Direct (nonstop) flights from London to Colombo

1 airline flys nonstop from Heathrow (LHR) to Bandaranaike International (CMB). It's 5,417 miles (8,718 km), about 10h 20m in the air. Operated by SriLankan Airlines.

LHR
Heathrow
🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom
CMB
Bandaranaike International
🇱🇰 Colombo, Sri Lanka
Flight Time
10h 20m
Distance
5,417 mi
8,718 km
CO₂/pax
828 kg
−60 kg vs. layover
Airlines
1
SriLankan Airlines
Time Diff
+4h
Operated by SriLankan Airlines SriLankan Airlines

Route data last updated: May 29, 2026

Airlines with non-stop flights

SriLankan Airlines UL SriLankan Airlines
Route
LHR → CMB
Flight Time
10h 20m
Distance
5,417 mi

Alternative Routes

Other ways to fly from London to Colombo with one stop · direct emits 828 kg CO₂ per passenger

LHR MCT (Muscat) CMB
Leg 1: 7h 10m (3,628 mi) Leg 2: 4h 5m (1,826 mi) Total: ~11h 15m 🍃 888 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LHR → MCT
7h 10m · 3,628 mi
View LHR to MCT flights →
Leg 2
MCT → CMB
4h 5m · 1,826 mi
View MCT to CMB flights →
LHR HYD (Hyderabad) CMB
Leg 1: 9h 25m (4,822 mi) Leg 2: 1h 55m (698 mi) Total: ~11h 20m 🍃 891 kg CO₂ (+8% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LHR → HYD
9h 25m · 4,822 mi
View LHR to HYD flights →
Leg 2
HYD → CMB
1h 55m · 698 mi
View HYD to CMB flights →
LHR MAA (Chennai) CMB
Leg 1: 9h 55m (5,121 mi) Leg 2: 1h 25m (400 mi) Total: ~11h 20m 🍃 882 kg CO₂ (+7% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LHR → MAA
9h 55m · 5,121 mi
View LHR to MAA flights →
Leg 2
MAA → CMB
1h 25m · 400 mi
View MAA to CMB flights →
LHR KWI (Kuwait) CMB
Leg 1: 6h (2,907 mi) Leg 2: 5h 25m (2,572 mi) Total: ~11h 25m 🍃 863 kg CO₂ (+4% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LHR → KWI
6h · 2,907 mi
View LHR to KWI flights →
Leg 2
KWI → CMB
5h 25m · 2,572 mi
View KWI to CMB flights →
LHR BLR (Bengaluru) CMB
Leg 1: 10h 5m (5,003 mi) Leg 2: 1h 25m (439 mi) Total: ~11h 30m 🍃 871 kg CO₂ (+5% vs. direct)
Leg 1
LHR → BLR
10h 5m · 5,003 mi
View LHR to BLR flights →
Leg 2
BLR → CMB
1h 25m · 439 mi
View BLR to CMB flights →

Looking for the return flight?

CMB → LHR: Flights from Colombo to London

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the direct flight from London to Colombo?

A nonstop flight from London (LHR) to Colombo (CMB) takes approximately 10 hours and 20 minutes. The distance is 5,417 miles (8,718 km).

Which airlines fly nonstop from London to Colombo?

Just SriLankan Airlines.

Is there a nonstop flight from London to Colombo?

Yes. 1 airline: SriLankan Airlines.

How far is London from Colombo?

The flight distance from London to Colombo is 5,417 miles (8,718 km), measured as the great-circle (shortest air) distance. That's roughly the same distance as London to Tokyo.

What is the time difference between London and Colombo?

Colombo is 4 hours ahead of London. (Europe/London vs Asia/Colombo.)

Will I experience jet lag flying from London to Colombo?

Maybe mild — 4-hour difference. Most people adjust in a day or two.

What type of aircraft flies from London to Colombo?

At 10h 20m, this route typically uses wide-body aircraft — Boeing 777, 787, or Airbus A330/A350. Varies by airline.

Do I need a visa to travel from United Kingdom to Sri Lanka?

Depends on your passport. Check with the Sri Lanka embassy or an official visa portal before booking — requirements change.

What is the carbon footprint of a flight from London to Colombo?

Roughly 828 kg CO2 per passenger one-way. That's about the same as driving 4,140 km.

Is the return flight from Colombo to London also nonstop?

Yes — nonstop flights run both ways. Flight time may differ slightly due to wind patterns.

When is the cheapest time to fly from London to Colombo?

Midweek flights (Tue/Wed) outside holiday peaks are usually cheapest. For long-haul, booking 2-3 months out tends to help. Use "Check Prices" above to compare.

How early should I arrive at Heathrow for this flight?

3 hours before departure for international flights. You need time for check-in, security, and immigration.