Colombo Airport Transfers: How to Get from BIA to Your Hotel
Most visitors arrive in Sri Lanka at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA, code CMB) in Katunayake, about 35 km north of Colombo. After a long flight, the easiest way to reach your hotel is a pre-booked car, but there are cheaper options too. Here’s what to expect.
Your transfer options
1. Pre-booked private driver (recommended)
Book a driver before you fly and they’ll meet you in the arrivals hall with a name sign. You know the price in advance, there’s room for luggage, and the driver can track your flight if it’s delayed. This is the best choice for night arrivals, families and long trips to Kandy, Galle or the south coast.
2. Airport taxi counters
Taxi counters in the arrivals area offer fixed-price rides to most destinations. It’s convenient if you haven’t booked, but compare the quote with pre-booked options, especially for longer journeys.
3. Ride-hailing apps
Apps such as PickMe and Uber operate in Sri Lanka, mainly around Colombo. They can be good value for trips to Colombo or Negombo, but you’ll need mobile data, and pickup points at the airport can change.
4. Bus
Public buses run from the airport area towards Colombo. They’re very cheap but slow and crowded, with little space for big suitcases.
Travel times from the airport
| Destination | Distance | Typical drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Negombo | About 10 km | 20–30 minutes |
| Colombo city | About 35 km | 45–60 minutes |
| Kandy | About 110 km | 3–3.5 hours |
| Galle | About 150 km | 2.5–3 hours (expressway) |
| Sigiriya | About 170 km | Around 4 hours |
| Mirissa | About 190 km | 3–3.5 hours (expressway) |
| Nuwara Eliya | About 180 km | Around 5 hours |
Times depend heavily on traffic, especially around Colombo at rush hour.
How much does an airport transfer cost?
Every driver and company sets their own price. As a rough guide in October 2026, a car from the airport to Colombo city often costs around LKR 5,000–8,000, and longer trips such as Kandy cost roughly LKR 14,000–22,000. Vans for groups cost more.
Prices are set by each provider and change with season, vehicle and demand. Figures here are rough guides checked in October 2026. Always confirm the final price, and what it includes, before you travel.
Before you book, check:
- Is the price per vehicle or per person?
- Are highway tolls and parking included?
- How long will the driver wait if your flight is late?
- Is the vehicle air-conditioned, and is there room for your luggage?
Compare airport taxis and drivers on TASL →
Arrival tips
- Get some rupees. There are ATMs and exchange counters in the arrivals hall.
- Buy a local SIM. Mobile counters in arrivals sell tourist SIMs with data, useful for apps and calls.
- Share your flight number with your driver so they can track delays.
- First or last night? Negombo is the closest beach town to the airport.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Colombo city from the airport?
About 35 km. The drive usually takes 45–60 minutes on the airport expressway, and longer at rush hour.
Should I pre-book my airport taxi?
Pre-booking is the easiest option, especially for night arrivals or long trips. You know the price in advance and your driver can track your flight.
Do Uber and PickMe work at Colombo Airport?
Both apps operate in Sri Lanka, mainly in and around Colombo. Availability and pickup points at the airport can vary, so have a backup plan.
What’s the closest town to the airport?
Negombo, about 10 km away and usually 20–30 minutes by car.
