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 News

Explore Sri Lanka's Hill Country in 2026 Without the Train

Published 17 July 2026·6 min read·8 views

The iconic Kandy to Ella train is down until 2027. Discover how to still explore Sri Lanka's hill country with private transfers.

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Why Isn’t the Kandy to Ella Train Running?

In November 2025, Cyclone Ditwah wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka's rail infrastructure, leading to 159 landslides and 95 washouts. The Kandy-Ella train route, famous for its breathtaking views, is now undergoing a massive Rs. 128 billion (about USD 427 million) rehabilitation. As of July 2026, the train is not operable end-to-end. Partial resumption to Kandy is expected by the end of 2026, with full reinstatement not before early 2027. Before planning your trip, verify the latest status on Sri Lanka Railways or Sri Lanka Tourism.

How Can You Explore the Hill Country in 2026?

With the train temporarily out of service, private transfers offer a flexible and comfortable alternative. Using Colombo Airport Transfers, you can travel through the hill country, visiting key landmarks like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella at your own pace. Our English-speaking drivers provide local insights and can stop at scenic spots like Ramboda and Devon Falls, Ella Rock, and the Nine Arch Bridge.

Private Car Options and Pricing

Travel with peace of mind with fixed USD prices. Our Toyota HiAce 9-Seater is perfect for families or small groups, while our 14-seater accommodates larger groups. Free child seats, luggage handling, and meet & greet services at CMB are included. Check our quote page for detailed pricing.

What Are the Benefits of Private Transfers?

Private transfers ensure a seamless travel experience. You can stop wherever you like, which is perfect for photographers and nature lovers. Luggage is carried door-to-door, eliminating the hassle of managing bags on public transport. Plus, our drivers provide fascinating insights about local culture and history, enhancing your journey through Sri Lanka's lush landscapes.

Can You Still Take Partial Train Journeys?

As sections of the train route reopen, you can combine train travel with private transfers. For instance, take a reopened segment of the train journey and have your driver meet you at the station to continue your exploration by car. This way, you experience the best of both worlds.

Conclusion: Why You Shouldn't Miss Sri Lanka's Hill Country

Despite the train's temporary closure, Sri Lanka's hill country remains a must-visit destination. With private transfers, you enjoy a personalized, worry-free journey. Book your transport with Colombo Airport Transfers and explore the island's natural beauty in comfort and style. Check out our fleet for more options.

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