Search Colombo Bandaranaike Intl. Airport Flight Tickets

About Bandaranaike Intl. Airport

Bandaranaike Intl. Airport is located in Katunayake, in the Western Province of Sri Lanka's Gampaha District, around 32 kilometers north of central Colombo. Opened to civil air traffic in 1967, it is operated by Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited and serves as the country's primary international gateway, supporting business travel, tourism and regional connectivity.

The airport handles both domestic flights and international flights through dedicated passenger and support facilities, with an annual capacity of around 6 million passengers. Its infrastructure includes passenger terminals, cargo handling areas, lounges, retail and dining options, ground transport services and essential aviation support systems. Traffic typically rises during the winter tourism season and key holiday periods, while business and visiting-friends-and-relatives travel keep demand steady throughout the year.

Airlines operating from Bandaranaike Intl. Airport include SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, flydubai, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Air India, IndiGo and several regional carriers. Key direct destinations include domestic points served by local operators and international cities such as Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Malé, London and Istanbul. Demand for flight tickets remains broadly supported by Sri Lanka's tourism market, overseas workforce travel and Colombo's role as the main commercial center.

Bandaranaike Intl. Airport to Colombo City Center Transport

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is about 32 km north of Colombo city center. Travelers can reach central Colombo by public bus, airport shuttle or luxury bus, taxi, rental car, or pre-booked private transfer.

Bus

Public buses are the cheapest way to travel from Bandaranaike International Airport to Colombo city center. Services usually depart from the airport bus area or nearby Katunayake stops and run toward Colombo Fort and Pettah. Average journey time is about 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic.

• Route 187: Bandaranaike Airport / Katunayake to Colombo Fort
• Route 187-E: Expressway service toward Colombo Fort / Bastian Mawatha Bus Station
• Colombo Fort and Pettah are useful onward stops for trains, local buses, and tuk-tuks

Airport Shuttle

There is no Havas or Havabus-branded airport shuttle at Bandaranaike International Airport, but airport shuttle and luxury bus services operate on key routes from the terminal area. Average journey time to central Colombo is about 45 to 75 minutes.

• Colombo Fort Railway Station
• Colombo Main Bus Stop / Pettah area
• Port City Colombo
• Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre, useful for southern and suburban connections

Taxi

Taxis are available 24/7 from the arrivals area at Bandaranaike International Airport. Official airport taxis, ride-hailing services, and private cabs provide direct transport to hotels and addresses in Colombo city center. Average journey time is about 35 to 60 minutes.

• Official airport taxi counters in the arrivals area
• Ride-hailing options such as PickMe and Uber, subject to availability
• Direct drop-off at Colombo Fort, Galle Face, Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, or Cinnamon Gardens

Car Rental

Car rental is available through airport offices and local rental companies serving Bandaranaike International Airport. Vehicles can usually be collected near the terminal exit or arranged with meet-and-greet pickup. Driving to Colombo city center typically takes 35 to 60 minutes via the expressway.

• Airport car rental desks and local rental agencies
• Self-drive cars for flexible travel around Colombo and Sri Lanka
• Chauffeur-driven rental cars for easier city and intercity travel

Transfer

A private airport transfer is the most convenient option for first-time visitors, late-night arrivals, families, or travelers with heavy luggage. Booking in advance is recommended so the driver can meet you at arrivals and take you directly to your Colombo hotel or city-center address. Average journey time is about 35 to 60 minutes.

• Pre-booked private car from Bandaranaike International Airport to Colombo city center
• Meet-and-greet service at the arrivals area
• Fixed-price transfer to Colombo Fort, Galle Face, Colombo 03, Colombo 04, or other central districts