Book flights from Helsinki to Colombo with Qatar Airways
When you choose flights from Helsinki to Colombo with Qatar Airways, you have a comfortable and memorable travel experience to look forward to. This is the result of innovative cabin design and ergonomic seating that increases the amount of personal space, along with many more world-class services. During your journey, enjoy a luxurious travel experience and enjoy the attentions of an attentive and friendly cabin crew.
Colombo occupies a strategic position, at the point where several east-west trade routes converge, and today its high-rise developments and shopping malls bear witness to its continued prosperity. The Dutch, Portuguese and British have all ruled here until Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948, and their architectural remains can be seen all over the city. Explore the island nation’s rich heritage at the Colombo National Museum, and visit the giant Buddha statue in nearby Viharamahdevi Park for a spectacular photo opportunity.
Arriving in Colombo
Book a flight to Colombo with Qatar Airways and you’ll discover a cultural melting-pot that is vibrant, and full of character and interesting sights. Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city, and manages to retain its traditional cultural identity whilst still being one of the Asia-Pacific region’s fastest-growing economies.
From temples to museums, a selection of galleries that showcase local artists and wonderfully vibrant markets, Colombo is a feast for the senses. A flight to Colombo with Qatar Airways introduces you to this remarkable location.
Tourist attractions
Filled with museums, cultural icons, distinctive architecture and beautiful open spaces, Colombo is a live representation of Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture that stems from multiple influxes of different ethnic groups and colonial influences.
You can discover more about the various cultures that have influenced the country at the National Museum of Colombo and the Dutch Period Museum.
Other must-see attractions in the city include the Buddhist temples of Kelaniya Rajamaha Viharaya, Gangaramaya and Seema Malaka -- the latter of which is famed for its incredibly tranquil lakeside location.
Traditional Sri Lankan entertainment incorporates intricate shadow puppetry, and one of the more eccentric attractions is the Traditional Puppet Art Museum, where you’ll see delicately crafted puppets and dioramas made by local artists.
Travel considerations
Flights to Colombo with Qatar Airways land at Bandaranaike International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure.
Before you fly to Colombo please check the visa and passport requirements.
Flying from Helsinki
One of Scandinavia’s busiest airports and the main entry point for northern Europe, Helsinki Airport welcomes around 17 million passengers every year. With around 350 departures every day, this is a slick, well-organised airport that has a reputation for delivering an outstanding passenger experience from start to finish.
Passengers flying from Helsinki with Qatar Airways will be welcomed by professional staff who go the extra mile to make sure the beginning of your journey is hassle free and relaxing, while a beautifully designed airport with a host of excellent amenities makes this a great starting point for any journey.
Transportation and parking
Helsinki Airport is just over 16 kilometres from the city centre, making it easy to reach by car, bus or train. Buses take approximately 40 minutes from the centre of the city to the airport, and bus 620 provides a night service to the airport for late or early flights. Taxis are plentiful, including a dedicated Airport Taxi service.
The journey time is approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The Ring Rail Line railway link to the airport allows passengers to connect to other trains from all over Finland.
There are three car park options, Lomaparkki, which is long-stay parking, Pikaparkki (short-stay), or special parking for business travellers known as Bisnesparkki.
Arriving at the airport
Passengers flying from Helsinki with Qatar Airways depart from Terminal 2, which is the main intercontinental and international terminal.
There are 44 gates and an extensive check-in area that is well organised. However, the terminal is very big (and has recently been expanded), so it is wise to give yourself plenty of time before your flight is due to board to check-in and clear customs and security checks.
Bear in mind that, as with all international airports, security is very tight.
Facilities and amenities
The facilities at Helsinki Airport are exceptional, and include a spa and wellness centre, several play areas for children and extensive business facilities including meeting and conference rooms. There is free wireless internet throughout the airport, as well as sleeping pods, chargers and transfer service desks.
Banking facilities include currency exchange and ATMs, and there are numerous restaurants, fast food outlets and cafés serving everything from quick snacks to three-course meals.