Flights to Colombo

Public Transport and How to Get Around

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is located 35 kilometres from the city centre of Colombo. The best way to get to your hotel is with a taxi. After your flights to Colombo have landed, you'll find the cab drivers waiting outside the arrivals hall. A one-way trip will take between 45 to 90 minutes.

Bus

If you're looking for a cheap way to get around Colombo, take the public bus. Fares cost as little as 10 to 50 LKR ($0.079 - 0.39 AUD). Most of the buses will have an English translation of their final destination.

Taxi

While most taxis in Colombo have meters, the drivers rarely use them. You'll need to negotiate a rate before you get in the car. Once your flights to Colombo have landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), make your way to an ATM before you approach a driver, so you have money to pay for the cab ride. A trip that lasts 2 kilometres in the city centre should cost on average 300 LKR ($2.37 AUD).

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks are part of the Colombo experience. You should try to ride in one at least once while you're in town. It's the cheapest way to get around Colombo and rides can cost as little 300 LKR ($2.37 AUD) to get to attractions like Cinnamon Gardens. Be sure to use a driver that has a meter or agree on a price before starting the trip.

Train

Once your flights to Colombo have arrived, you can use the train to travel between the city's different suburbs. The service is frequent, and you'll find the daily schedules outside of the stations.

Etiquette Tips For Travellers with An Airfare to Colombo

Respect the local religion

Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country. While you're in Colombo be careful to avoid turning your back on statues of Buddha, and cover your knees and shoulders when visiting temples. If you’re booking an airfare to Colombo and you have any tattoos of Buddha, you'll want to cover those up as some tourists have been deported.

There is a no smoking ban

What most travellers who buy flights to Colombo don’t know is that it is against the law to smoke in public places or for shops to sell tobacco to anyone under the age of 21 years old. You won't be able to light up on roads or beaches, but some restaurants do have smoking areas.

Seats on buses are rare

If you happen to travel on Colombo's public transportation during rush hour, you'll be hard pressed to find a seat. However, if you're lucky to get one, don't take up another seat with your bag. It's considered rude.

Public displays of affection

It's not the cultural norm for couples to show affection while out in public. As soon as your flights to Colombo land, keep your PDA to a minimum to avoid the police or security officials harassing you.

Top Experiences For Visitors Travelling on Plane Tickets to Colombo

National Museum of Colombo

If you're booking return flights to Colombo and you're a history buff, you'll want to visit the national museum of Colombo. You can learn about the country's ancient history and see relics from the Anuradhapura Kingdom that date back to the 4th century. Tickets cost 35 LKR ($0.28 AUD) for adults.

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temples is one of the most sacred temples in Sri Lanka. Pilgrims from all over the world book flights to Colombo to visit the temple and it’s iconic Bodhi tree. Entrance is free, and the temple is open from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is one of the top attractions in Sri Lanka. It's why many travellers buy tickets to Colombo in the first place. Located an hour outside of the city, it's an easy day trip that you can add to your itinerary. Tickets cost 3000 Rs ($23.69 AUD) per person.

The Cost of Visiting

Visas for Sri Lanka

Travellers from Australia will need to apply for a visa for Sri Lanka before arrival. You can buy your 30-day visa online for $35 ($50 AUD) per person. If you want to stay in the country for longer than a month, you can apply for an extension once your flights to Colombo have landed.

Accommodation

If you're booking cheap flights to Colombo, you can find dorm rooms for as little as 800 LKR ($6.32 AUD) per night. For something for mid-range, boutique hotels generally cost $50 ($70 AUD) a night.

Coffee

For coffee-lovers buying flights to Colombo, a good cup of coffee is one of the most expensive things you can buy in the city. You can expect to pay around 560 LKR ($4.42 AUD) for a decent cappuccino. There are also only a few coffee shops in Colombo have a proper espresso machine.

Beer

There's nothing better than trying the local beer once your flights to Colombo have landed. A bottle of Lion beer can cost anywhere between 250-600 LKR ($1.97-4.74 AUD) depending on the establishment. Cocktails cost around 400-500 LKR ($3.16-3.95 AUD).