Bandaranaike International Airport is manageable with children, but Sri Lanka's airport transport is not set up around families by default. A little preparation makes a big difference.
Inside the terminal
The airport lists child care rooms with feeding facilities in the transit area, a medical centre in the arrival baggage area, and ATMs and banks with currency exchange in the arrival lobby. A post office in the arrival porch is open 24 hours. If you need to regroup or reorganize luggage, do it before heading outside.
Child seats
The airport's published taxi rate card lists air-conditioned cars by destination and does not list a child seat service. If you need a child seat, request one in advance when you book a private transfer and ask the company to confirm it in writing. If this is important to you, consider bringing a portable seat or booster in your luggage.
Vehicle sizes for families
| Family Size | Recommended Vehicle | Price to Colombo |
|---|---|---|
| 2 adults + 1–2 kids | Sedan | Airport counter's published A/C car rate — LKR 8,100 to Fort |
| 2 adults + 2–3 kids + luggage | Minivan | Agreed at the counter or quoted by a transfer company |
| Large family / group | Van | Agreed at the counter or quoted by a transfer company |
Fixed-price private transfer
CMB Colombo City Center
From€26for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €37 per vehicle, about €9 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
The airport's published rate card covers its air-conditioned cars by destination; larger vehicles are priced case by case, so ask for the figure before you commit rather than budgeting from a number on a page. If you travel with a stroller, car seat, and multiple bags, ask for a vehicle bigger than a sedan.
Practical tips for families
Get a SIM card before leaving. Mobile phone connections can be bought from two major company outlets in the arrival lobby, so you can contact your driver and navigate; compare what is on offer on the day.
Consider Negombo for the first night. If your flight arrives late and the children are exhausted, the airport taxi counter's published rate to Negombo is LKR 3,780, against LKR 8,100 to Fort. The drive to Colombo can wait until morning.
Consider the transfer over the taxi. With children, a transfer driver meets you with a name board and helps with luggage, and it is the way to arrange a child seat, if meet-and-greet is included in your booking. Compare the quote against the counter's published LKR 8,100 to Fort and decide whether the difference is worth it for your family.
Sources (checked 2026-10-17)
- Taxi rate card (Fort 8,100, Negombo 3,780), counters in arrival lobby and porch: https://www.airport.lk/passenger_guide/getting_arround/taxi_service.php
- Child care rooms in the transit area, medical centre in the arrival baggage area, banks and ATMs in the arrival lobby, post office open 24 hours, mobile phone outlets in the arrival lobby: https://www.airport.lk/passenger_guide/arrival_info/arrival_services
When a private transfer from CMB is the right choice
- Travelling with small children: child seats are requested at booking for the exact ages, so you are not relying on a taxi that may have none.
- Strollers, cots and luggage: a minivan takes everything in one go, door to door, with no stairs or platform changes.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Colombo City Center is from €37, about €9 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
CMB → Colombo City Center from €26Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
CMB Colombo City Center
From€26for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €37 per vehicle, about €9 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Are child seats available in taxis at Colombo airport?
The airport's published taxi rate card does not list a child seat service. Request one in advance when you book a private transfer, and ask the company to confirm it.
What size vehicle do I need for a family of four with luggage?
A family of 4 with suitcases and a stroller should ask for a minivan or larger rather than a sedan. The airport's published rate card covers its A/C cars rather than vans, so get the van price from the counter or your transfer company before you commit.
Is there a baby changing area at Bandaranaike Airport?
The airport lists child care rooms with feeding facilities in the transit area. It does not list a dedicated baby-changing room in the arrival area, so ask at an airport information point.
Should we stay in Negombo or go straight to Colombo with kids?
If your flight lands late and the children are tired, Negombo is a shorter run than Colombo — the airport taxi counter's published rate is LKR 3,780 to Negombo against LKR 8,100 to Fort.