How to Get from Colombo Airport to City Center
Are you looking for the best ways to get from Colombo Airport to City Centre? Colombo is the perfect place to start your Sri Lanka Itinerary from where you can easily reach Negombo, Galle, Sigiriya, or Kandy.
Getting to Colombo City may seem difficult, but depending on your time and budget, there are a few to get there. You can easily get to the city center from the airport by taxi, bus, and airport transfer.
In this ultimate guide, you will find all the ways to get from Colombo Airport to Colombo City, such as the cheapest and quickest way to travel, journey times, and how much a bus ticket or taxi will cost.
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How far is Colombo City from Colombo Airport?
Colombo is the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. Colombo has an International Airport, the Bandaranaike International Airport (airport code CMB). The distance between Colombo Airport and the city center is about 30 km, which is 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
Recommended post → Colombo to Negombo
There are several ways to get to the city center from Colombo Airport: by taxi (40 minutes), by express bus (60 minutes), and by transfer (90 minutes).
Scroll down for more information about which transport is the best for you, how long the journey takes, and how much a bus ticket or taxi will cost.
Colombo Airport Transfer to City
It is one of the most comfortable ways to reach Colombo, and unlike buses, there is space for luggage. Once you land at the airport, go to the arrivals hall to meet your driver and travel to your accommodation in Colombo.
The journey takes 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
For two people, it costs 17 USD per person, and for four people, it will cost 11.50 USD per person, making it ideal for couples and families. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable!
Express Bus from Colombo Airport to City Center
The Colombo Express bus stop is just a few minutes away, 50 meters from the arrival terminal.
The Express bus runs every 30 minutes between 5:30 AM and 8:30 PM. The bus ticket costs about 500 LKR (1,50 USD), and the journey takes 1 hour, depending on traffic.
The bus stops at the Central Bus station, Pettah Fort and Colombo Fort. If you want to get to your accommodation in Colombo, you will have to take a tuk tuk, which will increase the cost.
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How to Get from Colombo Airport to City by Bus
The cheapest way to get from Colombo Airport to the city center is to take a local bus. There is no direct bus connection from the airport to the city. You will have to walk about 1 km (10 minutes) to the Katunayake bus stop.
From Katunayake bus station to Colombo City, the No. 187 bus runs every 30-45 minutes, stopping at Colombo bus station (Pettah) and Colombo Fort train station.
Unlike express buses, local buses run day and night to Colombo. However, the journey time is at least 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic. The ticket price is cheaper than the Express bus, costing 300 LKR (1 USD) per person.
Local buses are uncomfortable as they are often overcrowded, and not all have air conditioning. We do not recommend traveling by bus if you have a lot of luggage as you may have to pay extra for luggage.
Take care of your valuables, as minor thefts or pickpockets may occur on public transport!
Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! We always choose SafetyWing for our travels.
If you want to travel by bus, bring local money, as you can buy your bus ticket after boarding.
From Colombo Airport to Colombo Fort
After arrival, if you want to continue your journey by train to Galle, Kandy, or Sigiriya, you will need to travel from Colombo Airport to Colombo Fort.
You can get to Colombo Fort Railway Station by express bus, taxi, minivan, or local bus.
Book your minivan to Colombo Fort.
As the train is one of the most popular and cheapest modes of transport in Sri Lanka, the tickets sell out quickly! Therefore, we recommend buying them days in advance (especially in high season).
How to Get from Colombo Airport to City Centre by Taxi
One of the easiest and fastest ways to get to Colombo city center is by taxi. The journey takes 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
A taxi cost from Colombo Airport to the city is between 20-30 USD. The taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money!
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer from the Colombo Airport to Colombo City (any hotel) starting from 22 USD, and 3 pax allowed.
Good to know
Uber and PickMe are available at Colombo Airport.
How to Get Around Colombo
Although there are several ways to get to Colombo city center, you will need a mode of transport on arrival to discover the best attractions of Colombo.
Wondering how to get around Sri Lanka? Rent a tuk tuk in Colombo and explore the beautiful country at your own pace. We spent two weeks in Sri Lanka and enjoyed an unforgettable journey with our rented tuk tuk.
Save money, use our coupon code dittusandmate and get a 5% discount on tuktukrental.com.
Read the full post → Tuk Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka
Where to Stay in Colombo
Colombo has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Luxury: Shangri-La Colombo or Hilton Colombo
- Mid-Range: Mandarina Colombo
- Budget: Grand Oriental Hotel
More Travel Guides about Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Itinerary for 14 Days
- 7 Best Things to Do in Sigiriya
- The Ultimate Guide: Kandy to Ella Train
- 9 Best Things to Do in Ella
- 7 Epic Things to Do in Kandy
- Tuk Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka
- 9 Best Things to Do in Mirissa
We hope our post on how to get from Colombo Airport to the City Centre will help you plan your next trip to Sri Lanka. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Train/Transfer – Bookaway
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I just landed in colombo. From the airport, walk right, passing departures, and another 800 meters. After about 15 minutes of walking, the bus station is on your left. I’d only recommend doing this with a backpack. The bus station uses a different name than the one you listed in your post, it’s called “Avariwatta Bus Stand”. The bus, 187, leaves from here and it costs 300 rupees. Its super uncomfortable, very squished, and no AC. Even at night, I’m literally drenched with sweat from the short walk and from sitting on the crowded bus. Seems like sri Lankan people also don’t use deodorant. This option is cheap but it’s only doable with a backpack and you will be very sweaty.
Hi Alana! Thank you for sharing your experience! We hope you will love Sri Lanka.
Cheers