How to get from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya

The Colombo Airport to Sigiriya distance is approximately 146 kilometers, however, the travel time differs depending on how you choose to travel.

The only direct option is to take a taxi or transfer. Colombo Airport taxis are available 24/7 and will get you to Sigiriya in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Taking a Colombo Airport transfer is even more convenient, as you won’t have to queue for a taxi and you can pay a set fare in advance.

There is no direct Colombo Airport to Sigiriya bus. In fact, if you’d like to travel by bus, the journey would take up to 7 hours with at least three changes.

Similarly, there is no direct Colombo Airport to Sigiriya train. You’ll need to get a bus to Colombo city center, then take a train to the nearest town to Sigiriya. The journey takes 6 hours.

Read on for the full breakdown.

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	€45	170min	24/7
No.187+No.15+Sigiriya Bus	€4.90	420min	03:00–23:00
Colombo Express Bus+Habarana Train	€23	360min	03:00–22:00
Welcome Airport Transfer	€75	170min	24/7

How to get from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya by taxi

Taking a Colombo Airport taxi to Sigiriya is a great on-demand option. You’ll reach Sigiriya in around 2 hours and 50 minutes, depending on the traffic conditions. And because taxis are available around the clock, you can get there on your own time.

How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

The cost of a taxi from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya will depend on a few factors, such as the level of traffic. By default, your driver will use a taximeter to calculate your fare, but you may try to negotiate a set fare with them if you’re comfortable with that. The average cost of a taxi from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya will be €45 (LKR 15,000).

Cost

€45 (LKR 15,000)

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 50 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24 hours a day outside of Colombo Airport.

Where do I get a taxi at Colombo Airport?

Taxis can be found 24/7 at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, just outside of the main terminal building. There may be a short wait for a taxi during busy times.

Convenience

Given that public transportation options are limited, taking a taxi from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya is one of the best ways to travel. Not only is the travel time much shorter, but you also won’t need to rely on bus and train timetables. However, language barriers and price negotiation can be stressful. If you want the smoothest introduction to Sri Lanka, we recommend booking a private transfer in advance.

Editor’s Note

Great for a convenient travel solution on demand.

Useful Tips

The journey from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya is long, be sure to bring water and maybe a snack for the ride.

You can try to negotiate a fixed rate fare with your driver before beginning your journey.

There's no additional cost for luggage that can fit in the trunk.

As the journey from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya is long, the cost can vary significantly if there's traffic.

How to get from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya by bus

Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct bus from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya. Instead, this route is extremely long and requires multiple changes. You first need to take a taxi or the 187 bus to Bastian Mawatha Bus Station. Then, get the No. 15 Bus to Dambulla. Once you get to Dambulla, you’ll find the Sigiriya bus that will take you straight there.

The total traveling time is between 5 and 7 hours, depending on how the timetables match up.

How much is the bus from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

The total cost of your combined journeys will be around €2.45 (LKR 800). You’ll need to purchase your ticket on board each bus in cash.

Cost

€2.45 (LKR 800)

Trip Duration

7 Hr.

*There's a wait time of up to 3 hours for the bus from Bastian Mawatha to Dambulla.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

There are no fixed timetables available online for the Sigiriya bus from Dambulla.

Where do I get a bus from?

The No.187 bus from Colombo Airport to Bastian Mawatha Bus Station departs from slightly outside the airport. It’s a 15 minutes walk. Then, at each connection, you’ll find the next bus you’re looking for.

Convenience

Taking the bus from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya is highly inconvenient because of how long it is. Plus, the Colombo Airport to Sigiriya bus timetable can be unpredictable and unavailable in English online. The journey can take 5 to 7 hours which means you’ll lose a full day traveling—not the way you want to start your adventure in Sri Lanka.

Editor’s Note

Only recommended for people on a budget with no suitcases.

Useful Tips

Payments must be made with cash.

As the journey is long, be sure to bring refreshments with you.

The No.187 bus does not have much luggage space and can be crowded.

You can't pre-book seats on the bus, so we recommend arriving early.

Speak with your driver to ensure you’re catching the right bus.

How to get from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya by train

If you’re set on taking public transport, a slightly better option is to take the train. Unfortunately, you cannot take a direct train from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya. First, you’ll need to take the Colombo Luxury Express bus to Colombo City Center, which takes 50 minutes. Then, it’s a short walk to Colombo Fort Railway Station. From there, you can catch a train to Habarana which takes 5 hours. Once you get to Habarana, you can take a taxi to Sigirya, which is just 20 minutes away.

In total, your journey time will be 6 hours.

How much is the train from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

The price of a ticket on the Colombo Express bus is €9.40 (LKR 3,000). A train ticket from Colombo to Habarana is €0.85 (LKR 275). A taxi ride from Habarana to Sigiriya will be around €1.50 (LKR 500). Therefore, the total travel cost is €11.50 (LKR 3,775).

Cost

€11.50 (LKR 3,775)

Trip Duration

6 Hr.

There is a 3 hour wait for the Express bus to Colombo city center.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

The train from Colombo to Habarana only departs twice per day.

Where do I get a train from?

The train to Habarana departs from Colombo Fort Railway Station. You can get there by taxi or bus from Colombo Airport.

Convenience

Given the infrequent trains to Habarana and the multiple changes on this route, we don’t recommend it. The journey time is extremely long and tiresome. However, if you’re backpacking and don’t mind the long travel time, it could be a unique way of exploring the region.

Editor’s Note

An intriguing budget-friendly option for backpackers.

Useful Tips

The train from Colombo to Habarana does not stop by Sigiriya. You’ll need to get a taxi to reach it.

You must pay for your tickets in the local currency in cash.

Taxis are available from Habarana Railway Station to take you to Sigiriya.

How to get from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya by private transfer

The best way to get from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya is to take a private transfer. Not only do you get all of the efficiency and privacy of a local taxi, but you also get to skip the taxi queue and receive a personalized service from beginning to end.

By booking your Colombo Airport transfer with Welcome Pickups, you’ll benefit from a whole host of perks such as:

Friendly meet and greets
Professionally-trained English-speaking drivers
Guaranteed on-time pickups with flight monitoring
Fixed fares with no hidden fees
24/7 customer support
Flexible cancellation policy

To ensure you have a seamless travel experience, all you need to do is pre-book your transfer using our online system and leave the rest to us. We’ll get to work finding the best driver and vehicle for your journey from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya.

How much is a private transfer from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

One of the best things about booking a Colombo Airport transfer with a professional transfer company like Welcome Pickups is that you can get a fixed quote for your journey. That means zero hidden fees or surcharges on the day. You also don’t need to worry about the changeable taximeter or haggling with dishonest local drivers. Instead, you can relax knowing that your transfer is paid for with no extras.

With that in mind, the prices for our Colombo Airport to Sigiriya transfers are:

Sedans (1-3 passengers) – €75
Minivans (4-6 passengers) – €88
Minibusses (8-12 passengers) – €180

You can book via our online portal or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). Simply put in your flight details, contact information, group size, number of luggage items, and desired pickup time. Then, follow the instructions on the screen to pay with a credit or debit card to secure your booking.

Cost

€75

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 50 Min.

*Booking your private transfer from CMB Airport in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Private transfer are available 24/7 from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

If you book a private transfer, your local English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at Arrivals, holding a sign with your name. Following a friendly meet and greet, your driver will help you with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

There’s no greater convenience than having a private, English-speaking driver waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall. You’ll save so much time by skipping the taxi stand. Plus, with 24/7 5-star customer support, we’re here to answer any questions or concerns so that you have the best trip possible.

Editor’s Note

Ideal for couples, families, business, and solo travelers who want a convenient, safe, reliable journey.

Useful Tips

You can download the Welcome Pickups app to keep useful information about your transfer handy or contact your driver.

We recommend setting your pickup time at least 30-60 minutes after your predicted flight arrival time to give you time to get through passport control, baggage reclaim, and customs.

Sedans can accommodate up to 3 passengers, minivans up to 7, and minibusses up to 12.

Before your transfer, you will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information so that you know who to expect on the day.

You will have 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time after your scheduled pickup to go through passport control and baggage claim.

You can request a baby/child seat during the booking process and your driver will provide one for you.

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

€71.0

NIGHTTIME

€86.0

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 much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

You can expect a taxi from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya to cost around €45 (LKR 15,000).

How do I transfer from Colombo to Sigiriya?

The easiest way to transfer from Colombo to Sigiriya is to take a taxi or private transfer. Airport taxis are available right from Arrivals, and the journey time is around 2 hours and 50 minutes. Technically, you can take a combination of bus and train to reach Sigiriya too, but the journey can take up to 7 hours.

Is there a train from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

No, there is no direct train from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya. You’ll need to take a taxi or bus from Colombo Airport to Colombo Railway Station first and get the train to Habarana. From there, you can get a taxi to Sigiriya as it’s only 20 minutes from there. The total travel time is 6-7 hours.

How much is the ticket from Colombo to Sigiriya?

There is no direct train or bus from Colombo to Sigiriya. The combined travel cost will be between €2.45 (LKR 800) and €11.50 (LKR 3,775).

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How to get from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya by taxi

How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

Cost

€45 (LKR 15,000)

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 50 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24 hours a day outside of Colombo Airport.

Where do I get a taxi at Colombo Airport?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya by bus

How much is the bus from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

Cost

€2.45 (LKR 800)

Trip Duration

7 Hr.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

There are no fixed timetables available online for the Sigiriya bus from Dambulla.

Where do I get a bus from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya by train

How much is the train from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

Cost

€11.50 (LKR 3,775)

Trip Duration

6 Hr.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

The train from Colombo to Habarana only departs twice per day.

Where do I get a train from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

Cost

€75

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 50 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Private transfer are available 24/7 from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer 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 much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

How do I transfer from Colombo to Sigiriya?

Is there a train from Colombo Airport to Sigiriya?

How much is the ticket from Colombo to Sigiriya?

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The best way to arrive in Colombo

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