About Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Bandaranaike International Airport, colloquially known as Katunayake Airport, is the largest airport in Sri Lanka and serves the country’s capital, Colombo. Our Bandaranaike International Airport guide includes information on airport facilities, public transport access and nearby accommodation options.

Airport news:

A new terminal building is scheduled for completion in 2019. Plans also exist to construct a multi-storey car park and a 50-room on-site hotel.

Information:

There are information desks in both Arrivals and Departures. In addition to offering information relating to travel and the airport's facilities, it also has photocopying equipment for use by travellers. A tourist information office is also available in Arrivals.

Website:

Driving directions:

A new expressway linking Colombo and Katunayake opened in October 2013 providing a much quicker route than the A003 (Negombo Road). Using the expressway, head north from central Colombo using the A1 to Katunayake Expressway E03. Follow the E03 then continue onto Canada Friendship road; the journey takes around 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus: An airport shuttle transports passengers to the main bus terminal 500m (1,640ft) from the terminal, from which intercity buses operate. Bus 187 leaves for central Colombo every 30 minutes (one-way journey to the airport costs eRs 110) from 0530 to 2030. Rides to central Colombo via bus take about 45 minutes.

Shuttle: Most hotels and tour operators offer transport from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport; but it is advised to confirm in advance.

Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. The airport taxi service (tel: + 94 11 225 2861) operates a counter in the arrival hall's inner lobby and has a fleet of over 600 vehicles. Prices to Colombo start at around Rs.2,800. Air-conditioned vehicles are more expensive.

Public transport air:

Plane: Cinnamon Air (tel: +94 11 247 5475; www.cinnamonair.com) operates flights in small aircraft, including seaplanes, from Bandanairaike Airport to a number of scenic spots and other destinations around Sri Lanka. Full details of schedules and fares can be found on the company's website.

Terminal facilities

Money:

A number of banks operate at the arrival lobby and in the transit area, providing currency exchange facilities. ATMs and currency exchanges are available throughout both terminals.

Food:

Restaurants (run by Sri Lankan Airlines) serving local and international cuisine are located in Departures and the transit lounge. Numerous snack bars and cafés are also available.

Shopping:

A wide range of duty-free shops can be found both in Arrivals and Departures. These sell a variety of products, including electronic goods, household items, wines and spirits, handicrafts, silk items, jewellery, perfumes and teas.

Luggage:

Travellers visiting Sri Lanka for up to 45 days can take advantage of the airport's bond baggage facility. The baggage will be checked by customs and airport security and will then be sealed and transferred to the departure terminal, where it will be stored until your next flight at a cost of Rs 1,000 per bag per day. Enquiries about lost luggage should be directed to either the information desk or to the airline office. Fixed-fee porters are available landside.

Other:

A first-aid centre staffed with qualified nurses is located in the immigration area of Arrivals. Fully air-conditioned day rooms with attached toilets are situated in the arrival and departure halls for transit passengers who wish to rest. Shower rooms are also available in the transit lounge. Numerous tour operators are represented at the airport, along with several hotels.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

A business centre can be found in the transit hall on the ground floor of the terminal. International direct dialling, fax machines and photocopiers are available. In addition, there are three business and first-class lounges at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. Meeting facilities are available at the nearby Gateway Airport Garden hotel (tel: +94 11 544 0000; www.thegatewayhotels.com).

Communication Facilities:

There is a post office in Arrivals. Telephone booths can be found in the arrival, departure and transit areas. A communications counter is located in the transit lounge with international direct dialling, email and fax facilities.

Disabled facilities:

Special assistance for wheelchair users and passengers travelling for medical reasons is available. Any passengers who may require additional assistance are advised to contact their airline before travelling.

Car parking:

There are three parking areas at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. The terminal car park can accommodate 400 vehicles on short-term rates; while the remote car park, about 300m (984ft) from the terminal, is for long-term parking.

Car rental:

Several car hire companies, including Alamo, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and several local operators, are represented at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport. Some cars come with a driver as standard. Car rental counters are situated in Arrivals.