Warning
Don’t take a tuk tuk! Aside from it being expensive, they are limited to local roads so it takes longer and the pollution is worse. From the airport always take the bus.
Leaving the Airport
There is an ac bus which leaves from outside the airport, turn left and cross the drop off lane and walk 100m to a fenced parking area. The buses leave every 30 mins sometimes more often and cost about 120LKR. Ignore the taxi and tuk tuk drivers in the area. They will tell you that there are no buses, only taxis.
Arriving in Colombo
The bus arrives at Pettah Central Bus Stand and takes between 30 mins and 1 hour depending on traffic. In Sri Lanka you pay the conductor who moves around the bus issuing tickets after the journey starts.
Luggage Storage
There is space to store luggage and it is free although some locals may try and charge you.
Quick Links
- Bandaranaike Airport to Colombo
- Colombo to Arugam Bay by Bus
- Colombo to Arugam Bay by Train and Bus via Ella or Badulla
- Colombo to Arugam Bay by Train and Bus via Batticaloa
- Colombo to Arugam Bay by Luxury Bus via Akkaraipattu
- South Coast to Arugam Bay by Bus
- Independent Taxi Share
- Request Taxi Quote
Leave a Reply
Hi! I arrived last night and the driver of the 187 wouldn’t take me for any less than 500 LKR (because I was carrying a surfboard and a backpack). Set the price before jumping on the bus because they’ll try to scam you
Hiya,
I arrive into colombo airport at 10pm in a few days, is this too late for buses or do they run into the night? Cheers
Hey Seth, the airport to Colombo city bus number 187 runs through the night every hour.
Hey there,
So does this 187 bus get us to Arugam Bay? If so do we need to pre book?
Our flight lands at 22:20 on July 16 so just trying to figure out the cheapest option!
Love the website!
Hey Chris, no.. this is the bus from the airport to Colombo. Please see the other pages in this section for info on how to get from Colombo to Arugam Bay.
Hi,
is it possible to transport Surfboardbags in the bus from the Airport to Colombo?
Thanks and Greets,
Markus
Hi Markus, in theory yes, but the buses vary in size so you may have to wait for one of the larger buses. Also, it will depend on the size of your board; I don’t think you will be able to transport a long board. Let us know how it goes!
I have a taxi leaving airport August 10 around 11 am. Anyone interested to share contact me on jjag2244@yahoo.com.au
Hi, for taxi sharing try srilankataxishare.com.