Airport in Colombo – Important Information for Traveler!

Airport in Colombo (BIA) is the main entry point for any traveler visiting Sri Lanka.

Hence, we have list down following information about BIA, Sri Lanka’s main airport, which www.howsrilanka.com believes will be vital for visitors arriving in the country.

Taxi Services Operating at the Aiport ( BIA)

Airport-operated prepaid taxis: Supervised by Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) Ltd, booths are located in the Arrival Lobby, with a fleet of 50–600+ vehicles depending on sources.

Private & ride‑share options: Uber, PickMe, and private services (e.g. taxi.lk, Ceylon Taxiya, Malkey Rent A Car) can be pre-booked or arranged at counters/information desks

Metered taxis to Colombo cost approx. LKR 4,000–6,000 (~₹1,500–2,000), with pre-paid or meet-and-greet arrangements available

2. Money Exchange & Banks

In total 7 to 8 Banks and exchange counters are available 24/7 in both Arrival and Departure areas:

Bank of Ceylon (BOC): Counters in Arrival and Departure lobbies, plus transit re‑exchange
Commercial Bank, Hatton National Bank (HNB), Sampath Bank, Thomas Cook Lanka, People’s Bank – all with currency exchange and ATM services.
Advice: Airport rates are often slightly lesser; use main banking branches when possible

3. Visa Renewal / Extension

Sri Lanka visa operations occur outside the airport, through Department of Immigration in Colombo.
No dedicated visa extension counters are available on-site. Travelers needing a visa renewal must visit the immigration office in Colombo or process online via the e-visa system before departure.

4. Porter Services

Porters are available in the baggage claim area for handling your luggage after arrival.

5. Bus Services for Passengers

Express coach (Route 187) runs every ~15 minutes to Colombo Fort via the expressway (travel time ~30 minutes, fare ~LKR 200)
Additional buses serve Galle, Matara, Nugegoda, Kadawatha and more, usually operated by third-party companies
Buses depart from the Arrival outer porch, opposite the Buddha statue

6. Phone Booths & Communication Counters

Telephone booths are located in both Arrival and Departure lobbies
There are communication counters in the Departure Lobby offering SIM cards and phone-related services

7. Nearby Hotels (≤ 30 minutes)

Hotels within ~30 minutes are concentrated around Katunayake and Negombo (many under 5 miles):

Note: you may have to check the reviews to see whether the place is suitable for your stay!

8) SECURITY

You don’t have to be worried about security at BIA, nearby, Colombo or even entire Sri Lanka.

Tourists are rarely harmed in any sort. People are friendly, supporting and even caring.

However, all-ways be a step ahead!