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CMB

Bandaranaike International Airport

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Where to start
PickMe / Uber

Sri Lanka's main international airport, located in Katunayake about 30 km north of central Colombo. PickMe is the dominant local ride-hailing app. Uber is also available. Prepaid taxis offer fixed fares inside the terminal.

Ride Options

PickMe

local app

Most popular and trusted local app

AvailabilityDominant in Sri Lanka
Pickup NoteRequest in app and meet driver outside arrivals.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

Uber

rideshare

Familiar global alternative

AvailabilityAvailable in Colombo area
Pickup NoteOutside arrivals hall. Follow pickup instructions in app.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

Prepaid Taxi

taxi

Fixed fare with no surprises

AvailabilityInside terminal
Pickup NotePrepaid taxi desks inside arrivals hall. Pay fixed fare to Colombo city areas.
Convenience
Relative costMid cost
Visit Website

InDrive

rideshare

Set your own fare and negotiate — flexible pricing

AvailabilityAvailable in Colombo
Pickup NoteSet your desired price in the InDrive app, negotiate with drivers, and confirm before getting in.
Convenience
Relative costLower cost
Visit Website

Pickup Guidance

Rideshare

PickMe is the most popular ride-hailing app in Sri Lanka. Uber is also available. Both pickup outside the arrivals hall.

Taxi

Prepaid taxi desks inside the terminal offer fixed fares to Colombo. Highly recommended for transparency.

Shuttle

Highway buses connect the airport to Colombo Fort (bus station) in approximately 45 min via the Southern Expressway.

Transit

No direct train. Highway buses (SLTB and private) connect to Colombo from the terminal.

Travel Extras

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

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Local Tips

  • The toll expressway (E01) makes the Colombo–airport run ~45 min. Avoid non-expressway routes.
  • Tuk-tuks are ubiquitous within cities — always negotiate the fare beforehand.
  • Authorized airport taxi (Kangaroo Cabs, Pickme) at counter inside arrivals — fixed zone fares.
  • Pickme is the dominant Sri Lankan ride-hailing app — usually more affordable than airport taxi rank.
  • PickMe (local Sri Lankan app) usually undercuts Uber at CMB — both operate; PickMe is more reliable last-minute.