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

Sri Lanka Visa 2026: Free ETA for 40 Countries Explained

Published 17 July 2026·7 min read·10 views

Discover the essential steps to secure your free ETA for travel to Sri Lanka in 2026. Ensure a smooth entry with our guide.

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What is the Free ETA for 40 Countries?

As of May 25, 2026, Sri Lanka offers a free Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for tourists from 40 countries. This initiative is part of a year-long program, allowing eligible visitors a 30-day double-entry stay at no charge. Countries benefiting from this include the UK, USA, India, Australia, Germany, and China, among others. It's crucial to understand that this is not visa-free entry; all travelers still need to apply for the ETA before arrival.

Who Benefits from the New Visa Regulations?

Alongside the 40 countries eligible for the free ETA, children under 12 of any nationality get their ETA free of charge too — but they still need one. Maldives citizens get a 90-day stay, while Singapore and Seychelles nationals get a free ETA under bilateral reciprocal agreements. In every one of these cases the ETA itself remains mandatory before you fly. If your country isn't on the free list, a 30-day double-entry tourist ETA costs USD 50 online (USD 20 for SAARC countries), compared to USD 60 upon arrival (USD 25 for SAARC), making online application a cost-saving choice.

Why You Still Need to Apply for a Free ETA

Despite the enticing 'free' label, obtaining a free ETA is mandatory before you travel to Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka Dept of Immigration & Emigration requires all travelers, even those from the 40 entitled countries, to apply for an ETA. This avoids complications upon arrival and ensures a seamless travel experience. For more details, always refer to the official ETA website at eta.gov.lk.

How to Ensure a Smooth Arrival in Sri Lanka

Once your ETA is sorted, simplify your arrival with a fixed-price airport transfer from Colombo Airport Transfers. With English-speaking drivers and a fleet of comfortable vehicles like the Toyota HiAce, you can enjoy hassle-free travel across the island. We offer free child seats and reliable service, ensuring your journey starts smoothly from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

What Happens After May 2027?

The current free-visa scheme is scheduled to lapse in May 2027 unless renewed. Travelers planning visits beyond this date should verify the latest visa policies closer to their travel dates. Keep informed through authoritative sources like Sri Lanka Tourism and check back with the official ETA site for updates.

Conclusion: Plan Ahead for a Carefree Journey

By understanding and adhering to the current visa requirements, you can focus on enjoying the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Sri Lanka. Start your adventure right by pre-booking a reliable airport transfer with Colombo Airport Transfers. Whether traveling solo or with a group, our friendly, local service ensures a stress-free start to your Sri Lankan journey.

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