Colombo Airport (CMB) arrival guide: from landing to your taxi
Landing at Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake? This guide covers what to expect after you land, how to get money and a SIM card, and how to meet your pre-booked airport taxi.
About Colombo Airport
Bandaranaike International Airport (airport code CMB) is in Katunayake, about 34 km by road from Colombo City and about 9 km from Negombo. It is the main international airport of Sri Lanka.
Before you fly
- Check the current entry rules for Sri Lanka, such as a visa or an ETA, on the official immigration website or with your airline. Rules can change.
- Keep your hotel name, address and phone number ready.
- Send your flight number to your taxi, so we can monitor your flight.
- Charge your phone and keep WhatsApp ready.
After you land
- Follow the signs to immigration.
- Collect your bags.
- Go through customs.
- Walk into the arrivals hall.
Queues at immigration can be long at busy times, so allow extra time before any onward travel.
Money and SIM card
Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). The arrivals area usually has currency exchange counters and ATMs, and mobile operators such as Dialog and SLT-Mobitel usually have SIM card counters. Keep your passport with you, because you need it to buy a SIM card.
Your pre-booked airport taxi
Book your taxi before you fly, so you know the price before you leave home. Use the fare calculator, choose your vehicle and book on WhatsApp. Add your flight number and we monitor your flight on airport pickups. We send your driver details on WhatsApp at least 6 hours before pickup.
You can pay by cash, online transfer or QR payment. To see how fares work, read our airport taxi price guide.
Drive times from Colombo Airport
| From Colombo Airport to | Distance | Drive time | Expressway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Negombo | About 9 km | 21 minutes | Not normally used |
| Colombo City | About 34 km | 46 minutes | E03 expressway |
| Mount Lavinia | About 42 km | 1 hour 11 minutes | E03 expressway |
| Bentota | About 108 km | 1 hour 44 minutes | E03, E02 and E01 expressways |
| Kandy | About 114 km | 2 hours 54 minutes | E04 expressway |
| Sigiriya | About 146 km | 3 hours 16 minutes | E04 expressway |
| Galle | About 153 km | 2 hours 15 minutes | E03, E02 and E01 expressways |
Distances and drive times come from Google Maps without traffic. The real drive can take longer at busy times.
Luggage and vehicle size
Each vehicle lists how many seats and bags it takes. If you travel with many bags, surfboards or big boxes, tell us in the notes when you book, so we can suggest the right vehicle. For big boxes we can arrange a lorry.
Going to the airport
Leaving Sri Lanka? Book your taxi to Colombo Airport the same way: choose your pickup and set the airport as your drop. Check the check-in time with your airline, then add the drive time and extra time for traffic. Leave early. Read our expressway toll guide if your route uses an expressway.
Questions and answers
Where is Colombo Airport?
Bandaranaike International Airport (airport code CMB), also called Colombo Airport, is in Katunayake, about 34 km by road from Colombo City and about 9 km from Negombo.
How long does it take to get from the airport to my hotel?
Negombo is about 21 minutes away and Colombo City about 46 minutes, without traffic, according to Google Maps. Traffic can add time, so use the fare calculator and tell us your hotel address when you book.
Can I book my airport taxi before I land?
Yes. Book on WhatsApp before you fly. We send your driver details on WhatsApp at least 6 hours before pickup.
What if my flight is late?
We monitor your flight on airport pickups, so please add your flight number when you book.
Do I need cash when I arrive?
Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan rupee. You can pay for your taxi by cash, online transfer or QR payment. The arrivals area usually has currency exchange counters and ATMs.
Can I book a taxi to the airport when I leave?
Yes. Choose your pickup and set Colombo Airport as your drop in the fare calculator, then book on WhatsApp.
Check your fare now
Type your pickup and drop, choose Drop only or Return, and see the price of every vehicle.