Bandaranaike International Airport Colombo transfer
This page covers private transfers from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Sri Lanka's south-west beaches, the hill city of Kandy and the Cultural Triangle. A local transfer company meets you at arrivals and drives you straight to your hotel, at a total price agreed before you book.
- Airport code
- CMB
- City
- Colombo
- Country
- LK
- Route guides
- 5
The airport lies at Katunayake, north of Colombo, so almost every holiday transfer begins by heading south around the capital or inland towards the hills. Most of these drives take between about two and four hours.
Transfers from this airport
Arriving at Colombo Airport
After immigration and baggage claim you walk out into the arrivals area, where the driver waits with a name sign. The exact meeting point is arranged directly with the local transfer company by phone or WhatsApp.
Many connections from the Gulf hubs, India and South-East Asia land late at night or early in the morning. Share your flight number when booking: the driver then follows the actual arrival time, and the price does not change if the flight is delayed.
Where transfers from CMB usually go
- Bentota
- 114 km, about 107–134 minutes. The closest of the classic beach resorts, on the river mouth south of Colombo, popular with families and couples.
- Hikkaduwa
- 148 km, about 132–165 minutes. A lively beach town with a coral reef, surf breaks and sea turtles close to the shore.
- Galle & Unawatuna
- 158 km, about 139–174 minutes. The walled Dutch fort of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the sheltered bay of Unawatuna a few kilometres away.
- Weligama and Mirissa
- 177 km and 183 km, roughly three hours or a little more. Weligama has a wide beginner-friendly surf bay, Mirissa is the base for whale-watching trips.
- Kandy
- 114 km, about 159–199 minutes. The former royal capital in the hills, home of the Temple of the Tooth.
- Sigiriya & Dambulla
- 146 km, about 181–227 minutes. The rock fortress and the cave temples of the Cultural Triangle, the longest drive on this list.
Why drive times differ so much
Distance alone says little in Sri Lanka. The beach routes mostly use the expressway network: from the airport around Colombo and then down the Southern Expressway, leaving it at an interchange near the destination. These roads are toll roads, so check whether the offer you choose includes the tolls.
Kandy and Sigiriya are reached on ordinary main roads through busy towns, with slower traffic, buses and tuk-tuks. That is why Kandy, at the same 114 km as Bentota, usually takes almost an hour longer.
Choosing the right vehicle
- Private car
- For 1–3 passengers with normal suitcases.
- Minivan
- For families and groups of up to about 7, or for fewer people with a lot of luggage. Larger vehicles can be requested for bigger groups.
- Surfboards and dive gear
- Declare boards, dive bags or bicycles when you book. The local company then sends a vehicle with enough space or a suitable rack.
- Child seats
- Request child seats when booking and give the age of each child, so the right seats are fitted before pickup.
Seasons on the south-west coast and inland
The main season for the west and south coast runs from about December to April, when the sea is usually calmer and the weather drier. During the south-west monsoon, roughly May to September, this coast sees more rain and rougher water, although many hotels stay open.
The weeks around Christmas and New Year are the busiest arrival period, so book early. In Kandy, the Esala Perahera festival in July or August fills hotels and slows traffic in the city centre.
Frequently asked questions
Is Colombo Airport actually in Colombo?
No. Bandaranaike International Airport is at Katunayake, north of the city. Transfers to the south coast therefore pass around or near Colombo first, which is included in the drive times shown for each route.
Does the price change if my flight lands late at night?
No. The total price is agreed before booking and does not change for a delayed flight or traffic. Share your flight number so the driver can follow the real landing time.
Are expressway tolls included in the transfer price?
The south-coast routes usually use toll expressways. Check the details of your offer to see whether tolls are included before you book.
Can I go from the airport straight to Sigiriya or Kandy after a long flight?
Yes, many travellers do. Bear in mind that these inland drives take about three to almost four hours, so after a night flight some prefer to rest on the coast first and start the cultural tour later.
Is the transfer shared with other passengers?
No. The vehicle is booked only for you and your group and goes directly to your hotel without stops at other hotels.