Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), often called Colombo Airport or Katunayake Airport, is actually much closer to Negombo than to Colombo. Negombo is the nearest town, around 9 km away (about 10 minutes by road), while Colombo is about an hour’s drive. Here are all the ways to get from the airport to Negombo, with tips to make it easy after a long flight.
In this guide
Your options at a glance
| Option | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Airport taxi | About 10 minutes | Convenience after a long flight, lots of luggage |
| PickMe or Uber (car) | About 10 minutes | Good value, fixed price shown in the app |
| Tuk-tuk | About 10–15 minutes | Short trips with light luggage, budget travellers |
| Hotel transfer | About 10 minutes | Late-night arrivals, families |
| Public bus | 45+ minutes | Backpackers on a tight budget |
Travel times depend on traffic and which part of Negombo you are going to. Fares change often with fuel prices, so check the current price in the app or agree it before you set off.
1. Official airport taxi
The official Airport Taxi Service has counters in the arrivals area, along with private taxi companies. You pay a fixed fare at the counter, which avoids any haggling. This is the simplest option if you arrive late at night or have a lot of luggage.
2. PickMe and Uber
Ride-hailing apps work well in Sri Lanka. PickMe is the local favourite and Uber also operates. You see the price before you book, and you can choose a car or a cheaper tuk-tuk. Buy a local SIM card in the arrivals hall first (Dialog, Mobitel and Airtel have kiosks), or use the airport Wi-Fi to book.
3. Tuk-tuk
Tuk-tuks are cheap and fun but have little space for luggage. Booking one through PickMe or Uber gives you a fair, fixed price. If you take one from the street, agree the fare before you get in. If you would rather drive one yourself during your trip, you can rent a self-drive tuk-tuk with insurance and a driving lesson included.
4. Hotel transfer
Many Negombo hotels offer airport pick-ups. Your driver will wait in arrivals with a name sign. It may cost a little more than an app, but it is the most relaxing option for late arrivals and families.
5. Public bus
The airport bus (route 187) goes to Colombo, not Negombo. For Negombo, walk or take a short tuk-tuk ride to the Katunayake (Averiwatta) bus stand, about 1 km from the terminal, and catch an ordinary bus to Negombo (route 240). It is the cheapest option but slow and crowded with luggage.
Tips for arriving in Negombo
- Visa: sort out your Sri Lanka ETA before you fly.
- Money: there are ATMs and exchange counters in arrivals. Take some rupees in small notes.
- SIM card: buy one in arrivals; you will need your passport.
- Late flights: pre-book a hotel transfer if you land after midnight.
What to do once you arrive
Landed in the morning? Rest, then join our Sunset Boat Tour in the evening. Read our guide to spending your first or last day in Sri Lanka in Negombo, or if you are on a layover, see things to do near Colombo Airport.
If you would rather drive yourself, read our guide to self-driving in Sri Lanka before you set off. Not sure which part of town to book? See where to stay in Negombo.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Negombo from Colombo Airport?
About 9 km. The drive takes about 10 minutes, a little longer in heavy traffic.
What is the cheapest way from the airport to Negombo?
The public bus from the Katunayake bus stand, followed by a tuk-tuk booked through PickMe or Uber.
Does Uber work at Colombo Airport?
Yes. Uber and the local app PickMe both operate in the area.
Is there a direct bus from the airport to Negombo?
The airport bus goes to Colombo. For Negombo, take an ordinary bus from the nearby Katunayake bus stand.
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.
