Colombo, Sri Lanka
Bandaranaike International Airport – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Bandaranaike International Airport (IATA: CMB, ICAO: VCBI), also known as Colombo International Airport, is Sri Lanka's main international airport. It is located in Katunayake, approximately 30 kilometres north of central Colombo.
The airport is the main international gateway to Sri Lanka and serves passengers travelling to Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, Galle, Bentota, Ella and other destinations across the island.
Bandaranaike International Airport handles international arrivals and departures, connecting Sri Lanka with destinations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Australia and other international markets.
For official airport information, passengers can refer to the Airport and Aviation Services Sri Lanka.
At a glance
Airport Information
- Airport Name
- Bandaranaike International Airport
- Also Known As
- Colombo International Airport / Colombo Airport
- IATA Code
- CMB
- ICAO Code
- VCBI
- Location
- Katunayake, Sri Lanka
- Nearest Major City
- Colombo
- Airport Type
- International
- Country
- Sri Lanka
Arriving in Sri Lanka
Arrivals at Bandaranaike International Airport
Passengers arriving on international flights normally proceed through immigration, baggage collection and customs before entering the public arrivals area.
Arrival Process
- 1Arrival at the terminal
- 2Immigration and passport control
- 3Baggage collection
- 4Customs clearance
- 5Arrival hall
- 6Currency exchange and ATM services
- 7SIM/mobile connectivity
- 8Taxi, ride-hailing, bus or other transportation
- 9Hotel or onward travel
Passengers should comply with Sri Lankan immigration and customs regulations. The airport advises passengers to declare applicable currency, valuables and other items when required.
Arrival Facilities
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Mobile/SIM services
- Medical facilities
- Duty-free shopping
- Taxi services
- Public transportation
- Information services
- Accessibility facilities
- Child-care facilities
The airport confirms that facilities such as ATMs, currency exchange, medical services, wheelchair facilities and duty-free shopping are available.
Leaving Sri Lanka
Departures from Bandaranaike International Airport
Passengers departing from Sri Lanka should allow sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop, immigration, security screening and reaching the departure gate.
Departure Process
- 1Arrive at the airport
- 2Airline check-in
- 3Baggage drop
- 4Immigration / emigration
- 5Security screening
- 6Departure lounge
- 7Boarding gate
- 8Flight departure
The official airport departure guidance includes emigration and customs procedures, with additional passenger services available within the departure and transit areas.
Departure Facilities
- Airline check-in facilities
- Currency exchange
- ATMs
- Duty-free shopping
- Restaurants and refreshments
- Airport lounges
- Communication services
- Medical facilities
- Accessibility services
- Child-care facilities
- Transit facilities
The airport also provides VAT refund facilities for eligible tourists under Sri Lanka's Tourist VAT Refund Scheme.
Getting into the city
Transportation from Bandaranaike International Airport
Travellers arriving at CMB have several transportation options depending on their destination, budget and preferred level of comfort.
The airport officially lists Uber, PickMe, taxi services, buses and other public transportation options.
1. Airport Taxi
Airport taxi counters are available in the arrivals area.
The official airport taxi service operates counters in the Arrival Lobby and Arrival Porch and has a fleet of more than 600 vehicles.
Taxi is one of the most convenient options for travellers carrying luggage or travelling directly to a hotel.
Best for
- Families
- Tourists with luggage
- Late-night arrivals
- Direct hotel transfers
- Private travel
2. Uber and PickMe
Ride-hailing services are also available for passengers travelling between the airport and surrounding cities.
The official airport transportation information lists both Uber and PickMe among the available transportation options.
These services can be useful for travellers who prefer booking transportation through a mobile application.
3. Airport Bus – Route 187
The Route 187 Airport–Colombo Fort Luxury Bus Service provides a public transportation connection between Bandaranaike International Airport and Colombo Fort.
The airport states that air-conditioned buses operate 24 hours a day, with the journey to Colombo Fort taking approximately 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
The boarding location at BIA is the Departure Terminal Outer Porch.
The published fare is Rs. 325 per passenger, with an additional baggage charge for baggage exceeding 23 kg.
This is one of the most useful low-cost options for passengers travelling to Colombo.
Route: Bandaranaike International Airport → Colombo / Colombo Fort
4. Bus to Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre
A dedicated bus service operates between Bandaranaike International Airport and the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre (MMC).
This provides travellers with another public transportation connection for continuing their journey to other parts of Sri Lanka.
Makumbura is an important transport interchange connecting passengers with other bus and transport services.
5. Train
Rail transportation is another option for travellers who want to continue their journey using Sri Lanka's railway network.
Passengers should check the current local connection and timetable on the Sri Lanka Railways website before travelling, as train services and connections can change.
For passengers travelling onward to Colombo and other parts of Sri Lanka, combining airport transportation with the railway network — including Colombo Fort Railway Station — can be a useful lower-cost option.
The official airport information identifies train transportation among the available airport transportation options.
Onward travel
Transportation to Major Sri Lankan Cities
Negombo
Recommended options
Negombo is one of the closest major tourist destinations to Bandaranaike International Airport.
Because of its proximity to the airport, Negombo is particularly convenient for travellers arriving late at night or staying near the airport before continuing their journey.
Kandy
Recommended options
Kandy is located in Sri Lanka's central highlands and is one of the country's major tourist destinations.
Travellers with significant luggage may find a direct private transfer more convenient than multiple public transport connections.
Ella
Recommended options
- Private transfer
- Taxi
- Bus/train combination
- Travel via Colombo or central Sri Lanka
Ella is a popular mountain destination known for its scenery, tea plantations and railway journey.
Travelling from CMB to Ella generally requires a longer onward journey.
Before you land
Tips for Travellers Arriving at CMB
- Keep your passport and travel documents accessible.
- Follow immigration and customs procedures.
- Collect your baggage before leaving the arrival area.
- Exchange currency or use an ATM if necessary.
- Purchase a local SIM/eSIM if required.
- Use official taxi counters or reputable transportation services.
- Confirm the destination and price before starting a private journey.
- During peak traffic periods, allow additional time when travelling to Colombo or other cities.
- For onward domestic travel, check schedules before leaving the airport.
Book with iCanFly
Why Book Your Sri Lanka Flight with iCanFly?
iCanFly helps travellers compare and book flights to and from Sri Lanka.
Passengers can search for flights, compare available options and plan their onward journey from Bandaranaike International Airport.
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Hotels near Bandaranaike International Airport
After landing at CMB, you can compare and book hotels in Colombo, Negombo and other popular Sri Lankan cities with iCanStay.
Negombo is the closest beach stay to the airport. Colombo is the main city for business and city hotels. Kandy, Galle, Bentota and Ella are popular onward destinations.
Popular Hotel Searches
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Bandaranaike International Airport uses the IATA airport code CMB.
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CMB · Colombo Airport guide