Transfer to/from - Colombo airport (CMB)

Transportation

Ride-sharing

If you're looking for a good alternative to public transport, once you arrive at the airport you can book a transfer using the Uber or PickMe mobile apps. Once you've been assigned a vehicle, you'll need to follow the directions on the app to meet your driver.

Bus

A service operates every 15 minutes to a station 500 metres from the airport, where intercity cars can be boarded.

Line 187 from SLTB (Tel +94 112 581 120) travels to Colombo Central Station (Pettah) every 30 min. and departs from the car park of the enclosure. Travel time is approximately 25 min.

Rent a Car

Taxi

Airport Taxi Service (Tel +94 112 263 096) has a counter in the Arrivals Hall and taxi ranks are located outside the terminal. Air-conditioned vehicles are available, but are more expensive. The journey to the city centre takes 45 minutes.

More information

Although there are issues that seem more than obvious, it is always advisable to take them into account when moving to or from the airport, and especially if we go by public transport.  1- To the airport - It is convenient to leave with a little more anticipation than what is commonly suggested. If you choose a taxi or a private car service, always take into account peak traffic times, demonstrations, strikes or events that may delay the journey to the airport from where you are. It is always good to be informed about what is happening. If you contract a shared transfer service, have a contact telephone number handy in case of any delay by the company. In these cases they usually already have a scheduled collection time. If you use public transport (collective, train) take into account the schedules (weekends and holidays tend to have less frequency), if you have to change and also how to board (if you need a card or paying the driver or motorist at the moment ). These are details that seem obvious, but it is advisable to know so as not to have surprises and suffer a delay that could cause complications. If you rent a car to get to the airport, check where to leave the vehicle. At some airports, there is an exclusive parking lot for rental cars.  2 -From the airport- Here it is a little less stressful since you don't have the pressure of missing your flight. In the worst case, you will arrive later at the place where you are going to stay or at the meeting point where you are trying to arrive. Once you leave the plane, look for your suitcase and finish with the arrival procedures that are required. Then, follow the directions for public transportation or ask the airport staff. It is very useful to find out in advance the schedules of the buses or trains in case you arrive late at night. Not all work 24 hours. The same goes for taxis. In case of using an Uber-type service, have the mobile application handy to contact the driver. On the other hand, if you booked a private transport service, it is likely that they will have a person waiting for you, identified with a sign. If you rent a car to go from the airport to your final destination, for greater peace of mind it is advisable to book it in advance. Rental counters are usually available in the arrivals hall.

Booking.com