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.

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Airport Guides

Arriving at Colombo Airport: 2026 Updates & What to Expect

Published 17 July 2026·6 min read·6 views

Discover what's new at Colombo Airport (CMB) in 2026. Navigate the changes hassle-free with our expert guide.

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Arriving at Colombo Airport in 2026: What's New?

Welcome to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), the primary gateway to Sri Lanka, handling 95.2% of the country's tourist arrivals. As you plan your visit in 2026, expect a few changes due to ongoing construction for the much-anticipated second terminal. Scheduled to resume in November 2026, the construction may affect your arrival experience. Here's everything you need to know to ensure a smooth landing.

What Should You Know About the ETA Requirement?

Before your journey, ensure you have the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA), mandatory even when free. Avoid last-minute hassles by applying online before your departure. Once you arrive, the ETA will be checked at immigration, so have a printout or digital copy ready.

How Does the Arrival Process at CMB Work?

Upon arrival, follow the signs to immigration where your ETA will be verified. After clearing immigration, proceed to the baggage claim area. Colombo Airport is known for its efficiency, but with the construction, some delays might occur. Stay updated through official airport announcements.

What Services Are Available Upon Landing?

After collecting your luggage, explore duty-free shops for last-minute purchases. Need a local SIM card? Purchase one at the kiosks in the arrivals hall. For currency exchange, multiple counters offer competitive rates, ensuring you're ready for island adventures.

Why Choose Colombo Airport Transfers for Your Journey?

After a long-haul flight, navigating airport transportation can be daunting—especially with ongoing terminal works. Pre-book a fixed-price transfer with Colombo Airport Transfers for a seamless experience. Our English-speaking drivers provide a warm meet and greet service, holding a name board at the arrivals area. Enjoy the comfort of our Toyota HiAce, accommodating 4-9 passengers, perfect for families or small groups, with complimentary child seats upon request.

What Are the Benefits of Booking in Advance?

By choosing Colombo Airport Transfers, you avoid the stress of negotiating with local taxis. With fixed USD pricing, you get transparency and peace of mind. Our island-wide coverage ensures that wherever your destination, we have you covered, whether you're heading to Colombo, Galle, or Kandy.

Conclusion: Start Your Sri Lankan Adventure with Ease

As you touch down at Colombo Airport in 2026, embrace the changes with confidence. For a relaxed start to your journey, book your airport transfer with Colombo Airport Transfers in advance. With our reliable service, your Sri Lankan adventure begins the moment you land. Book now and travel stress-free!

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Fixed prices, free meet-and-greet, free child seats.