Most international flights to Sri Lanka land at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), and many arrive late at night or leave in the early hours. That makes your first and last day tricky to plan. Our advice, as locals: spend them in Negombo. The town is only about 10 minutes from the airport by road, while central Colombo is usually an hour or more away in traffic. Here is how to make the most of a day in Negombo at the start or end of your trip.
In this guide
Why stay in Negombo instead of Colombo?
- Close to the airport. Less time in a taxi after a long flight, and less stress before an early departure.
- Beach and lagoon in one place. You can see the sea, the lagoon and the mangroves in a single day.
- Relaxed pace. Negombo is a good place to get over jet lag before a long drive to Kandy, Sigiriya or the south coast.
- Plenty of places to stay. Hotels and guesthouses run from budget to beachfront resort.
Your first day: an easy start
If you land at night, sleep in. If you land early in the morning, keep the first day gentle. A sample plan:
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| Morning | Rest at your hotel, swim in the pool and have a slow breakfast. |
| Midday | Walk along Negombo Beach or get a SIM card and change money in town. |
| 4:30 PM | Join our Negombo Sunset Boat Tour through the lagoon, mangroves and Monkey Island. |
| Evening | Seafood dinner on the Lewis Place and Porutota Road beach strip. |
Your last day: fit in one more adventure
On your last day, plan around your flight time. Most airlines ask you to be at the airport about 3 hours before an international departure, so leave a good buffer.
| Your flight | What fits |
|---|---|
| Morning or midday flight | Head straight to the airport. Maybe a short beach walk at sunrise. |
| Afternoon flight | An early visit to the Negombo fish market (best before 8am), then breakfast and check-out. |
| Evening or late-night flight | Our 8:00 AM or 10:30 AM Monkey Island Boat Tour, lunch, then an afternoon at Negombo Beach Park before you leave. |
Only have a few hours between flights?
If you are on a layover rather than staying the night, our guide to things to do near Colombo Airport explains how much time you really need and which tour fits your connection.
Practical tips
- Visa: most visitors need a Sri Lanka ETA (electronic travel authorisation). Check the rules for your passport before you fly.
- Getting around: tuk-tuks, taxis and ride-hailing apps such as PickMe and Uber run between the airport and Negombo. Agree the fare first if you take a street tuk-tuk.
- Luggage: ask your hotel to store your bags if you check out before an evening flight.
- Money: carry some Sri Lankan rupees in small notes for tuk-tuks, snacks and tips.
- Book ahead: if your time is tight, reserve your boat tour in advance so the start time fits your plans.
More ideas for your day
See our full list of the best things to do in Negombo, including the Dutch Canal, St Mary’s Church and the old Dutch Fort.
Still deciding whether to spend more time here? Read our honest guide to whether Negombo is worth visiting, see where to stay in Negombo, or, if you have a spare day, consider a Kalpitiya day trip for dolphins and lagoon views.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Negombo from Colombo Airport?
Negombo is about 10 minutes from Bandaranaike International Airport by road, a little longer in heavy traffic.
Is Negombo better than Colombo for the first night?
For most travellers, yes. It is much closer to the airport, quieter, and has the beach and lagoon on your doorstep.
What can I do in Negombo on my last day?
Visit the fish market early, take a morning boat tour on the lagoon, relax at the beach and enjoy a seafood lunch before your flight.
How early should I leave for the airport?
Aim to arrive at least 3 hours before an international flight, or whatever your airline recommends.
Written by
Nalin Fernando
Nalin is the founder of Boat Tours Sri Lanka, a Negombo-based social enterprise that runs boat tours on the Negombo Lagoon with local guides. Nalin plans the tour routes and writes these guides from first-hand time on the lagoon, in the mangroves and around Negombo town.
