How to get from Colombo Airport to the city centre

Colombo Airport (Bandaranaike)

Colombo Airport or Bandaranaike International Airport is located 35 km north of Colombo city centre and only 10 km south of Negombo.

In the first section of this post, you can find how to get to Colombo city and in the second section how to get to Negombo.

As Colombo is the capital of Sri Lanka, most travellers tend to stay here. An advantage is also the direct railway connection to Galle, most travellers next destination in the South of Sri Lanka.

However, there are also many travellers who prefer to stay in Negombo because it is closer to the airport. There are also more accommodations to choose from, which are located next to an accessible beach. If you decide to stay in Negombo, it’s still easy to travel from Negombo to Colombo in about 1.5 hours.

There are 3 ways to travel the 32 kilometre (20 miles) distance from Colombo Airport to the city centre. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan and taxi. The journey takes 30 minutes - 1 hour and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 290 LKR ($0.90).

The bus is an affordable option for travel from Colombo Airport to the city centre. Bus fares start at 290 LKR ($0.90), and the journey takes around 1 hour.

You have two main bus options, but we think the airport shuttle offers the best value.

Airport Shuttle / Luxury Bus Service (Route 187)

Bus 187 connects Bandaranaike International Airport with Colombo Fort Railway Station, the main transport hub in the city. The air-conditioned airport shuttle operates frequently, 24/7.

A ticket costs 290 LKR ($0.90) per person. Large luggage may require an additional 290 LKR ($0.90) fee.

The bus travels mainly via the airport expressway, so it has few stops and usually avoids heavy traffic. The journey takes around 50–60 minutes to reach Colombo.

You can board the bus right outside the terminal departure area.

Private Air-conditioned Buses (Online Booking)

You can also book private air-conditioned buses or shuttle services online in advance. These buses usually provide more space and air conditioning but are significantly more expensive.

Bus fares for private buses start from 5,000 LKR ($16) per person on BookAway. Taking a taxi or ride-hailing service may actually be cheaper, especially if you are travelling with others and can split the fare. It’s always worth comparing prices before deciding.

If you’re heading to Negombo instead of Colombo, the journey will be slightly faster. You can grab a tuk-tuk for a 30-minute ride at 600 LKR ($1.90), or take the ordinary bus #240, which also takes about 30 minutes and costs 110 LKR ($0.30).

To and From Negombo by Ordinary Bus

Ordinary buses bound for Negombo depart from Avariwatta Bus Stand, about a kilometre walk or a short tuk-tuk ride from Colombo Airport. Ticket prices start from 110 LKR ($0.30).

To and From Negombo by Tuk-tuk

Tuk-tuks are also not allowed to enter Colombo Airport. You will find them at Avariwatta Bus Stop as well. From here, a tuk-tuk ride to Negombo takes about 30 minutes. Fares start at 600 LKR ($1.90).

A private transfer from Colombo Airport to the city centre is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 30 minutes - 1 hour, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Taxis are available at the airport, but Uber and Pickme are usually cheaper and more reliable. Uber is the most budget-friendly option for this route, with prices starting at 4,000 LKR ($12.70) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 1,000 LKR ($3.20) each.

If you prefer booking in advance, platforms like BookAway or 12GoAsia are great choices. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at 6,400 LKR ($20.50).

To and From Negombo

Bandaranaike International Airport actually sits within Negombo, so getting there takes just about 20 to 30 minutes.

You can book a 3 to 4-seater taxi for about 1,600 LKR ($5.10) on Uber or Pickme.

A minivan ride from Colombo Airport to the city centre costs around 4,150 LKR ($13.20). The minivan journey takes about 50 minutes, depending on traffic.

Magical Sri Lanka operates two minivans on this route. One drops you near the World Trade Center in Colombo, while the other stops at Colombo Fort Train Station. Both locations sit right in the heart of the city, so it’s easy to continue your journey from there to your accommodation.

That said, you can often find better value by booking a taxi, especially if you’re travelling with others and can split the fare.