Istanbul to Colombo (IST–CMB) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections
No flights match your filters.
No scheduled airline flights on this route — it's flown by charter / private operators (). No nonstop flights on this route. connecting options below.
Most recently operated nonstop flights — the month shown is when each was last scheduled. Most destinations remain reachable with a connection.
No discontinued nonstop flights on record for this route.
IST–CMB is served by 1 airline with nonstop service. Turkish Airlines leads the route. The flight covers 3,912 miles in approximately 8h 10m. Beyond nonstop, 1-stop connecting options are also available.
Airline Landscape
| Airline | Freq/wk | Aircraft | Duration | Dep OTP | Alliance | Codeshares |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TK Turkish Airlines | 9 | 333 | 8h10 | – | Star Alliance | – |
Weekly Schedule Pattern
Connection Landscape
Travel Essentials
IST: +03 · CMB: +0530
When it's 6:00 PM in Istanbul, it's 8.5:00 PM in Colombo.
Turkish passport holders need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to enter Sri Lanka. Apply through srilankaeta.gov.lk before departure. The ETA costs $50 for a short visit (up to 30 days, double entry) and takes 1 to 3 working days to process. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry. A return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation may be requested at immigration.
At Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo, present your approved ETA at immigration. The 30-day stay can be extended for up to 90 additional days at the Department of Immigration and Emigration in Colombo for a fee of $100. Sri Lanka also offers a 90-day visitor visa through the same ETA portal for $100 if you need a longer initial stay.
Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from Istanbul (IST) to Colombo in about 9 hours. Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR), trading at roughly 9 LKR per TRY 1. ATMs are common in Colombo, Kandy, and tourist areas. Card payments work at hotels and larger restaurants. Tuk-tuks are the main local transport: use the PickMe app for metered fares. The Colombo to Kandy train runs about 3 hours through tea plantations and costs LKR 600 to LKR 1,500 depending on class.
Istanbul Metro M11 Gayrettepe–İstanbul Havalimanı line connects the airport to the broader metro network; from Gayrettepe (Mecidiyeköy/Levent area) the journey is about 35 minutes (₺60–70 with Istanbulkart). The line runs roughly 5am to midnight.Havaist express buses serve Taksim, Kadıköy, and other major hubs (₺50–80, 45–90 minutes depending on traffic). Taxis use a meter; expect ₺400–600 from Taksim or Sultanahmet. The airport is 35km northwest of the city; traffic on the O-7 motorway can be severe during peak hours.
IST–CMB Quick Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Istanbul to Colombo Flights
IST-CMB covers about 7,200 km in 8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes eastbound. Turkish Airlines and SriLankan Airlines both operate nonstop widebody service. Turkish flies daily or near-daily using A330 or 787 aircraft. The route connects Europe's busiest hub with Sri Lanka's sole international gateway. Traffic includes leisure visitors heading to Sri Lanka's beaches and hill country, business travelers, and Sri Lankan diaspora connecting through Istanbul from European cities.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is 32 km north of Colombo. The Colombo-Katunayake Expressway cuts the drive to about 45 minutes outside rush hour. Most visitors need an Electronic Travel Authorization applied for online before arrival. Istanbul's position between Europe and South Asia makes this route a natural connecting corridor. Passengers from western European cities can reach Colombo with one stop at IST in about 13 to 15 hours total travel time.