Arriving at Colombo Airport (CMB): What to Expect

Almost every international visitor to Sri Lanka arrives at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), near Katunayake, about 35 km north of Colombo. It isn’t a huge airport, and once you know the order of things it’s easy to get through.

Here’s what to expect, from the moment you step off the plane to the moment you reach your hotel.

Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?

Almost every foreign visitor needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arriving. Apply online at the official government site, eta.gov.lk, ideally a few days before you fly. The tourist ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days, with a double entry, and can be extended in Sri Lanka for a fee.

Since 25 May 2026, the tourist ETA has been free for nationals of 40 countries, including the UK, the United States, Australia, Canada, India, Germany and France. You still need to apply for the ETA; it’s just the fee that has gone. Other nationalities pay a fee. Rules and fees change from time to time, so always check the official site for your passport before you travel. The free scheme was introduced for one year and is due for review, so confirm your nationality is still listed. A visa on arrival is possible but costs more and can mean delays, so apply online first.

A few tips:

• Only use the official site. Many look-alike websites charge extra “service fees”.
• Print your ETA approval or keep a copy on your phone.
• Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

What happens at immigration?

After you leave the plane, follow the signs to immigration. Have your passport, a copy of your ETA, your return or onward ticket and the address of your first hotel ready, in case the officer asks. Keeping a pen in your hand luggage is always handy.

Queues vary a lot. If several long-haul flights land together, which often happens early in the morning, it can take a while. Otherwise it’s usually fairly quick.

Baggage and customs

The baggage hall comes straight after immigration. There are free trolleys, and you’ll find duty-free shops here too, which are popular with returning Sri Lankans.

After collecting your bags you go through customs. Most visitors have nothing to declare and walk through the green channel. Your bags may be scanned on the way out.

Where can I change money or get cash?

You’ll find bank exchange counters and ATMs in the arrivals area. Rates at the airport counters are usually reasonable, so it’s a sensible place to change enough for the first few days. ATMs accept the major international cards.

The local currency is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). It’s useful to have some smaller notes for tips, drinks and entrance tickets, as small shops often can’t change large notes.

Can I buy a SIM card at the airport?

Yes. Mobile operators such as Dialog, SLT-Mobitel and Hutch have counters in the arrivals hall, after customs. They sell tourist SIM packages with data, and staff will usually set the SIM up for you. You’ll need your passport, and airport packages cost a little more than in town. If your phone supports eSIM, you can also buy one online before you fly.

A local SIM is worth having. Mobile coverage is good across most of the island, and it makes it easy to stay in touch with your driver.

Where will my driver meet me?

When you’ve finished with money and SIM cards, walk out through the exit of the arrivals hall. This is where drivers and guides wait for their guests.

If you’ve booked with us, your driver will be standing there holding a sign with your name. We track your flight, so if it’s early or late, they’ll adjust. If you can’t spot them straight away, don’t worry: stay near the exit and send us a message, and we’ll connect you.

From there it’s a short walk to the car park, and your driver will help with the bags.

How do I get from Colombo Airport to my hotel?

You have a few options.

• Pre-booked private transfer. The easiest choice after a long flight. Fixed price, door to door, and your driver is waiting when you come out.
• Airport taxi. There are taxi counters in the arrivals area where you can book a car on the spot.
• Ride-hailing apps. Apps such as PickMe and Uber operate in Sri Lanka, but you’ll need a working data connection and may need to find your car in the pick-up area.
• Bus. The air-conditioned 187 expressway bus runs to Colombo around the clock. It’s cheap but awkward with luggage, and the stop is outside the terminal.

How long are the drives from the airport?

These times don’t include long stops, and traffic can add to them, especially around Colombo at rush hour. Galle is quicker than its distance suggests thanks to the expressways, while Kandy and Ella are slower because of the hill roads.

Where should I stay on my first night?

If you land late at night or after a long-haul flight, consider a first night in Negombo, about 20 to 30 minutes away. You’ll be in bed quickly and can start the trip properly the next morning.

If you land in the morning and feel fresh, you can go straight to Kandy, Sigiriya or the south coast. We’d suggest avoiding a 5 to 6 hour drive to Ella on arrival day unless you really don’t mind a long day.

Tips for your departure

• Arrive about three hours before an international flight. Check-in and security queues can be long, and traffic on the way is hard to predict.
• Allow extra time from the south or the hills. From Galle or Mirissa, allow at least three hours for the drive to be safe. From Kandy or Ella, consider spending your last night in Negombo or Colombo instead.
• Only passengers enter the terminal. Usually only travellers with a ticket can go inside, so say your goodbyes at the door.
• Spend or change your rupees. It’s easier to change leftover rupees in Sri Lanka than at home, so do it before you leave.

Book your airport transfer

Our drivers meet flights at any hour, and every transfer has a fixed price that includes tolls. See all our airport transfers, or if you’re planning a longer trip, our round tours include the airport pick-up and drop-off. Tell us your flight details on Plan my trip and we’ll take care of the rest.