Airport taxi price in Sri Lanka: how the fare is worked out
Wondering how much a taxi from Colombo Airport (CMB) costs? This guide explains how our airport taxi fares work, what can change the price, and how to see the exact price for your trip in a few seconds.
How the airport taxi fare is worked out
The price of an airport taxi in Sri Lanka depends on three things: the distance of your trip, the vehicle you choose, and whether you travel one way or return.
Each vehicle has a rate per km and a minimum fare. Longer trips cost more, and a very short trip starts at the minimum fare. Type your pickup and drop in the fare calculator and you see the price of every vehicle at once, so you can pick the one that fits your group and your bags.
Drop only or return trip
Drop only is a one-way trip, for example from the airport to your hotel. A return trip is priced for the round trip, so the distance is counted both ways. Our return rate per km is lower than the drop rate, so a return trip usually costs less than two separate drop trips.
Choose Drop only or Return in the fare calculator to compare the prices for your route.
What is not included in the fare
Highway toll fees are not included. If your route uses the expressway, the fare calculator shows a notice. Tick Avoid the expressway to compare the fare on normal roads. Read our expressway toll guide to see how tolls work.
A long waiting time or extra stops, for example 2 or 3 stops, can also change the fare. Tell us on WhatsApp and we will confirm the price before your trip.
Choose your vehicle
Each vehicle lists how many seats and bags it takes. The models shown are examples of each category.
Sample airport taxi prices from Colombo Airport
Colombo Airport to Colombo City
About 34 km, expressway routeFrom Rs. 3,900 (~$12)Budget Car, one wayFare and route detailsColombo Airport to Mount Lavinia
About 43 km, expressway routeFrom Rs. 4,900 (~$15)Budget Car, one wayFare and route detailsColombo Airport to Bentota
About 108 km, expressway routeFrom Rs. 11,900 (~$36)Budget Car, one wayFare and route detailsColombo Airport to Kandy
About 114 km, expressway routeFrom Rs. 12,600 (~$38)Budget Car, one wayFare and route detailsColombo Airport to Sigiriya
About 147 km, expressway routeFrom Rs. 16,100 (~$48)Budget Car, one wayFare and route detailsColombo Airport to Nuwara Eliya
About 152 kmFrom Rs. 16,800 (~$51)Budget Car, one wayFare and route detailsColombo Airport to Galle
About 153 km, expressway routeFrom Rs. 16,800 (~$51)Budget Car, one wayFare and route detailsColombo Airport to Anuradhapura
About 174 km, expressway routeFrom Rs. 19,100 (~$58)Budget Car, one wayFare and route detailsStarting price for a one-way drop in our lowest-priced vehicle. Your exact fare depends on your pickup, drop and vehicle. Fares do not include highway toll fees, and a long waiting time or extra stops can change the fare.
Ways to keep your taxi price low
- Choose the smallest vehicle that fits your group and your bags.
- Compare the expressway and normal-road fares: tick Avoid the expressway in the fare calculator.
- Book a return trip instead of two separate trips when you travel both ways.
- Ask about our offer: 10% off your 3rd ride and 15% off your 5th ride.
- Send your exact pickup and drop, so the fare is worked out for your real route.
Planning your arrival? Read our Colombo Airport arrival guide.
Questions and answers
How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to Colombo?
The starting price to Colombo City is Rs. 4,100 for a one-way drop in our lowest-priced vehicle, the Budget Car. Use the fare calculator to see the price of every vehicle for your exact drop.
What does the airport taxi fare include?
The fare is for the trip in the vehicle you choose. It does not include highway toll fees. A long waiting time or extra stops can change the fare, so tell us on WhatsApp and we will confirm the price before your trip.
Is a return trip cheaper than two one-way trips?
Usually yes, because our return rate per km is lower than the drop rate. Choose Return in the fare calculator to compare the prices for your route.
How do I get the exact price for my trip?
Type your pickup and drop in the fare calculator. You see the price of every vehicle for Drop only or Return, and you can book on WhatsApp.
How can I pay for my airport taxi?
You can pay by cash, online transfer or QR payment.
Do you give discounts for repeat rides?
Yes. You get 10% off your 3rd ride and 15% off your 5th ride. We count your rides by your WhatsApp number.
Check your fare now
Type your pickup and drop, choose Drop only or Return, and see the price of every vehicle.