Colombo Court Blog Colombo
Getting from Bandaranaike airport to Colombo 3
About 35 km and 45 to 60 minutes, with four ways to make the journey. How each one works, what to do after a 3am landing, and where to change money.
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), also known as Katunayake, is about 35 km north of the city. Allow 45 to 60 minutes to reach Colombo 3. The journey can take thirty minutes at four in the morning and ninety minutes at half past eight on a weekday. Most of that difference comes from the last six kilometres.
The four ways
A hotel transfer. This is the simplest option, and a driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with your name. Send us your flight number when you book and we will arrange everything. Please contact our front office for rates. You pay the hotel, not the driver.
An airport taxi. There is an official taxi counter in the arrivals hall with fixed fares to each part of the city. It is reliable, and you will not need to agree a price after a long flight.
A ride app. PickMe is the local ride app, and Uber also operates here. Both are usually cheaper than a taxi, but you will need a working phone with data when you land. There is a designated pick-up area for app rides.
The expressway bus. This is by far the cheapest option, and it is comfortable. An air-conditioned coach runs on the E03 expressway to Makumbura, followed by a short ride into town. It suits travellers with light luggage, but it is not practical with several suitcases.
If you land at three in the morning
Many flights from Europe and the Gulf arrive at this time, so there are two things to know. First, tell us your arrival time and our team will be ready to welcome you. Check-in is from two in the afternoon. Early check-in is subject to availability and chargeable, so if you want your room the moment you arrive, the simplest option is to book it from the night before. Second, keep your first morning free. Sleep, have breakfast beside the pool from seven, and start your day at noon.
Money and a SIM
Change a small amount of money at the airport and the rest in the city, where rates are usually better. The bank counters in the arrivals hall are open whenever flights land. A local SIM card from Dialog or Mobitel is sold in the same hall and is inexpensive. Buy one before you leave the airport if you plan to use a ride app.
Coming back
Leave four hours before an international flight, or five hours if you are travelling during the morning rush hour. This may sound like a lot, but traffic makes it necessary. We can book your car and advise you on the right time to leave.
We are at 32 Alfred House Avenue, Colombo 3. Send us a WhatsApp message on +94 76 668 0971 and a member of our team will reply.
