Location

Colombo is the largest city and capital of Sri Lanka, offering a heady blend of tropical environment, colonial villas, and modern cityscape. It dates from 800 AD and there is history to explore around every corner. You can wander through the many temples and sample some delicious food while soaking up the atmosphere.

Getting to Colombo, Sri Lanka

International Flights to Sri Lanka

• Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Katunayake is the main international airport in Sri Lanka, located about 35 km north of Colombo. It serves major airlines, making it easily accessible from destinations worldwide.
• Popular Airlines: SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines offer frequent flights to and from major cities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Transport from Bandaranaike International Airport to Colombo City

Upon arrival, you have several convenient options to travel from the airport to Colombo:

• Taxi:

  • Taxis are the fastest way to reach Colombo, taking around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are available at the airport 24/7.
  • Cost: Approx. 20–30 USD.
  • Recommendation: Use official airport taxis or pre-booked services to ensure safety and reliability.

• Airport Shuttle Bus:

  • An express bus service, Route 187-E3, operates between the airport and Colombo city center.
  • Travel Time: Around 1.5 hours.
  • Cost: Approx. 1–2 USD.
  • Buses are frequent and cost-effective, making this a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

• Ride-Share Apps:

  • Ride-sharing services like Uber and PickMe operate in Sri Lanka and can be convenient options for solo travelers or small groups.
  • Cost: Prices vary depending on demand but are typically around 15–25 USD.

• Train:

  • If you prefer public transport, the closest train station to the airport is Katunayake South Station, accessible via a short taxi ride. Trains from Katunayake to Colombo Fort Station in the city center run regularly.
  • Cost: Minimal (under 1 USD) but may not be the most convenient for travelers with luggage.

Quick Facts about Sri Lanka

• Location: Sri Lanka is an island nation in the Indian Ocean, situated south of India.
• Capital: Colombo is the commercial capital, while Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte is the administrative capital.
• Language: Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages, but English is widely spoken in urban areas and by those in the tourism industry.
• Currency: The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). ATMs are widely available, and credit cards are accepted in most urban establishments.
  Currency rates:
  1 LKR = approx. 0,0032 EUR
  1 LKR = approx. 0,0034 USD
• Climate: Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, with February typically being warm and tropical, averaging around 27–30°C (81–86°F) and low humidity. Evenings are generally mild, and rainfall is minimal during this period.
• Time Zone: Sri Lanka Standard Time (GMT +5:30).
• Culture and Religion: Sri Lanka has a rich cultural heritage with Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, and Muslim communities. Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, particularly when visiting temples or sacred sites.