How much is a taxi from Colombo airport to Kandy?

A fixed-price taxi from Colombo Airport (Bandaranaike International, CMB) to Kandy starts from £54 / ~US$68 for a saloon (up to 4 passengers), from £70 / ~US$88 for a 6-seater MPV, and from £87 / ~US$110 for an 8-seater minibus. The price is fixed at booking with no hidden fees or surge pricing, and includes meet & greet at the arrivals hall.

How much does a taxi from Colombo airport to Galle cost?

Colombo Airport (CMB) to Galle starts from £70 / ~US$88 for a saloon, from £92 / ~US$115 for a 6-seater MPV and from £112 / ~US$140 for an 8-seater minibus. The drive takes about 2h 15m on the Southern Expressway. Bottled water and free child seats are included.

How do I pre-book a taxi from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)?

Enter your pickup (Colombo Airport / CMB) and drop-off on our home page, choose your date and flight arrival time, select a vehicle and pay online or on arrival. You receive instant email and SMS confirmation with your driver's name and phone number. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup.

Can I hire a private driver in Sri Lanka for my whole trip?

Yes. Private driver-and-car hire (known locally as a "chauffeur tour") is very popular in Sri Lanka. We offer daily rates from about US$65 per day for a saloon including driver, fuel and driver's meals/accommodation, with discounts for 7, 10 and 14-day itineraries. Ideal for the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya–Kandy–Ella) or a full island tour.

How do I get from Mattala Rajapaksa Airport (HRI) to the south coast?

From Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI, near Hambantota) we operate fixed-price transfers to Tangalle (~45 min), Mirissa (~1h 15m), Yala (~1h) and Galle (~1h 45m). Useful for visitors on Colombo → Mattala domestic connections or charter flights. Pre-booking is recommended as public transport from HRI is limited.

Are baby seats and child seats available for Colombo airport transfers?

Yes — rear-facing baby seats (0–12 months), forward-facing child seats (9 months–4 years) and booster seats (4–12 years) are all available FREE of charge. Just tick the option when booking, or add a note, and the driver brings the correct seat to the arrivals hall.

How long does the drive from Colombo airport to Kandy take?

The drive from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Kandy takes about 3h to 3h 30m depending on time of day. Early morning (before 7 am) is fastest. Our drivers monitor traffic and choose between the A1 via Kurunegala or the Central Expressway to keep the journey smooth.

Is it safe to use a pre-booked airport taxi in Sri Lanka?

Yes. Pre-booking a taxi avoids the main risks at CMB arrivals: unmetered touts, surge pricing and language barriers. Our drivers are licensed, insured and English-speaking, vehicles are air-conditioned and well-maintained, and you get a driver name, photo and plate number by email before you land.

What is the cheapest way to get from Colombo airport to Colombo city?

A fixed-price private taxi from Colombo Airport (CMB) to Colombo city starts from just £22 / ~US$28 for a saloon, and the drive takes about 40 minutes. This is faster and more comfortable than the airport bus (~LKR 200 / ~US$0.70 but slow with luggage) and removes the need to haggle with unmetered taxis at arrivals.

Do I pay in Sri Lankan Rupees, USD or GBP?

All prices on the site can be shown in GBP, USD, EUR or LKR — use the currency selector at the top of the page. You can pay online by card in any supported currency, or in cash to the driver in LKR or US$ at the pre-agreed fixed price.

← Back to Blog

Vehicle Guides

Ensure Your Child's Safety: A Guide to Taxi Seats in Sri Lanka

Published 30 May 2026·6 min read·2 views

Discover how Colombo Airport Transfers ensures child safety in taxis with free child seats and reliable services across Sri Lanka.

Child Seats in Sri Lankan Taxis: A Parent's Safety Guide

Traveling with children requires extra precautions, especially when it comes to their safety on the road. In Sri Lanka, ensuring that your child is secure during taxi rides is a top priority for any parent. Colombo Airport Transfers offers a reliable solution to this concern with free child seats and experienced drivers.

Why are Child Seats Important in Sri Lankan Taxis?

Child seats are essential for the safety of young passengers, providing protection and stability that regular seat belts cannot offer. In Sri Lanka, the law mandates the use of child restraints for young children, yet compliance can vary. Pre-booking with Colombo Airport Transfers ensures that you receive a vehicle equipped with the appropriate safety gear for your child.

How Does Colombo Airport Transfers Prioritize Child Safety?

Colombo Airport Transfers stands out for its commitment to safety. Our free child seats are available on request, ensuring that your family travels securely from Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to any location on the island. Our airport transfer services are backed by English-speaking drivers familiar with local routes and safety regulations.

What Vehicle Options Are Available for Families?

Families can choose from a variety of vehicles to suit their needs. The Toyota HiAce 9-Seater is perfect for families or small groups, offering ample space for luggage and comfort for up to nine passengers. Larger groups can opt for our Toyota HiAce 14-Seater, accommodating up to 14 passengers comfortably. All vehicles come with the option of free child safety seats, making them ideal for family travel.

How Do Pre-Booked Transfers Compare to Local Taxis?

While local taxis are widely available, they may not always meet international safety standards, especially regarding child restraints. Pre-booking with Colombo Airport Transfers offers peace of mind, with fixed USD pricing and guaranteed availability of child seats. Additionally, our meet and greet service at CMB ensures a stress-free start to your journey.

Practical Tips for Traveling with Children in Sri Lanka

Always request a child seat when booking your transfer.
Confirm the availability of child seats when you receive your booking confirmation.
Check that the child seat is correctly installed before starting your journey.
Plan for extra travel time to accommodate family needs.

Why Choose Colombo Airport Transfers for Your Family?

Choosing Colombo Airport Transfers ensures that your family's safety and comfort are prioritized. Our fixed pricing, reliable service, and extensive coverage across Sri Lanka make us the preferred choice for families. With a commitment to safety and customer satisfaction, we make travel with children a breeze.

Visit our fleet page to explore more vehicle options, or learn about our guided tours across this beautiful island.

Ready to book your family-friendly transfer? Contact us today and experience the convenience and reliability of Colombo Airport Transfers for yourself!