Colombo Bandaranaike Layover Guide (CMB)

What are you looking for in CMB?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Colombo Airport (CMB) is an international airport located in Katunayake, Sri Lanka. It’s situated about 32 km (20 miles) from downtown Colombo. The airport officially opened in 1967. Colombo is the largest city in Sri Lanka and serves as its commercial capital. It’s known for its vibrant culture, colonial architecture, and growing economy. The city also offers a rich blend of history, beaches, and cuisine, making it a popular travel destination.

Can you leave Colombo Airport (CMB) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You may leave Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) during a layover provided you hold a valid Sri Lankan visa or Electronic Travel Authorization. Eligible nationals can apply online in advance. Ensure itinerary meets minimum connection time and passport validity requirements. Transit without visa (TWOV) is unavailable; an approved ETA is required. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Colombo: Layover City Tour with Airport Pickup and Drop Off

During this 4-hour private tour, you’ll be picked up right from the airport (or any nearby hotel) and whisked into the heart of Colombo. See the ornate Gangaramaya Temple, the stately Independence Memorial Hall, the historic Galle Face Hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean, wander through the bustling Pettah market, and pass landmarks like the old lighthouse and Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, before being dropped back at the airport on time » book this tour

Guided Colombo Half-Day City Tour

Ideal for a short layover, this 3-hour tour picks you up from your hotel or cruise terminal and highlights Colombo’s best: photo stops at BMICH and Independence Square, a stroll through Viharamahadevi Park, a deep dive into the ornate Gangaramaya Temple, optional Lotus Tower views, and a drive through Colombo Fort and Pettah market—with a quick pass by Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque—before returning you comfortably » book this tour

Negombo: Airport Layover City Tour with Pickup and Drop-Off

Make the most of a layover by exploring nearby Negombo on this 3-hour private tour. After airport pickup, visit the colorful Angurukaramulla Temple, wander the lively fish and produce markets, cruise along the historic Hamilton Canal and Negombo Lagoon, see the colonial Dutch Fort, and snap photos at St Mary’s Church—returning you stress-free to the airport or your hotel in time for your next flight » book this tour

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

  • Gangaramaya Temple A beautiful blend of modern architecture and cultural heritage by Beira Lake, showcasing Buddhist artifacts, statues and serene surroundings. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~45 min) or Airport Express train to Fort + tuk-tuk (~60 min).)
  • Galle Face Green Iconic oceanfront urban park perfect for kite-flying, street food and sunset views over the Indian Ocean—an ideal spot to unwind and mingle with locals. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~45 min) or Airport Express train to Fort + walk (~10 min).)
  • Pettah Market Vibrant open-air bazaar full of spices, textiles, electronics and fresh produce—experience authentic Colombo commerce in chaotic, colourful streets. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~40 min) or Airport bus to Bastian Mawatha + walk (~5 min).)
  • Colombo National Museum Explore Sri Lanka’s history through impressive exhibits of art, archeology and royal regalia in this grand colonial-era building. Official site. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~45 min) or train to Maradana + tuk-tuk (~5 min).)
  • Independence Memorial Hall Neoclassical monument and serene courtyard celebrating Sri Lanka’s independence—ideal for photography and a brief history lesson. (Time required: 30–45 minutes. / Airport to here: Taxi (~40 min) or train to Cinnamon Gardens + walk (~10 min).)
  • Viharamahadevi Park Lush green oasis with shady paths, flower gardens and a charming central fountain—perfect for a peaceful stroll or picnic. (Time required: 45 minutes–1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~45 min) or train to Fort + walk (~15 min).)
  • Colombo Dutch Hospital Restored colonial complex housing upscale cafés, boutiques and bars—great for enjoying local cuisine or a quick coffee break. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Taxi (~45 min) or train to Fort + walk (~8 min).)
  • Mount Lavinia Beach Sandy shoreline with lively restaurants and calm surf—perfect for a sunset dip or fresh seafood by the water. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~50 min) or Airport Express train to Mount Lavinia (~60 min).)

Things to Do in Colombo Airport (CMB)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Colombo Airport offers three business and first-class lounges in the transit hall, including SriLankan Airlines and Sky Lounges. Facilities include comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, shower suites, free Wi-Fi, newspapers and meeting rooms. Access is via class status, lounge membership or pay-per-use passes for eligible passengers. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Inside the terminal, the Airport Transit Hotel provides private rooms by the hour, with en-suite bathrooms, beds and basic amenities for layovers. Additionally, nearby transit hotels like The Empyrean and Lounge Transit in Katunayake offer airport shuttles, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour front desks, ideal for overnight stays at affordable rates. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Throughout both terminals, designated rest areas feature reclining chairs, padded benches and quiet zones for short naps. Snooze pods aren’t available, but prayer rooms and nearby seating near boarding gates offer low-light environments. Complimentary water stations and charging points throughout ensure comfort for travelers seeking brief, in-terminal rest spaces.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Wi-Fi is complimentary for the first 30 minutes in all airport areas; thereafter, passengers can purchase hourly or daily packages. Speeds support email, streaming and video calls. Network access extends to departure lounges, restaurants and lounges. Login via SMS verification or social media. Power outlets are plentiful throughout the terminal.

SIM/eSIM Card: At arrivals, multiple kiosks sell prepaid SIM cards from Dialog, Mobitel and Airtel. Packages include data, local minutes and SMS. Activation takes minutes and requires passport. eSIM plans are available online through major operators’ websites, activated via QR code. Top-up vouchers and recharge machines are conveniently located throughout the terminal. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxis are available outside arrivals via fixed-price counters offering air-conditioned vehicles to Colombo and surrounding areas. Fares to Colombo city centre start around LKR 7,500 (USD 25) one-way. Ride-hailing services PickMe and Uber also operate with designated pick-up points. Payment by cash or card is accepted at counters and receipts.

Train: The Airport Express train by Sri Lanka Railways connects the airport’s Katunayake station with Colombo Fort, running every 30 minutes from early morning to late evening. The 40-minute journey follows the rail link alongside the expressway. Tickets cost LKR 100–200. No advance reservations possible. Unreserved seating. more info.

Bus: An Airport Express bus service by Sri Lanka Transport Board runs every 15 minutes from outside the arrivals hall to Colombo’s Fort and Pettah districts. The air-conditioned coach takes around 30 minutes via the expressway. Tickets cost LKR 200 per trip. Exact timetables on website updated. more info.

Shuttle: A frequent, fee-based hotel shuttle service connects the terminal with Colombo, Negombo and Wattala hotel districts. Operated by third-party coach operators, buses depart hourly from the ground transport area outside arrivals. Tickets cost around LKR 500 one-way. Advance booking is recommended at the airport tourism desk for guaranteed seats. reservation.

Car rentals: Several international and local car rental agencies, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, Sixt and Europcar, operate desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles range from economy to SUVs. Driver age requirements and insurance options vary by agency. Reservations are recommended in advance via agency websites or airport service counters for best rates. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Bandaranaike Airport offers two open-air parking lots: the terminal lot adjacent to the building and the remote lot 300 m away. Terminal parking rates are LKR 200 for cars and LKR 250 for vans. Remote lot charges LKR 50 for motorcycles, LKR 100 for cars/vans and LKR 200 for buses daily.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left luggage counters in the departures outer porch offer 24-hour service with fees of US$ 6 for small bags and US$ 8 for oversized items per 24-hour period. Bond Baggage Service near Baggage Belt 4 in customs stores valuables at US$ 30 per bag per 24-hour period. Passport required for storage. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Colombo Airport (CMB) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks