Transfer Options from Colombo Airport to City Centre

Q: What’s the cost of a taxi from Colombo airport to the city?

The average cost of a taxi from Colombo airport to Colombo is €9 (LKR 3,500). However, this will increase if your driver uses the toll roads and if there’s traffic. To secure a fixed rate fare that won’t change, you can book your transfers with Welcome Pickups in advance.

Q: How can I get from Colombo airport to Colombo city centre?

There are two ways to get from Colombo airport to the city; taxi or bus. Taking an airport taxi costs around €9 (LKR 3,500) and takes 40 minutes to reach the city, while the Colombo Express bus takes 1 hour to reach the city centre, at just €1.50 (LKR 500) per traveller.

Q: What is the distance from Bandaranaike airport to Colombo?

The distance from Colombo airport to the city centre is around 32 km. An airport taxi or private transfer will take approximately 40 minutes to reach the city, while the Colombo Express bus will take closer to 60 minutes.

Sri Lanka is famous for its natural beauty, so it’s no surprise that its capital city Colombo has that and much more. You can spend the day walking through the many unique neighbourhoods downtown, visiting the top-class bars and restaurants or exploring more cultural sites such as Buddhist temples, museums and stunning colonial architecture.

There are two different ways to get from Colombo airport to the city; taxi or bus. The easiest way to travel is by taking a private Colombo airport taxi. Taxis take just 40 minutes to reach downtown and cost around <€9 (LKR 3,500), which is very affordable. On the other hand, the public Colombo Express bus takes closer to one hour to reach the city and costs €1.50 (LKR 500) one-way.

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
Welcome Pickups	€27	40min	24/7	Book
Book
Taxi	€9	40min	24/7
Bus	€3	60min	05:30–20:30

How to get from Colombo Airport to Colombo City by Taxi

If you’re looking for a relaxing, private transfer from Colombo airport to the city, then taking a taxi is the option for you. Colombo airport to city taxis take just 40 minutes and cost around €9 (LKR 3,500), based on a taximeter.

How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to the City Centre?

The cost of a local taxi from Colombo airport to Colombo city will be around €9 (LKR 3,500). However, this isn’t a set-rate fare. Your driver will use a taximeter based on the distance travelled to calculate the exact cost of your fare.

If you’re looking for a fixed-rate fare for your transfer, this is available if you book with a trusted and private company such as Welcome Pickups.

Cost

€9 (LKR 3,500)

Trip Duration

40 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?

Taxis are located directly outside the main terminal at Colombo airport. You will see the long line of cars as you exit the arrivals hall.

Convenience

The safest and most convenient way to get from Colombo airport to the city or your hotel is by taking a taxi. The journey time is just 40 minutes and your driver will be able to drop you off directly outside your hotel, so you won’t need to try and navigate the city on your first day.

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 cost will increase.

Useful Tips

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

You can fit up to 4 people in a Colombo airport taxi.

Not all local taxi drivers speak English; be sure to write down your hotel address to avoid any miscommunication.

How to get from Colombo Airport to Colombo City by Bus

If you’re travelling solo and on a tight budget, taking the Colombo Express bus may be a good transfer option for you. The bus runs every day from 05:30 to 20:30, takes 60 minutes to reach the city and costs just €1.50 (LKR 500) one-way.

How much is the bus form Colombo Airport to the City Centre?

The cost of a one-way ticket on the bus from Colombo airport to the city 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.

Cost

€1.50 (LKR 500)

Trip Duration

60 Min.

*There's a waiting time of 30 minutes for the bus.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Colombo Express bus runs 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 of the exit on the left and then walk towards the highway. The Colombo Express bus is large and bright blue so it’s hard to miss.

Convenience

Although a great budget option for solo travellers with little luggage, if you’re travelling in a group, 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 and once you reach the city centre you will need to navigate your way from the bus station to your hotel.

Editor’s Note

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

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 throughout the nighttime hours.

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

What’s the cost of a taxi from Colombo airport to the city?

The average cost of a taxi from Colombo airport to Colombo is €9 (LKR 3,500). However, this will increase if your driver uses the toll roads and if there’s traffic. To secure a fixed rate fare that won’t change, you can book your transfers with Welcome Pickups in advance.

How can I get from Colombo airport to Colombo city centre?

There are two ways to get from Colombo airport to the city; taxi or bus. Taking an airport taxi costs around €9 (LKR 3,500) and takes 40 minutes to reach the city, while the Colombo Express bus takes 1 hour to reach the city centre, at just €1.50 (LKR 500) per traveller.

What is the distance from Bandaranaike airport to Colombo?

The distance from Colombo airport to the city centre is around 32 km. An airport taxi or private transfer will take approximately 40 minutes to reach the city, while the Colombo Express bus will take closer to 60 minutes.

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The best way to arrive in Colombo

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How to get from Colombo Airport to Colombo City by Taxi

How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to the City Centre?

Cost

€9 (LKR 3,500)

Trip Duration

40 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 Colombo City by Bus

How much is the bus form Colombo Airport to the City Centre?

Cost

€1.50 (LKR 500)

Trip Duration

60 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Colombo Express bus runs from 05:30 to 20:30.

Where do I find the bus at Colombo Airport?

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

What’s the cost of a taxi from Colombo airport to the city?

How can I get from Colombo airport to Colombo city centre?

What is the distance from Bandaranaike airport to Colombo?

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The best way to arrive in Colombo

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