Even though Sri Lanka is small in size, offers many travel options to visitors. Bandaranaike International Airport (Airport code CMB) at Katunayake, is the main International Airport in Sri Lanka. It is located 30 kilometers North of the Island's capital, Colombo.
There are different options available for your selection when you are planning your trip from Airport to the destination of your choice. Transportation facilities available via shuttle, bus, train and taxi services. If you are unable to find what you are looking for, please call (094) 11 225 2861 or visit Bandaranayake International Airport website: https://www.airport.lk/index
Air
Air
Charter flights / Air Taxis / Helicopters can be arranged to selected destinations in Sri Lanka through several operators. Name list are shown below in alphabetical order:
Rail
Regular Train services are being operated to connect Colombo with all major towns. Major railway station is known as Fort Railway Station which is located at the heart of the Colombo City. First-class carriages, air conditioning compartments and Canteen are available on selected routes. Fast Intercity services are being operated daily on principal routes, including an air-conditioned intercity express service between Colombo and Jaffna.
For more details including train time table, fare details can be found in the website of the Department of Sri Lanka Railways: http://www.railway.gov.lk/web/index.php?lang=en
Road
Traffic drives on the left. Flashing lights mean that the driver is asserting right of way. Avoid remote areas and travelling at night.
By Bus
An extensive network of services to most parts of the Island is afforded with reasonable quality by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board (tel: (11) 258 1120; website: www.transport.gov.lk). Private bus operators are also providing transport services to mostly all parts of the Country. Long distance services are operated from Colombo at the Pettah Central Bus Depot. There are two services, one operated by the Sri Lanka Transport Board and the other by private bus companies. The private bus station is located close to the Central Depot. Most of the buses have air-conditioning. The Central Transport Board provides intensive urban bus operations in Colombo, where there are also private buses and minibuses. Fares are generally collected by conductors.
By Taxi
In Colombo, taxis are metered but it is advisable to agree a rate before setting off.
By Trishaws (Tuktuks)
Ideal for short journeys within towns and cities, and for short excursions. The vehicles are mainly Indian-made Bajaj rickshaws. Now most trishaws are metered. Always agree on a fare beforehand. Most drivers offer a decent fare.
By Car Hires
Air-conditioned minibuses and cars are available in most Cities. Motorised rickshaws are also readily available for hire in towns and villages. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended.
Regulations / Documentation
Most roads are tarred, with a 56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside towns. The minimum age for driving a vehicle is 18. In order to avoid delays, an International Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. If not, a temporary licence to drive is obtainable on presentation of a valid national driving licence. This must be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Colombo to other major cities/towns in Sri Lanka.
| City |
Air |
Road |
Rail |
| Kandy |
N/A |
3.00 |
3.30 |
| Galle |
N/A |
3.00 |
3.00 |
| Matara |
N/A |
4.00 |
4.30 |
| Badulla |
N/A |
9.30 |
9.00 |
| Anuradhapura |
0.45 |
5.30 |
6.00 |
| Trincomalee |
1.00 |
6.00 |
7.00 |
| Jaffna |
1.15 |
8.00 |
5.15 |
Getting Around: Northern Province
By Plane
There is a domestic Airport located at Palali which is 17.2 km away from Jaffna Central bus stand. There is air service to and from Colombo.
Helitours is operating flights between Colombo Ratmalana airport and Jaffna Palaly airport on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. For more details, please visit https://www.helitours.lk/
By Train
There are several trains running between Colombo and Jaffna city. Vavuniya and Kilinochchi cities covered under this rail route.
| Train No & Name |
Departure Station |
Departure Time |
Arrival station |
Arrival time |
| 4077 Yarl Devi |
Colombo Fort |
05:35 |
Kankesanthurai |
13:15 |
| 4017 Uthara Devi |
Colombo Fort |
11:50 |
Kankesanthurai |
19:37 |
| 4089 Long distance Mail |
Colombo Fort |
20:00 |
Kankesanthurai |
04:32 |
| 4018 Uthara Devi |
Kankesanthurai |
06:16 |
Colombo Fort |
13:26 |
| 4078 Yarl Devi |
Kankesanthurai |
14:00 |
Colombo Fort |
21:20 |
| 4090 Long distance Mail |
Kankesanthurai |
19:37 |
Colombo Fort |
03:59 |
Another train service is also running between Colombo and Thalaimannar city.
| Train No & Name |
Departure station |
Departure time |
Arrival station |
Arrival time |
| 5003 Long distance |
Colombo Fort |
15:55 |
Thalaimannar |
22:48 |
| 5004 Long distance |
Thalaimannar |
04:18 |
Colombo Fort |
10:34 |
By Bus
Numerous private bus companies offer overnight bus services between Colombo and Northern Cities including Jaffna. Ordinary, Semi-luxury and Luxury types of services are available on these buses. Buses are operated in two different routes from Colombo to Jaffna.
- Colombo – Puttalam – Anuradhapura – Vavuniya – Jaffna (Route No. 87)
- Colombo – Kurunagala – Dambulla – Vavuniya – Jaffna (Route No. 15/87)
Normally it takes 9 – 11 hours journey from Colombo to Jaffna or vice versa.
Buses are operated between Colombo and Mannar through Puttalam – Anuradhapura – Mathawachchiya (Route No. 4). This journey takes nearly 8 – 10 hours.
Travelling around destinations from City centers of districts in the Northern Province are served by both Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) and private minibuses. Comparatively this mode of transport is very much cheaper.
By Rented Vehicle
There are many private companies located in Colombo offering rented vehicles (Cars, Vans, etc.) which can be hired on a rental basis. There are also many private companies located in important cities of Northern Province offering this type of vehicles including Cars, Vans, Motorbikes, Bicycles to visiting tourists for rental services on hourly or daily basis.
Three Wheeler
This is a common mode of transport in Northern Province. Nowadays most of these three wheelers have fixed meters.
Services available at the Bandaranaike International Airport - BIA
Taxi
The Airport Taxi Service (Tel 2252861 Ex 3097) supervised by Airport and Aviation Services (SL) Ltd. operates with a fleet over 600 vehicles. A counter in available at the Arrival Lobby.
Bus
Direct express way public busses are available, which you can reach Colombo (Pettah), central bus stand within 25 minutes. From there you will be able to reach any part of the country.
Porter
Departing passengers, who wish to obtain the services of Porters, could do so at the departure outer porch. A fee has been approved for them by the AASL and they have been advised to offer this service up-to the check-in counters. Rs. 100.00 per Baggage for both Arrival and Departure Round the Clock.
Airport Map
Click on the link to view the Map of Arrival and Departure lounges. Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited.
Arrival Services
Baggage
For more details regarding your baggage and declaration of items, please visit this webpage: http://www.airport.lk/passenger_guide
Banks/Currency Exchange
Several bank counters are located in each Departure Lobby and Arrival Lobby areas, providing currency exchange facilities. Another bank is located in the transit area for re-exchange.
Automated Teller Machines are available in Departure area and Arrival lobby area
Post Office
A Post office is located in the arrival porch and it open 24 hours. Post boxes also located in the same area.
Communication
Telephone booths can be found in Arrival, Departure and Transit areas. Communication Counters are located in the Departure Lobby area and in the transit lounge with international direct dialing, Email and fax facilities. Mobile Phone connections can be obtained from outlets of several service providing companies located in the Arrival Lobby.
Passengers with reduced mobility
Lifts, Wheelchairs and disabled toilets are available in the Airport.
Child Care
Rooms are available in the transit area for infants and feeding Mothers.
Medical Centre
This Medical Centre is located in the Arrival Baggage Area. It is staffed with a Doctor and qualified Nurses.
Duty Free Shopping
Several Duty Free Shops are available in the Arrival, Departure and Transit areas. Wine & Spirits, Handicrafts, Silk Items, Jewellery, Perfumes, Ceramic Items, Ready-made Garments, Cameras, and variety of Tea products are available.
Shopping
Passengers with Sri Lankan passports are entitled for Duty Free Allowance, on arrival according to the period of their stay abroad. Foreigners are allowed liquor & cigarettes with duty free. Foreigners with resident visa are entitled for Duty Free Allowance.
For more details, please visit this webpage: http://www.airport.lk/shop_dine_&_relax
