Bandaranaike International Airport is 35 km north of Colombo, connected by the E03 Expressway. The cost of getting into the city depends on your transport choice, time of day, and exact destination.
Price comparison table
| Transport | Cost (LKR) | Cost (EUR) | Notes | |-----------|-----------|-----------|-------| | Pre-booked transfer | 6,000–9,000 | 18–27 | Fixed price, includes expressway toll | | Airport taxi counter | 5,500–8,000 | 16–24 | Metered or fixed rate | | PickMe / Uber | 4,500–7,000 | 13–21 | Surge pricing possible | | Airport Express bus (187) | 150 | 0.45 | To Colombo Fort, no AC |
What affects the price
The expressway toll (LKR 400) is the biggest hidden variable. Pre-booked transfers include it; ride-hailing apps sometimes do not. Always confirm before accepting a ride.
Destination matters too. Colombo Fort and Pettah are closer and cheaper. Colombo 7, Bambalapitiya, and Mount Lavinia add LKR 1,000–3,000 to the fare.
Time of day plays a role with ride-hailing apps. Between 11 PM and 5 AM, PickMe surge pricing can push fares up by 20–40%, assuming you find a driver at all.
Prices to popular destinations
| Destination | Distance | Transfer Price (LKR) | Transfer Price (EUR) | |-------------|----------|---------------------|---------------------| | Colombo Fort | 35 km | 5,500–7,000 | 16–21 | | Colombo 7 | 37 km | 6,000–8,000 | 18–24 | | Mount Lavinia | 50 km | 7,500–10,000 | 22–30 | | Negombo | 10 km | 2,000–3,500 | 6–10 | | Kandy | 115 km | 18,000–24,000 | 54–72 |
Tipping
Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Rounding up by LKR 200–500 is standard. For long-distance trips (Kandy, Sigiriya), a tip of LKR 1,000–2,000 is generous and well received.
Payment methods
Airport taxi counter accepts cash only (LKR). Pre-booked transfers often accept card payment through the booking platform. PickMe accepts both cash and card. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall if you need to withdraw LKR.