Private transfers from Bandaranaike International Airport
Bandaranaike International, usually called Colombo Airport, is Sri Lanka’s main gateway. It is at Katunayake, about 32 km north of Colombo and a few minutes from Negombo, so most journeys south begin on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway.
For the south coast, see our Colombo Airport to Galle transfer: 160 km on the expressways to the old Dutch fort and the beaches around it. We also quote Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, Weligama and Mirissa on the south coast, hotels in Colombo and Negombo, and the cultural triangle and hill country, from Kandy to Sigiriya and Ella.
Many flights land overnight. A pre-booked driver in the arrival lobby means no queue at the taxi counter, and the fixed price covers the whole vehicle.
Arriving at Colombo Airport: where to meet your driver
International flights use the main terminal. After immigration, baggage reclaim and customs, you walk out into the arrival lobby, where your driver waits holding a board with your name. Banks, ATMs, mobile phone counters and the airport taxi desks are in the same hall, so you can change money or buy a SIM before you meet. The car is parked a short walk from the terminal.
Transfer times from Colombo Airport
- Negombo: 15–25 minutes
- Colombo city (Fort and Galle Face): 45–75 minutes
- Bentota: 1¾–2¼ hours
- Hikkaduwa: 2¼–2¾ hours
- Galle and Unawatuna: 2¼–3 hours
- Weligama and Mirissa: 2½–3¼ hours
- Kandy: 2½–3½ hours
- Sigiriya: 3–4 hours
- Ella: 4½–6 hours
Arriving overnight
Plenty of international flights reach Katunayake between midnight and dawn. Your driver tracks your flight and waits in the arrival lobby whatever the hour, with 60 minutes of free waiting from the moment you land. The expressways are quiet at night, so a 2am arrival is often in Galle or Bentota before breakfast.