Colombo Airport To Kandy
This is a 2.5 to 3-hour drive into the hills. The road winds, but it is a beautiful introduction to Sri Lanka. Ask your driver to stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on the way if you want to stretch your legs.
Colombo Airport (CMB) Transfers
Colombo Airport Taxi And Transfers In Sri Lanka
Landing at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA / CMB) in Katunayake, or heading back for your flight? Arrange your private car, van or bus with our local team.
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Cars, vans and buses
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No hidden fees
Flight tracking
Pickup coordination
Airport Taxi Price List 2026
The actual price you pay for an airport transfer in Sri Lanka depends on the vehicle type, the exact location of your hotel, and the time of year.
To help you budget, here are our estimated fares for private transfers from Colombo Airport (CMB) to major destinations, shown as a price range for each vehicle category.
These are estimates, not fixed prices. Your final fare depends on the vehicle model, the exact distance to your hotel or address, your requirements (such as extra stops or additional luggage) and current fuel prices, so it may be lower or higher than shown. For an exact, all-inclusive price, send us a WhatsApp message and we will confirm it before you book.
| From CMB Airport to (LKR) | Distance | Drive time | Car1-3 people, est. | Van or SUV4-8 people, est. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo And West Coast | ||||
| Negombo20 - 30 min~10 km | ~10 km | 20 - 30 min | 2,500–4,0002.5k–4k | 4,500–6,0004.5k–6k |
| Colombo City45 - 60 min~40 km | ~40 km | 45 - 60 min | 5,500–7,5005.5k–7.5k | 7,500–9,0007.5k–9k |
| Bentota1.5 - 2 hrs~115 km | ~115 km | 1.5 - 2 hrs | 16,000–20,50016k–20.5k | 20,500–25,00020.5k–25k |
| Hikkaduwa2 - 2.5 hrs~150 km | ~150 km | 2 - 2.5 hrs | 21,000–26,50021k–26.5k | 27,000–32,50027k–32.5k |
| South Coast | ||||
| Galle2.5 - 3.5 hrs~160 km | ~160 km | 2.5 - 3.5 hrs | 22,500–28,50022.5k–28.5k | 28,500–35,00028.5k–35k |
| Unawatuna3 hrs~160 km | ~160 km | 3 hrs | 22,500–28,50022.5k–28.5k | 28,500–35,00028.5k–35k |
| Mirissa3 - 4 hrs~185 km | ~185 km | 3 - 4 hrs | 26,000–32,50026k–32.5k | 33,000–40,00033k–40k |
| Weligama3.5 - 4 hrs~180 km | ~180 km | 3.5 - 4 hrs | 25,000–32,00025k–32k | 32,500–39,00032.5k–39k |
| Tangalle4 hrs~220 km | ~220 km | 4 hrs | 31,000–39,00031k–39k | 39,500–48,00039.5k–48k |
| Yala5 hrs~285 km | ~285 km | 5 hrs | 41,000–51,50041k–51.5k | 52,500–63,50052.5k–63.5k |
| Cultural Triangle | ||||
| Sigiriya3 - 3.5 hrs~150 km | ~150 km | 3 - 3.5 hrs | 21,000–26,50021k–26.5k | 27,000–32,50027k–32.5k |
| Dambulla3 hrs~135 km | ~135 km | 3 hrs | 19,000–24,00019k–24k | 24,000–29,50024k–29.5k |
| Anuradhapura3.5 - 4 hrs~180 km | ~180 km | 3.5 - 4 hrs | 25,000–32,00025k–32k | 32,500–39,00032.5k–39k |
| Hill Country | ||||
| Kandy2.5 - 3 hrs~110 km | ~110 km | 2.5 - 3 hrs | 15,500–19,50015.5k–19.5k | 20,000–24,00020k–24k |
| Nuwara Eliya4 - 5 hrs~160 km | ~160 km | 4 - 5 hrs | 22,500–28,50022.5k–28.5k | 28,500–35,00028.5k–35k |
| Ella4 - 5 hrs~240 km | ~240 km | 4 - 5 hrs | 34,000–43,00034k–43k | 43,500–53,00043.5k–53k |
| East And North | ||||
| Trincomalee5 - 5.5 hrs~240 km | ~240 km | 5 - 5.5 hrs | 34,000–43,00034k–43k | 43,500–53,00043.5k–53k |
| Arugam Bay6.5 - 7 hrs~350 km | ~350 km | 6.5 - 7 hrs | 51,000–64,50051k–64.5k | 65,000–78,50065k–78.5k |
| Jaffna7 - 8 hrs~380 km | ~380 km | 7 - 8 hrs | 55,500–70,00055.5k–70k | 71,000–85,50071k–85.5k |
Estimated one-way fares in LKR, including tolls and fuel. Distances are approximate road distances from the airport. Last checked October 2026.
Why Do Prices Vary?
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. Here is what changes the price:
Vehicle quality
A 15-year-old car with weak AC will be cheaper than a modern, clean hybrid.
Driver quality
Professional, English-speaking drivers charge more than drivers who just bought a van.
Hidden fees
Some cheap quotes do not include fuel, expressway tolls, or waiting time if your flight is delayed.
Exact location
A hotel in the centre of Kandy is cheaper to reach than a hotel deep in the surrounding hills.
No surprises. When you message us on WhatsApp, we give you an exact, all-inclusive fixed price based on your specific hotel and luggage.
Wonder of Ceylon Airport Transfers
Every Wonder of Ceylon Transfer Includes
- Flight tracking: We monitor your flight. If it's delayed, we wait for free.
- Name board pickup: Your driver meets you at the arrivals exit with your name on a sign.
- All taxes and fuel: No surprise toll fees at the end of the ride.
- Air-conditioned vehicle: Guaranteed to be modern and clean.
- English-speaking driver: No communication issues.
Get your exact fixed quote on WhatsApp
Usually replies within an hour. Free quote, no obligation.
How It Works
Request Your Transfer
Enter your route, date and passenger details, then send your request to our team on WhatsApp.
Confirm Your Booking
Agree on the vehicle, price and pickup arrangements with our team before confirming your transfer.
Meet Your Driver
Meet your driver at the confirmed pickup point and travel to your destination in your private vehicle.
Arriving At Katunayake Airport (CMB)
If you are flying into Bandaranaike International Airport, here is how our pickup service works.
- 1
We track your flight. If you are delayed in Dubai or Doha, your driver knows. They will be there when you actually land, and you won't be charged extra waiting time.
- 2
Meet your driver in the arrivals area. Your driver will be waiting right outside the exit doors holding a sign with your name. No searching, no stress.
- 3
SIM cards and cash. You can buy a local Dialog or Mobitel SIM card in the arrivals hall before you exit. There are also ATM and currency exchange counters. We recommend getting a little cash out for tips.
- 4
Late-night arrivals. Our drivers are available 24/7. If you land at 3:00 AM, your driver will be there.
Popular Airport Transfer Routes
Colombo Airport To Sigiriya And Dambulla
A 3-hour drive straight into the Cultural Triangle. This is a great route if you want to climb Sigiriya Rock early the next morning.
Colombo Airport To Galle And Mirissa
Taking the Southern Expressway makes this a fast, smooth drive. You can be on the beach in Galle in 2.5 hours, or in Mirissa in 3 hours.
Colombo Airport To Ella
This is a long drive (4 to 5 hours), but it saves you from a complicated train journey with luggage on your first day. You can relax in an air-conditioned car and arrive in the hill country by afternoon.
Colombo To Airport Taxi (Departures And Drop-Off)
Most travellers only think about their arrival, but getting back to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your flight home is just as important.
Our return drop-off fares are exactly the same as our pickup fares. You can check the price table above for rates from Kandy, Galle, Colombo city and more.
If you booked your airport pickup with us, we can handle your airport drop-off at the end of your trip. Return trips booked together receive a 10% discount.
How Early Should You Leave For Your Flight?
Traffic in Sri Lanka can be unpredictable. You need to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your international departure. Here is when you should leave:
- From Colombo City: Leave 4 hours before your flight (45 to 60 min drive plus a traffic buffer).
- From Kandy: Leave 5 hours before your flight (3-hour drive plus a buffer).
- From Galle and the south coast: Leave 4.5 hours before your flight (using the expressway).
- Early morning flights: If your flight leaves at 2:00 AM, our driver will pick you up the evening before so you arrive with plenty of time to check in.
Mattala Airport (HRI) Transfers
If you are flying into Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Hambantota (often used by charter flights or domestic transfers), we cover that too.
Mattala is perfectly located for the south coast. It is only 1 hour to Tangalle, 1.5 hours to Mirissa, and 2 hours to Galle. Prices are similar to Colombo Airport transfers. Contact us with your flight details for a fixed quote.
Wonder of Ceylon Private Drivers
Need A Car And Driver For Your Whole Trip?
Landing at the airport is just the first step. If you want to explore Sri Lanka without the stress of figuring out buses, trains, or haggling with tuk-tuks every day, we also provide private cars with drivers for full island tours.
Keep the same driver and vehicle for your entire holiday. They will handle the winding hill country roads, the safari transfers, and the luggage while you just enjoy the journey.
- Daily rates start at LKR 12,000 (~$40 USD) for a comfortable sedan, including fuel.
- No hidden fees. We tailor the quote to your exact itinerary.
- Your driver is your local guide. They know the best spots for food and the best times to beat the crowds.
Compare Independent Providers
Prefer to look around before you book? 433 independent airport taxi companies across Sri Lanka, ranked by their Google reviews.
- 1
CompareRatings, reviews and locations side by side.
- 2
View ProfileOpen any company to see its services and contact details.
- 3
DecideContact them directly, or ask us for a quote on WhatsApp.
We do not take a commission from these providers. Each company's own contact details are on its profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are some airport taxi quotes much cheaper than others?
Airport taxi quotes in Sri Lanka vary a lot, so compare what is included, not just the number. A very cheap quote can mean an old vehicle without working air conditioning, a driver who does not speak English, or extra charges added later for luggage, waiting time, fuel or expressway tolls. Some drivers also cancel at the last minute if they get a better-paying job. Our quotes include fuel, tolls and waiting time for delayed flights, with vetted drivers and air-conditioned vehicles.
Can I use Uber or PickMe from Colombo Airport?
Yes, you can use the PickMe app (Uber is also available, but PickMe is more popular locally). However, app-based drivers usually pick you up from a designated point in the car park rather than at the arrivals doors, so you will have to walk there with your luggage. App drivers can also cancel at the last minute if they get a better-paying trip, which leaves you waiting again after a long flight. A pre-booked airport taxi meets you at the arrivals exit with a name board, which is much easier.
What is the contact number for the airport taxi service?
You can reach our team 24/7 on WhatsApp at +94 74 322 4454. If you need the official airport taxi counter, it is located in the arrivals hall, but its prices are often higher than pre-booked transfers.
How do I book an airport taxi in Sri Lanka?
You can book directly through us by clicking any of the WhatsApp buttons on this page. Send us your flight number, destination, and passenger count. We will confirm your driver, vehicle, and fixed price within an hour.
What if my driver is not at the arrival gate?
Your driver will be waiting at the arrivals exit with a name board. If you cannot find them, call or WhatsApp our 24/7 support line (+94 74 322 4454) and we will connect you immediately.
Is airport taxi available 24/7 for early or late flights?
Yes. Bandaranaike International Airport operates 24 hours a day, and our drivers are available for any arrival or departure time.
What is included in the taxi fare in Sri Lanka?
Our fixed fares include the driver, fuel, air-conditioned vehicle, flight tracking, and waiting time for delayed flights. They do not include entrance fees to attractions or overnight accommodation for the driver on multi-day trips.
Can I request a child seat or baby seat?
Yes, child seats are available on request at no extra charge. Please specify the age and weight of the child when you request your quote.
Ready To Book Your Airport Transfer?
- Modern, air-conditioned luxury cars
- English-speaking local drivers
- Fixed, all-inclusive price
- Flight tracking and free waiting
- No payment required
