How to Get From Colombo Airport to Colombo City Centre
Bus · Shared Minivan · Taxi
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Colombo's Bandaranaike Airport sits north of the city, near Negombo. The shared minivan takes 50m. The bus is the cheapest way into Colombo at $0.90 (290 LKR). A taxi runs direct and costs more.
3 ways to travel from Colombo Airport to Colombo City Centre
There are three ways to travel from Colombo Airport to Colombo City Centre. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, and taxi. The journey takes 30m–50m and the quickest way is by bus. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $0.90 (290 LKR).
2 legs — see itinerary
- airport→colombo1h
- Colombo Airport to Negombo30m
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2Colombo Airport to Colombo City Centre by Bus
The bus is an affordable option for travel from Colombo Airport to Colombo City Centre. Bus fares start at $0.90 (290 LKR), and the journey takes around 30m - 1h.
You have two main bus options, but we think the airport shuttle offers the best value.
Airport Shuttle / Luxury Bus Service (Route 187)
Bus 187 connects Bandaranaike International Airport with Colombo Fort Railway Station, the main transport hub in the city. The air-conditioned airport shuttle operates frequently, 24/7.
A ticket costs $0.90 (290 LKR) per person. Large luggage may require an additional $0.90 (290 LKR) fee.
The bus travels mainly via the airport expressway, so it has few stops and usually avoids heavy traffic. The journey takes around 50–60 minutes to reach Colombo.
You can board the bus right outside the terminal departure area.
Private Air-conditioned Buses (Online Booking)
You can also book private air-conditioned buses or shuttle services online in advance. These buses usually provide more space and air conditioning but are significantly more expensive.
Bus fares for private buses start from $16 (5,400 LKR) per person on BookAway. Taking a taxi or ride-hailing service may actually be cheaper, especially if you are travelling with others and can split the fare. It’s always worth comparing prices before deciding.
Colombo Airport to Negombo
To and From Negombo by Ordinary Bus
Ordinary buses bound for Negombo depart from Avariwatta Bus Stand, about a kilometre walk or a short tuk-tuk ride from Colombo Airport. Ticket prices start from $0.90 (300 LKR).To and From Negombo by Tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are also not allowed to enter Colombo Airport. You will find them at Avariwatta Bus Stop as well. From here, a tuk-tuk ride to Negombo takes about 30 minutes. Fares start at $1.80 (600 LKR).Colombo Airport to Colombo City Centre by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Colombo Airport to the city centre costs around $13 (4,430 LKR). The minivan journey takes about 50m, depending on traffic.
Magical Sri Lanka operates two minivans on this route. One drops you near the World Trade Center in Colombo, while the other stops at Colombo Fort Train Station. Both locations sit right in the heart of the city, so it’s easy to continue your journey from there to your accommodation.
That said, you can often find better value by booking a taxi, especially if you’re travelling with others and can split the fare.
Shared Minivans from Colombo Airport to Colombo City Centre
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Shared Minivans from Colombo City Centre to Colombo Airport
Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Colombo Airport to Colombo City Centre by Taxi
A private transfer from Colombo Airport to Colombo City Centre is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 30m - 1h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Taxis are available at the airport, but Uber and Pickme are usually cheaper and more reliable. Uber is the most budget-friendly option for this route, with prices starting at $18 (6,100 LKR) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $4.60 (1,540 LKR) each.
If you prefer booking in advance, platforms like BookAway or 12GoAsia are great choices. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at $21 (6,900 LKR).
To and From Negombo
Bandaranaike International Airport actually sits within Negombo, so getting there takes just about 20 to 30 minutes.
You can book a 3 to 4-seater taxi for about $4.80 (1,600 LKR) on Uber or Pickme.
Private Transport from Colombo Airport to Colombo City Centre
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Colombo Airport to Colombo City Centre, roughly apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $0.90 (290 LKR). The quickest trip takes 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get from Colombo to Colombo?
Journey times from Colombo to Colombo overlap: bus 30m - 1h, shared minivan 50m, taxi 30m - 1h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Colombo to Colombo?
The cheapest way to get from Colombo to Colombo is by bus with ticket costs starting from 290 LKR.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Travel Writer & Editor
Aleksandra is a writer and editor who recently moved from Hong Kong to London. She's worked and studied in four countries (and counting) and picked up a new hobby in each of them. She's a big fan of long train journeys so you can count on her to take the scenic route, finding a few hidden gems along the way.
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