Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport - Flight Information and Guide (CMB)

Bandaranaike International Airport, located in Katunayake, is the main airport of Sri Lanka, approximately 30 km from Colombo.

It is the main access point to the island, the departure point for Negombo beaches, Kandy tea plantations and archaeological sites of the Cultural Triangle.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: www.airport.lk

How to get to Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

Colombo city centre is approximately 30 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 45-60 minutes by taxi via the motorway.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach central Colombo in approximately 45-60 minutes via the Colombo-Katunayake toll expressway (toll approximately 400 LKR).

By Train

There is no direct railway line to the airport.

By Bus

Some public bus lines and expressways connect the airport to the city center; the most economical option but with longer travel times.

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Tips The highway toll (approximately 400 LKR) is often a hidden cost: transfers booked in advance usually include it, while ride-hailing apps sometimes charge it separately.

Average travel time to CMB

TrainNot available

Shuttle busService available, longer times

Taxi / Private hire45-60 minutes (1,500-2,500 LKR + toll)

Parking near Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

The multi-level parking is situated beside the terminal.

Rates align with the standards of a major Asian hub.

How to get to Colombo from CMB

By Train

There is no direct railway connection to the airport.

By Bus

Some public bus and expressway lines connect the airport to the downtown area.

By Taxi

Taxis use a meter (120 LKR base fare plus 100 LKR/km): approximately 1,500–2,500 LKR to downtown Colombo, 1,000–2,000 LKR to Negombo, 8,000–10,000 LKR to Kandy.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

Major car rental companies operate dedicated desks near arrivals.

Bring driver's license, passport, and credit card; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is generally required, as well as a local driving permit.

Hotels near Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

Bandaranaike Airport is located in Katunayake, near Negombo and about 32 km north of Colombo: with the traffic on the A3 and the expressway, the transfer to the centre actually takes 30-60 minutes, not the 20 minutes often quoted in guidebooks. For a one-night layover it's best to stay near Negombo; for those with at least a full day, central Colombo between Galle Face and Fort remains the most sensible choice, with its seafront, Pettah Market and major chain hotels just a few minutes from one another. The transfer still remains long, so for dawn flights it's worth adding an extra margin on top of the standard estimates.

City centre

Colombo, Galle Face and Fort

About 30-32 km from the airport, 30-45 minutes outside rush hour but easily 45-60 in case of traffic on the Katunayake expressway.

Best for: Those with at least a full day who want the Galle Face seafront, the Fort district and the big international hotels.

Pros

Galle Face Green, Pettah Market and the World Trade Center reachable on foot or with a few minutes by taxi
Wider choice of restaurants and evening life than the airport area

Cons

The transfer from the airport easily exceeds 45 minutes during rush hour
Those with a short layover spend more time in the car than in the city

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is Sri Lanka's primary hub, home to SriLankan Airlines, with connections to Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Oceania.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers Ceylon tea, precious stones and local handicrafts alongside international brands.

Lounges & relaxation

Multiple lounges are available, including dedicated SriLankan Airlines lounges.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Free Wi-Fi reaches every corner of the terminal.

Families & Children

Beyond family assistance services, the terminal provides play areas for children.

Terminal guide

The terminal, undergoing expansion in recent years, is the country's main aviation hub.

For international flights, it is wise to arrive 3 hours before departure.

Map of Bandaranaike International Colombo Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does a taxi from Bandaranaike to central Colombo cost?

Roughly 3,500-5,000 LKR at the airport's official counters (2,500-3,500 LKR with apps like PickMe), for a 30-50 minute journey via the Colombo-Katunayake toll expressway (about 400 LKR extra).

Q. Is it better to stay in Negombo or Colombo the first night?

Negombo, just 15-20 minutes from the airport, is convenient for late arrivals or connecting flights; Colombo (45-60 minutes) is ideal for those who want the city straight away.

Q. Do you need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Yes, all visitors need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to apply for online before departure; since 25 May 2026 it has been free for citizens of 40 countries, including Italy, for stays of up to 30 days.