Sri Lanka's past.

Trips to Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, a Buddhist temple, will be a cultural delight. Colombo's Dehiwala Zoo will allow the visitor to experience the flora and fauna of the region, and the daily elephant show is well worth watching.

As the capital city, a vibrant nightlife has developed within Colombo. Dining, dancing and casinos provide a range of entertainment. The Fort and Cinnamon Gardens regions of the city provide a lot of the nightly entertainment. For a night out clubbing, dress well and arrive around midnight, when the fun really begins.

A number of cinemas show films in English, Indian or Sinhala. Some of the larger international hotels provide traditional shows or karaoke nights. Restaurants provide a mix of international and authentic local cuisine. Curries are very popular and the Siam House Thai Restaurant is highly recommended. International coffee chains can provide a morning pick-me-up for those who have partied well into the night. Whatever your taste, your airfare to Colombo will be well worth it.

• Qatar Airways 84% recommend
• Sri Lankan Airlines 40% recommend

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• London to Colombo £432
• Birmingham to Colombo £485

• Colombo is 17 miles from Bandaranayake Intl Airport (Colombo, Sri Lanka).
• Bandaranayake Intl Airport (Colombo, Sri Lanka)
• Right now, 38 airlines operate out of Bandaranayake Intl Airport.
• Bandaranayake Intl Airport offers nonstop flights to 43 cities.
• Every week, at least 21 domestic flights and 1,001 international flights depart from Bandaranayake Intl Airport.