⚠️ CMB is in Katunayake, not Colombo — the city is a long drive south. Book a taxi at the airport-supervised counters in the Arrival Lobby or at the arrival porch, or use Uber or PickMe in the app; decline drivers approaching you in arrivals.

CMB

Bandaranaike International Airport

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Where to start

Airport-supervised taxi counter in the Arrival Lobby, or PickMe or Uber from the airport's app pickup area

Bandaranaike International Airport is in Katunayake, well north of Colombo — allow for a long ride, usually via the expressway. The airport-supervised Airport Taxi Service has counters in the Arrival Lobby and at the arrival porch, with published fixed rates by destination. Uber and PickMe are both listed by the airport; Uber has a dedicated pickup spot at the Arrival Terminal. Route 187 buses run to Colombo Fort.

Ride Options

Airport Buses (Route 187 / Makumbura)

transit

Public bus to Colombo Fort or the Makumbura connection

AvailabilityBoth services are listed by the airport

Pickup NoteCheck current departure information after arrival.

Convenience

Relative costLower cost

Visit Website

Welcome Pickups

Pre-booked Transfer

Pre-booked transfer to Colombo or the south coast

AvailabilityAvailable at Colombo Airport — book in advance

Pickup NoteFollow the meeting instructions on your booking confirmation.

Convenience

Relative costCost varies

Book Transfer

PickMe

local app

Sri Lankan ride app listed by the airport

AvailabilityListed by the airport; airport stand under agreement with the operator

Pickup NoteFollow the pickup point shown in the PickMe app and the airport signs.

Convenience

Relative costLower cost

Visit Website

Uber

rideshare

App ride from the airport's dedicated pickup spot

AvailabilityListed by the airport; dedicated pickup spot at the Arrival Terminal

Pickup NoteFollow the signs to the Uber pickup spot and the directions in the app.

Convenience

Relative costLower cost

Visit Website

Airport Taxi Service

taxi

Fixed-rate taxi to Colombo, Negombo or beyond

AvailabilityAirport-supervised counters in the Arrival Lobby and at the arrival porch

Pickup NoteBook and pay at the counter; rates are published and fixed by destination.

Convenience

Relative costMid cost

Visit Website

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

Uber and PickMe are both listed by the airport. Uber has a dedicated pickup spot at the Arrival Terminal with information kiosks; PickMe runs an airport taxi stand under an agreement with the airport operator. Follow the pickup point shown in your app and the airport signs.

Taxi

The airport-supervised Airport Taxi Service has counters in the Arrival Lobby and at the arrival porch. Rates are published and fixed by destination; pay at the counter.

Shuttle

The airport lists a bus service to Makumbura; many hotels, especially in Negombo and Colombo, arrange airport pickups.

Transit

Route 187 runs between the airport and Colombo Fort, and the airport lists a separate bus service to Makumbura; check current departure information on arrival.

Private Transfer

Pre-booked transfer drivers wait in the arrivals hall just past customs with a name board.

Travel Extras

Need a SIM?Need a lounge?Need a hotel?Need bag storage?

Some links may be affiliate links. Tarmyq may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Local Tips

Airport-supervised taxi counters are in the Arrival Lobby and at the arrival porch.
Airport taxi rates are published and fixed by destination.
Uber has a dedicated pickup spot at the Arrival Terminal, with information kiosks; PickMe runs an airport taxi stand under an agreement with the airport operator.
Route 187 runs to Colombo Fort; a separate airport bus serves Makumbura.
Mobile operators have counters in the arrivals hall — get a SIM before booking an app ride.

Tarmyq local tip

Staying in Negombo? It's much closer to the airport than Colombo — a short ride rather than an expressway trip.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Colombo Airport from Colombo?

Roughly 30–35 km. The airport is in Katunayake, near Negombo, north of the city.

Does Colombo Airport have an official taxi service?

Yes. The airport-supervised Airport Taxi Service has counters in the Arrival Lobby and at the arrival porch, with published fixed rates by destination.

Can I use Uber or PickMe at Colombo Airport?

Yes. Both are listed by the airport. Uber has a dedicated pickup spot at the Arrival Terminal; follow your app's directions.

Is there a bus from Colombo Airport to the city?

Yes. Route 187 runs between the airport and Colombo Fort, and the airport also lists a separate bus service to Makumbura.

Does Colombo Airport have left luggage?

Yes. The airport's baggage services include left-luggage facilities.