Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Arrivals step off into the main international pier and follow clear signage towards central immigration counters.

• Deplane and follow signage along the main pier towards the central immigration hall.
• Complete the online or paper Sri Lanka Arrival Card before presenting your passport and visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) approval at immigration counters.
• Proceed down to the baggage reclaim area located on the ground level directly past passport control.
• Clear customs via the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare, or the Red Channel if carrying goods exceeding duty-free allowances.
• Exit into the outer arrivals hall where currency exchange desks, mobile operator counters, and official taxi counters are located.

• Taxi

  Official Airport Taxi

  Pre-paid counter service inside the arrivals hall offering fixed fares to Colombo and surrounding regions.

  Time:

  Typically 35–50 minutes via the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway, depending on city traffic.

  Typical cost:

  Varies by destination district; typically roughly LKR 7,000–10,000 including highway tolls.

• Ride-hailing

  App-Based Rideshare (PickMe / Uber)

  Rideshare pickups are available outside the arrival terminal building.

  Time:

  Typically 35–50 minutes via the expressway.

  Typical cost:

  Roughly LKR 4,500–7,000 depending on vehicle class, toll inclusion, and demand.

• Train

  Express Bus (Route EX 01)

  Air-conditioned expressway bus connecting the airport bus station to Colombo Central Bus Stand (Pettah).

  Time:

  Typically 45–60 minutes depending on departure frequency and urban traffic.

  Typical cost:

  Roughly LKR 300–500 per person.

International transit passengers remaining airside can move directly to their next gate via transit security screening.

• Follow signage for Transit Passengers upon exiting your arrival gate.
• Pass through security screening located before entering the central departure lounge.
• Passengers holding separate tickets or needing to check baggage must clear entry immigration and re-check at departure counters.

Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the main terminal building.

• Connect to the official airport network identifier.
• Accept terms on the captive portal page to initiate access.
• Coverage is reliable in central passenger lounges and arrival areas, though speeds may vary during peak periods.

Currency exchange booths and automated teller machines (ATMs) operate in the arrivals concourse.

• Multiple licensed commercial bank counters offer 24-hour exchange services in the arrivals area.
• ATMs accepting international credit and debit cards are located near the terminal exit.
• The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR); keeping minor LKR notes for small purchases and tips is advisable.

A modest selection of dining options is available in both public and airside areas.

• A 24-hour coffee shop and light-snack counters operate in the public arrivals lounge.
• Airside departure area hosts international fast food outlets and traditional Sri Lankan tea stalls.
• Options in the immediate public landside area are limited compared to the city centre.

Airline lounges and pay-per-use lounges are situated in the main departure area.

• SriLankan Airlines operates dedicated lounges for business class passengers and elite status holders.
• Independent pay-per-use lounges offer seating, refreshments, and shower facilities subject to space.
• Lounge access is situated airside and is accessible primarily to departing or transit passengers.

Hotel options range from day-use rooms near Katunayake to major international hotels in Colombo city centre.

• Transit lodging and short-stay rooms are available within a short drive of the airport boundary.
• Free airport transfers are frequently provided by hotels situated within the Katunayake export processing zone area.
• City centre hotels in Colombo are reached within 40 minutes via the E01 Expressway.

Baggage claim carousels are located immediately after passport control on the ground level.

• Check overhead displays in the reclaim hall to identify your assigned carousel.
• Baggage carts are available free of charge inside the reclaim hall.
• Inquire at the airline lost-and-found desk in the baggage hall if your luggage is delayed or damaged.

Basic family facilities are available in the main terminal concourses.

• Baby care rooms for diaper changing and nursing are located in the central departure and arrival halls.
• Medical rooms are available landside and airside for minor health needs.
• Wheelchair assistance can be requested in advance through your operating airline.

• Currency Exchange Counters
• ATMs
• SIM Card Kiosks
• Duty-Free Shops
• Official Taxi Counters
• Free Baggage Carts
• Medical Centre
• Baby Care Rooms

Local emergency number: 119 (Police), 1990 (Ambulance).

• For medical emergencies inside the terminal, report to airport medical staff or inform terminal security.
• Contact your embassy in Colombo immediately if you lose your foreign passport.
• Tourist Police counters are available to assist visitors with reporting incidents or lost items.

• Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
• Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
• Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
• Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
• Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
• Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
• Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
• Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.

Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.

• Bandaranaike International Airport Official PortalOfficial airport source
• Department of Immigration and Emigration Sri LankaGovernment source
• Sri Lanka CustomsGovernment source
• Ministry of Transport and Highways Sri LankaOfficial transit source
• 1990 Suwa Seriya FoundationGovernment source
• Sri Lanka Tourism Development AuthorityGovernment source