Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka is a big cosmopolitan city with a great mixture of modern life and architecture, beautiful old colonial buildings and temples. The Fort Area, the centre of the city is home to Colombo’s busy harbour, the Dutch Hospital and close to Beira Lake. It's a wonderful place to walk around or rent a swan boat. Be sure to explore the markets, take a tuk-tuk ride to see the sights, watch the sunset at Galle Face Green while enjoying some delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry. The city has plenty of charm, history and welcoming people.
View our Colombo travel guide
Flights to Colombo (CMB)
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Colombo travel information
When to visit
The best time to visit Colombo is the dry season between January and March. This is the coolest time of the year, with less humidity making it an ideal time for sightseeing. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. The monsoon season is from April to June and September to November, when heavy rains occur. Temperatures are still warm around 30°C and rather humid.
Arrival information
What is the main airport called?
Colombo International Airport (CMB).Opens external site in a new window It is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka. It is located in a suburb of Negombo, 32.5 kilometres north of the nation's capital Colombo.
Arriving in Colombo
The helpful staff at Colombo Airport will greet you when you land and assist with your travel needs. Once you collect your bags from the arrivals area, there are various transport options available to get you on your way.
Getting into Colombo from Colombo Airport
Getting into Colombo is easy, with different transport options available depending on your choice. Select from taxis, ride-share, bus, train, shuttle, private driver or car hire. Taxi is a convenient option taking 35 minutes to get to the city centre, with ranks located in the arrivals lobby of both terminals. Alternatively, you could request a ride through Uber to take you to your destination. If you would like a private transfer, you can book a transfer to any destination in Colombo. There is an express shuttle bus between the airport and the city centre, travel time is about an hour and buses depart every 30 minutes. By train, you need to get to the nearest train station, which is Katunayaka South Station, about 1 km from Colombo Airport. The travel time is 1 hour to Fort Station in Colombo. You can get to the station by bus, tuk-tuk or taxi. It's possible to rent a car from the airport to explore Sri Lanka or you may wish to organise a hotel shuttle.
Getting around Colombo
There are many ways to get around Colombo, with different transport options available to explore the city. Some of the most popular means are train, bus, tuk-tuk, taxi, ride-share or renting a car with a driver. Train is a relaxed way to travel and a good way to see the scenery of Sri Lanka. Buses are the primary way to travel with routes connecting most destinations or there are private buses that you can take to get between villages. Taxis are available in the city, or organised through your hotel, otherwise you can request a car through Uber for a convenient way to travel. For short trips, tuk-tuks are very common in Colombo and you will find one on almost every corner. Another popular way to get around is to hire a car with a driver. They can suggest places to see, things to do and where to eat.
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Important Information
Disclaimer: ^ You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions.
Disclaimer: ++ Status Credits are earned on eligible Qantas, Jetstar, oneworld® member and oneworld connect® airlines only - see the Airline Earning Tables and Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions for details. Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes.
+Meals, beverages, entertainment and offerings vary between flights and cabins. Alcohol offered during select flight times on select flights.