Colombo Airport Transportation

By Andrew Lewis on 05 Oct 2023

Located in Sri Lanka’s biggest city, Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is the main point of entry for visitors to the island nation. This bustling airport sees around 10 million passengers pass through each year, and with a new Terminal Two slated to open in 2025, it will soon welcome them to the country through a modernized portal.

As the biggest airport on the island, Bandaranaike is your gateway to everything Sri Lanka has to offer, from exploring the capital city with its beaches and Buddhist temples to striking out across the island to visit top attractions, like the rock fortress of Sigiriya.

From private transportation to public-transit airport transfers, this essential guide to getting to, from, and around Colombo international airport will help you find your feet upon landing and be ready to take on the city.

Colombo Airport Fast Facts

  • Name: Bandaranaike International Airport
  • Code: CMB
  • Terminals: Three (Terminal One: international; Terminal Two: under construction, Terminal Three: domestic)
  • Airlines: 37
  • Services: Currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, restaurants, shopping, taxi service

How Long Does It Take to Get to Colombo Airport?

Located in the Negombo suburb north of the capital city, Colombo Airport is approximately 21 miles from the city center. The Colombo-Katunayake Expressway offers the most direct route from the airport into the city. Depending on traffic, travel time can take anywhere from half an hour to an hour by car, taxi, or bus. Always allow plenty of time to get to the airport prior to departure.

In order to use the expressway, you will have to pay a Rs.300 (Sri Lankan rupees; LKR) toll. But as the most direct route, the small fee is usually worth it to save time.

Getting to and From Colombo Airport

Whether you opt to book a private, clean car with a professional driver, queue up in the taxi line, or take the bus, Colombo airport offers several convenient ways to get into the city.

Taxis

Colombo airport taxi service is readily available in the arrivals area. The average fare for an airport transfer to the city center is about Rs.7,300 (Sri Lankan rupees; LKR). Rates are set by destination, with small extra fees for additional drop-offs or kilometers traveled beyond the original destination.

Rideshares

Rideshares like Uber, as well as local apps like PickMe, are permitted to do pickups and drop-offs at Bandaranaike airport. Rates are usually cheaper than standard taxi fares, with flat fares starting around Rs.1,200. If your driver takes the expressway, the fare does not include the toll rate, which will either be charged to your card or need to be paid in person.

Public Transit

The best option for public transit between Colombo airport and the city center is by bus. The expressway public buses leave from the bus stand across from the main terminal building and travel to the Colombo Central Bus Stand. Buses depart roughly every half hour, and tickets, which are purchased onboard, cost around Rs.130. Service runs from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm.

There is no direct train or rail service from the airport to the city. However, you can take an hour-long commuter-train ride from nearby Katunayake station (about a mile from the airport) to the Colombo Fort Railway Station. However, since the train station isn’t connected to the airport, this option isn’t recommended if it’s your first time visiting and getting around Sri Lanka. Taking a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel is a better bet to avoid getting lost.

Hotel Transfers

Many Colombo hotels offer prearranged shuttles for an additional fee, usually between Rs.3,000 and 5,000.

Parking and Car Rentals

Colombo Airport offers three open-air parking areas. The terminal-adjacent Terminal car parks cost Rs.300 for up to three hours, with an additional Rs.50 per extra hour.

Located within walking distance of the terminal, the off-site remote car park offers cheaper rates for cars, starting at Rs.200 for three hours. Rates vary by vehicle type, including motorcycles, cars, vans, and buses. There are several other parking areas in the vicinity as well with comparable rates.

Car rentals are available in the international arrivals hall, costing around Rs.12,940 a day. You can rent on-site or prebook, but prebooking is recommended to guarantee a good car.

Preparing for Your Sri Lanka Trip

Obtaining a visa is an essential part of planning your trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a Sri Lanka visa. Start your visa application process.

For more information on other aspects of travel to Sri Lanka, including local laws, health and safety, and culture and traditions, visit our Sri Lanka content hub.