Transfer Options from Colombo Airport to Colombo City

Q: How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to the city?

The average Colombo Airport taxi cost is €21.50 (LKR 7,300), which will get you within the central city area. However, the fare will increase if your driver uses toll roads or if you’re traveling beyond the original set destination. To secure a fixed rate fare that won’t change, you can book your transfer with Welcome Pickups in advance.

Colombo Airport, officially known as Bandaranaike International Airport, is Sri Lanka’s largest and busiest airport and the gateway to the capital city. To get from Colombo Airport to Colombo city you have three main options. The easiest way is to opt for a Colombo Airport taxi which conveniently drops you to the door of your hotel in as little as 35 minutes. A private Colombo Airport transfer provides a similar service with additional perks such as an English-speaking driver and zero wait time included.

For budget-conscious travelers, the cheapest option is to take one of the express buses that regularly depart from the highway in front of the airport. Buses take around 90 minutes to reach the main bus station in the Pettah district, however, the express services don’t run at night.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Colombo at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€21.50	35min	24/7
Bus	€3	90min	05:30–20:30
Welcome Airport Transfer	€27	35min	24/7

How to get from Colombo Airport to the city center by taxi

Taking a taxi from Colombo Airport to Colombo City is the quickest and most convenient transport option available without a booking. Colombo Airport oversees a large fleet of taxis ensuring that there is always one readily available for passengers on arrival. Colombo Airport taxis are air-conditioned and typically seat 4 passengers. The journey into town takes 35 minutes although this can increase to 55 minutes during heavy traffic congestion.

Colombo Airport to Colombo City taxi fare

The taxi fare from Colombo Airport to the city depends on the district you’re traveling to. For most areas within Colombo, you’ll pay around €21.50 (LKR 7,300). However, this isn’t a fixed fare, as your driver will use a taximeter to charge for any additional kilometers beyond the set destination. You’ll also pay extra for any stops or tolls along the way.

If you’re looking for a fixed-rate fare for your transfer, we suggest pre-booking your airport transfer with a trusted company such as Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€21.50

Trip Duration

35 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Colombo Airport.

Where do I find a taxi at Colombo Airport?

A taxi from Colombo Airport to the city can be taken directly from outside each Arrival Hall or by hiring one from the dedicated taxi counter located in the Arrivals area.

Convenience

The safest and most convenient way to get from Colombo Airport to the city or your hotel is by taking a taxi. Taxis are uncomplicated and will drop you straight at your hotel so you don’t need to worry about public bus transfers and timetables.

Editor’s Note

Taking a taxi from Colombo Airport to the city is extremely affordable, but it's worth noting that if there's traffic, the length of the journey can increase considerably.

Useful Tips

The cost of any toll roads will be added to your final fare.

You can fit up to 4 people with a small suitcase each in a Colombo Airport taxi.

Not all local taxi drivers speak English; ask your hotel to send you the address in Sinhala or Tamil to avoid any miscommunication.

How to get from Colombo Airport to the city center by bus

If you’re traveling solo or on a tight budget, taking a Colombo Express bus is an affordable alternative for you to get from Colombo Airport to the city center. The most common route is the 187 bus which travels between the airport and Colombo Central Bus Station in Pettah. Keep in mind that the trip is slow, taking up to 1 hour and 30 minutes, and buses aren’t always air-conditioned or able to offer much room for luggage.

How much is the bus from Colombo Airport to the city?

The cost of a one-way ticket on the bus from Colombo Airport to Colombo Central Bus Station is €1.50 (LKR 500), making it very affordable. You can purchase your ticket from the driver as you get on the bus in the local currency of rupees.

Cost

€1.50 (LKR 500)

Trip Duration

90 Min.

Buses depart every 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Express buses run from 05:30 to 20:30.

Where do I find the bus at Colombo Airport?

The Colombo Express bus stop is located around 50 meters from the airport terminal. Head out the exit on the left and then walk towards the highway. The Colombo Express bus is a large coach and bright blue so it’s hard to miss.

Convenience

Although a great budget option for solo travelers with little luggage, if you’re traveling in a group or with lots of baggage or children, taking the bus may not be the best transfer option for you. There’s very little luggage storage onboard, the journey time is long. You’ll also realize that once you reach the city center, you’ll need to navigate your way from the bus station to your hotel.

Editor’s Note

If you're traveling in a group, it would be much more convenient to split the cost of a taxi and share a private ride to the city center.

Useful Tips

Be sure to bring change in the local currency as the driver can't break large bills.

Some luggage can be stored below the bus.

The Colombo Express bus stops running at 20:30, but a much slower local bus runs during the night.

From the Central Bus Station you can take a bus to anywhere else in the country.

How to get from Colombo Airport to Colombo city by private transfer

A pre-booked private airport transfer from Colombo Airport to the city is by far the most convenient way to travel. Not only will it add a touch of luxury to your trip, but you won’t have to stand in line waiting for the next available taxi. Private transfers, like those booked with Welcome Pickups, provide a stress-free door-to-door transfer so all you need to do is turn up and go.

When you book your private transfer with Welcome Pickups, you’ll enjoy:

A meet and greet service on arrival
Modern and comfortable private vehicles
Trained English-speaking drivers
Flight monitoring
Guaranteed fixed fares
24/7 customer support

Furthermore, our drivers are local to the city and can let you in on some of their favorite things to do in Colombo, plus they’ll give you a mini tour of the city on the way to your hotel to help you get your bearings.

How much is a private transfer from Colombo Airport to the city?

When you book a private transfer from Colombo Airport, you won’t need to worry about being overcharged. Instead, you’ll be offered a fixed price ahead of your arrival, inclusive of all charges, including road tolls.

Moreover, your ride can be booked and paid for before you travel, so on arrival, you’ll be able to slip straight into holiday mode. Booking is easy and can be done in under a minute via our easy-to-use app or website. Simply enter your personal details, the date and time of travel, and your flight number to receive a fixed quote.

For a private transfer from Colombo Airport to the city center or your hotel, the cost is €27 (LKR 9,135) for a comfortable 3-seater sedan. If your group is a little larger, our 6-seater minivans provide lots of space, costing just €40 (LKR 13,530) for the 35-minute ride downtown.

Cost

€27

Trip Duration

35 Min.

*When booked in advance a private vehicle will be waiting on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged at any hour from Colombo Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

The great thing about booking a private transfer is that the service comes to you. As you enter the Arrivals Hall, you’ll spot your driver waiting for you holding a sign with your name on it. Your friendly driver will give you a hand with any luggage on the way to your pre-selected vehicle and then you’ll be on your way – it’s that easy!

Convenience

A private transfer can be quickly and easily arranged and provide peace of mind that a comfortable and private vehicle will be waiting for you and your friends or family when you land. Despite costing more than the bus, it is still a relatively affordable means of transport and if you require a minivan it’s cheaper than a taxi but includes lots of perks.

Editor’s Note

We recommend booking your transfer 30 minutes after you land so that you have plenty of time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.

Useful Tips

Your driver will receive updates on your flight in case there are any delays so that they can adjust the collection time.

Payments are made in advance so you won't need to withdraw cash on arrival.

Special requests such as baby booster seats can be made at the time of booking.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Colombo. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€27.0

NIGHTTIME

€32.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from the airport to the city center in Colombo?

There are three ways to get from Colombo Airport to the city: taxi, private transfer, or bus. Taking an airport taxi or private transfer will cost between €21.50 (LKR 7,300) and €27 (LKR 9,120) and takes between 35 and 55 minutes to reach the city. On the other hand, the Colombo Express bus takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the city center, at just €1.50 (LKR 500) per traveler.

How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to the city?

The average Colombo Airport taxi cost is €21.50 (LKR 7,300), which will get you within the central city area. However, the fare will increase if your driver uses toll roads or if you’re traveling beyond the original set destination. To secure a fixed rate fare that won’t change, you can book your transfer with Welcome Pickups in advance.

What is the distance from Bandaranaike Airport to Colombo?

From Colombo Airport to the city the distance is around 32 km. An airport taxi or private transfer will take approximately 35 minutes to reach the city, while the Colombo Express bus will take closer to 90 minutes.

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The best way to arrive in Colombo

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How to get from Colombo Airport to the city center by taxi

Colombo Airport to Colombo City taxi fare

Cost

€21.50

Trip Duration

35 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Colombo Airport.

Where do I find a taxi at Colombo Airport?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Colombo Airport to the city center by bus

How much is the bus from Colombo Airport to the city?

Cost

€1.50 (LKR 500)

Trip Duration

90 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Express buses run from 05:30 to 20:30.

Where do I find the bus at Colombo Airport?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Colombo Airport to Colombo city by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Colombo Airport to the city?

Cost

€27

Trip Duration

35 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged at any hour from Colombo Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from the airport to the city center in Colombo?

How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to the city?

What is the distance from Bandaranaike Airport to Colombo?

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The best way to arrive in Colombo

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