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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Travel Tips

How Many Days to Explore Sri Lanka: Perfect Itineraries

May 20, 2026·6 min read·8 views

Discover how many days you need in Sri Lanka with 7, 10, and 14-day itineraries. Tailored adventures await!

How Many Days Do You Need to Explore Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka, a gem in the Indian Ocean, offers a diverse range of experiences—from serene beaches to ancient temples and lush tea plantations. The length of your stay depends on your interests, but here are some itineraries to help you plan the perfect trip.

What Can You See in a 7-Day Sri Lanka Itinerary?

In a week, focus on one region to fully absorb its essence. For beach lovers, a classic South Coast adventure is ideal:

Day 1-2: Arrival in Colombo - Take a city tour, then head to Galle. Book your transfer with Colombo Airport Transfers for a smooth start.
Day 3-4: Galle to Mirissa - Enjoy the colonial charm of Galle Fort and the beaches of Mirissa.
Day 5-6: Yala National Park - Experience a safari to see leopards and elephants.
Day 7: Return to Colombo - Relax or shop before your flight.

How to Explore Sri Lanka in 10 Days?

If you have 10 days, consider combining cultural exploration with nature:

Day 1-2: Cultural Triangle - Visit Sigiriya and Dambulla. Use our airport transfer service for hassle-free travel.
Day 3-4: Kandy - Explore the Temple of the Tooth and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
Day 5-6: Nuwara Eliya - Take a scenic train ride and enjoy tea plantations.
Day 7-8: Ella - Hike Little Adam’s Peak and visit Nine Arches Bridge.
Day 9-10: South Coast - Unwind at the beaches of Unawatuna and Mirissa.

Can You Experience All of Sri Lanka in 14 Days?

A two-week itinerary allows you to take a full island loop:

Day 1-3: Cultural Triangle - Include Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
Day 4-5: Kandy - Dive deeper into cultural experiences.
Day 6-7: Hill Country - Nuwara Eliya and Ella for stunning landscapes.
Day 8-9: Yala National Park - A safari adventure awaits.
Day 10-12: South Coast - Explore beaches and enjoy water sports.
Day 13-14: Colombo - Conclude with a city tour.

Private Driver vs. Train Combo: Which is Better?

For comfort and flexibility, hiring a private driver is ideal. Colombo Airport Transfers provides English-speaking drivers with local insights, and their fleet includes the comfortable Toyota HiAce for larger groups. Trains offer scenic views but can be crowded and less predictable.

Practical Tips for Traveling in Sri Lanka

Visa: Obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization from Sri Lanka ETA.
Weather: Best time to visit the west and south coasts is from December to March; the east coast shines from April to September.
Currency: USD is widely accepted, but it's handy to have some Sri Lankan Rupees.

Ready to Explore Sri Lanka?

Whether you choose a short stay or a full island tour, Sri Lanka promises unforgettable experiences. Make your journey seamless with Colombo Airport Transfers—your friendly, local, and reliable travel partner. Book your journey today and enjoy fixed USD prices and free child seats.