Colombo Airport is accessible by official taxis, cars via the Uber mobile app, tuk-tuks and city buses.
Taxi, Uber
The most common and straightforward form of transport is official taxis and especially Uber, which is extremely popular in Sri Lanka.
Generally, Uber is significantly cheaper, however at peak times when more international flights arrive at the airport, regular taxis can be cheaper. We always recommend comparing the price via the Uber mobile app with the price at the taxi company stands in the arrivals hall.
Uber mobile app prices are dynamic and are based on current demand.
You can prepay for an official taxi at the stand in the arrivals hall. Outside, you give the taxi driver your receipt with payment and drive to your destination.
Colombo Airport taxi/Uber fares
The average prices are as follows.
- Colombo Centre - taxi for 7 500 lkr / Uber for 4 400 lkr to 8 000 lkr
- Negombo - taxi for 4 000 lkr / Uber for 1 800 lkr to 4 200 lkr
- Mount Lavinia Beach - taxi for 9 700 lkr / Uber for 5 400 lkr to 10 000 lkr
Bus - Colombo and Negombo
The cheapest way to get to the centre of Colombo or Negombo is by bus.
The bus stop is located about 200 metres to the left of the terminal in a large car park. There are no timetables displayed here. The bus drivers will automatically direct you to the first bus that leaves.
For indicative timetables, please visit the official website: rpta.wp.gov.lk. However, detailed information is given only in Sinhala.
Express Bus 187 (Colombo)
Line 187 runs to the centre of Colombo, where it terminates at the main railway station "Fort". It stops at many stops along the way, such as the Pettah Central Bus Station.
Tickets are purchased inside the bus from the driver and can only be paid in cash.
- Price - 500 lkr (very often changes according to inflation, but generally the value of the ticket is stable 1,50 usd)
- Travel time - 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic
- Frequency - 2-3 times per hour between 6:00 am and 7:30 pm; 1-2 times per hour in the evening and at night; runs 24/7
Line 240-3 (Negombo)
Local bus number 240/3 no longer runs directly from the airport building, but only from the local Avariwatta bus station (location on google.com/maps).
The free bus between the terminal and Avariwatta station no longer runs and since it is officially not possible to walk along the highway (even though the distance from the airport is only about 750 meters), you have to use a tuk-tuk to get there for about 250 lkr.
Bus 240-3 runs to Negombo about once every 20 minutes from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm and the ticket costs 150 lkr.
However, we definitely recommend using a taxi or Uber to get from the airport to Negombo.
Tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are not allowed to enter the airport grounds, however there are always a large number of them waiting on the main road about 250 meters from the airport exit.
Tuk tuk is a convenient mode of transport to nearby locations (such as the Avariwatta bus station or nearby hotels). For longer distances, driving is uncomfortable and virtually impossible with large amounts of luggage.
You always pay for the ride according to the price you agree on. The area around the airport (within 10 minutes of the terminal) should be accessible for about 1 usd. Negombo city for about 8 usd and Colombo for about 15 usd.
For longer distances a tuk-tuk is not much cheaper than a significantly more convenient Uber or taxi.
Rent a car
If you have the courage to drive in Sri Lanka's chaotic and dense traffic, there are several local and large multinational car rental companies in the arrivals hall.
Prices for a week here hover around 300 usd.
