Getting a taxi in Colombo
There are two types of taxis in Sri Lanka, Colombo: Tuk Tuks and regular taxis. You can easily hail both on the street, call for a regular taxi using one of the many phone dispatch companies, or book your Colombo taxi in advance.
Regular taxis in Colombo are metered, however the rates are not standardized. This means that your fare can be wildly different depending on the taxi company.
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How much does a taxi cost?
| Taxi prices | Day time (05:00 - 24:00) | Night time (00:00 - 05:00) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| FROM AIRPORT TO DOWNTOWN | 27 € | 27 € | 40 MIN |
| FROM BEACH TO COLOMBO FORT RAILWAY STATION | 7.5 € | 7.5 € | 15 MIN |
| FROM HOTELS TO THE LAGOON | 6.75 € | 6.75 € | 13 MIN |
How much is a taxi in Colombo?
As there are two types of taxis in Colombo, Tuk Tuks and regular, there are two different ways to calculate the Colombo taxi rates. Tuk Tuk drivers are much less formal and will give you a fixed rate based on how far your destination is, while regular taxis usually use a taximeter. Having said this, although most regular taxis in Colombo are fitted with a taximeter, they don’t all use the same tariffs. Each company will calibrate their own taximeter and some may even charge set rate fares for their journeys around the city. As a loose guide, you can calculate the taxi Colombo rates as follows:
Base fare: €1.14 (LKR 100)
Price per mile: €1.82 (LKR 160)
Price per 1 hour waiting: €2.05 (LKR 180)
With this in mind, the Colombo taxi fare from the airport to downtown will likely be around €27.
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How to get a taxi in Colombo
The easiest way to get a Colombo taxi or Tuk Tuk is to hail one in the street. Both regular taxis and Tuk Tuks can be found all around the downtown area, at the major hotels, large shopping centers and tourist attractions, so finding one in the city center couldn’t be easier.
You can also book one by calling a local Colombo taxi number, though you may be charged extra for the dispatch of a taxi on demand. The best way to get around this is to pre-book a taxi with Welcome Pickups which allows you to avoid hidden fees and includes a complimentary mini tour of the city if you’d like it.
Alternatively, PickMe taxi app is the most popular and reliable app in the city.
How to get a taxi from Colombo Airport
Colombo Airport taxis are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can find them lined up outside of the terminal building.
How to get a taxi from Colombo Bus Station
Tuk Tuk taxis are more commonly available from Colombo Bus Station. However, you might be able to hail a regular taxi from the street outside. If not, we recommend calling a taxi number or booking your transfer in advance.
Most popular Colombo taxi apps
If you don’t want to call a taxi service in Colombo, the most reliable app is called PickMe.
This Colombo taxi app provides on-demand taxi hailing throughout the city. However, there can be a long wait for an available taxi during busy periods. Most PickMe taxi drivers are also unlicensed so they’re less reliable than official taxis.
A great alternative is to pre-book your Colombo taxi from a trusted company like Welcome Pickups. That way, you can have top-quality service at fixed rates to wherever you need to go.
Useful Colombo taxi numbers
If you’re traveling late at night or are trying to get a taxi outside of the city center, it’s advisable to either book your ride in advance or call a Colombo taxi service.
Here is a list of reliable taxi contact numbers in Colombo:
Taxi Sri Lanka: +94 (71) 6299 969
TaxiGo Cab Service: +94 (77) 083 3772
Senu Cab Service: +94 (77) 378 8646
Benefits of booking a Colombo taxi in advance
When taking a local taxi in Colombo, you may face challenges, such as miscommunication and ever-changing taxi rates. This can be difficult to navigate, especially for a first-time visitor. However, if you book your Colombo taxi rides with Welcome Pickups in advance, you’ll never have to experience such issues. We offer guaranteed on-time pickups, fluent English-speaking drivers, competitive fixed-rate fares you can always rely on, and 24/7 customer support.
Colombo taxi tips
- If you’re taking a Tuk Tuk taxi in Colombo, be sure to agree on a price before getting in the vehicle.
- Regular Colombo taxis operate with taximeters. Ensure that your driver resets the taximeter before your ride begins.
- The Colombo taxi rates for taking a regular taxi are for up to 4 passengers.
- Tipping your driver isn’t expected but is appreciated if you enjoyed the service.
- When traveling larger distances, taking a regular Colombo taxi is much more comfortable than a Tuk Tuk.
- Colombo taxi drivers do not carry child boosters or baby seats as standard but you are welcome to bring your own.
- All payments for Colombo taxi fares must be in cash in the local currency — Sri Lankan Rupees.
- Taxis in Colombo are not wheelchair compatible as standard. If you require an adapted vehicle, it’s best to contact a tourist transportation company that can help you.
- Many local Colombo taxi drivers speak English. However, they might not be fluent. Therefore, we recommend writing down the address of your destination to help with communication.
Wheelchair-accessible taxi in Colombo
Unfortunately, the local Colombo taxis aren’t wheelchair compatible. If you take a regular taxi, you can easily fold the wheelchair and store it in the trunk of the vehicle, but if you’re looking to take a Tuk Tuk, you won’t be able to travel as a wheelchair user. If you need a fully wheelchair-accessible taxi in Colombo, you will need to book with a specialist provider in advance.
Colombo taxi safety and complaints
As many different Colombo taxi companies are operating throughout the city, there can be varied levels of service and safety. On the whole, taking a taxi in Colombo is safe, but if you do experience any issues, you should call the company you traveled with directly to make a complaint. Be sure to note down your driver’s name, the taxi number, and any other details of your trip before calling.