How to get from Colombo Bandaranaike Airport to Galle Face Green

Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB) ⇄ Galle Face Green is a straightforward 30–35 km hop into central Colombo: you can go by taxi or ride-hailing car, express airport bus plus short city ride, prebooked private transfer, or self-drive, and this guide compares each option with timings, costs and step-by-step directions.

At A Glance (Colombo Bandaranaike Airport to Galle Face Green)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚕 Taxi / Ride-hailing (Airport → Galle Face Green)	~35–75 minutes door-to-door	Most travelers, late arrivals, heavy luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~LKR 4,000–7,000 per car (≈USD 13–22) » compare airport taxis | sample private transfer
🚌 Airport Bus 187 / EX + City Taxi or Tuk-tuk	~60–90 minutes (bus) + 10–20 minutes into Galle Face	Budget travelers with light bags
🏷️ Cost: ~LKR 200–400 for bus + ~LKR 500–1,000 for city ride » compare bus/taxi combos | Colombo transport overview
🚐 Prebooked Private Transfer / Shuttle	~40–70 minutes door-to-door	Families, groups, comfort-focused
🏷️ Cost: from ~LKR 5,000–10,000 per vehicle depending on size » see transfer options | Klook airport transfers | GetYourGuide transfers
🚗 Self-drive Car Rental	~40–80 minutes (traffic & confidence dependent)	Experienced drivers continuing beyond Colombo
🏷️ Cost: from ~LKR 8,000–15,000 per day (basic compact) » compare car rentals | scooter & bike rentals

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest / Most Convenient: Taxi or ride-hailing straight from the terminal to your hotel near Galle Face Green, especially if you land late or have heavy luggage.
• Cheapest: Take the airport bus 187 / express bus to Colombo Fort and finish with a short tuk-tuk or ride-hailing trip to the seafront.
• Most Comfortable Door-to-Door: Prebook a private transfer or shuttle so a driver meets you in arrivals and you skip haggling.
• Best if You Plan a Road Trip: Pick up a car at the airport and self-drive into Colombo before continuing down the coast or into the highlands.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Compare taxis and transfers online: Use 12Go to compare airport taxi and shuttle prices, then cross-check with private transfer offers on Klook and GetYourGuide.
• Use ride-hailing for flexible pricing: In Colombo, apps like Uber and local favourite PickMe are widely used and often cheaper than walk-up taxis; you can compare them with prebooked options like Welcome Pickups and GetTransfer.
• Have some Sri Lankan rupees ready: Small notes are handy for buses, tuk-tuks and tolls; larger payments for transfers and hotels can often be made by card.
• Watch the traffic peaks: Morning (7–9 am) and evening (4–7 pm) rush hours can slow the final stretch into central Colombo; allow extra time if heading straight to a train or meeting.
• Staying near Galle Face Green: Browse seafront stays around Galle Face and central Colombo on Booking.com so you can walk the promenade at sunset.
• Planning onward travel: For trips deeper into Sri Lanka (Kandy, Galle, Ella, etc.), compare intercity trains, buses and taxis on 12Go Sri Lanka routes or browse tours and day trips on GetYourGuide and Trip.com.

🚕 Option #1 — Taxi & Ride-hailing (Most Popular, Door-to-Door)

Fastest Door-to-door 24/7 available

• Overview: A taxi or app-based car picks you up right outside arrivals and drops you directly at Galle Face Green or your hotel nearby, using the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway (E03) then city streets.
• How to book (with price): Expect roughly LKR 4,000–7,000 per car, depending on traffic, time of day and vehicle size. You can compare fixed-price airport taxis and vans on 12Go, prebook a meet-and-greet with Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, or use Uber/PickMe once you have mobile data.
• Pros: Easiest with luggage or kids; no transfers; operates all night. Cons: More expensive than the bus; travel time varies with traffic near the city.
• Good to know: Official airport taxi counters in the arrivals hall post standard rates; insist the driver either uses the meter (for metered cabs) or agrees a fixed fare before departure.

Step-by-step: Taxi & Ride-hailing

1. After immigration and customs at Bandaranaike International Airport, enter the public arrivals hall; you’ll see several official taxi counters on your left and right.
2. Check the posted fare chart for “Colombo 01 / Colombo 03” or “Galle Face” and choose your vehicle type (standard car vs. van).
3. Pay or take a ticket at the counter (depending on operator), then follow staff to the taxi rank just outside the terminal building.
4. If using ride-hailing, connect to Wi‑Fi or a local SIM, drop a pin for “Bandaranaike International Airport” as your pickup and “Galle Face Green” or your hotel as the destination; confirm car type and price estimate.
5. Drive via the expressway towards Colombo, then continue along Galle Road or the inner city streets; typical daytime journeys take 45–60 minutes, longer in peak traffic.
6. Ask the driver to stop at the closest point to your hotel entrance or directly along the Galle Face promenade if you’re visiting for sunset.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Taxi Rank / Ride-hailing Pickup)

• From Arrivals Hall: Follow signs for “Taxi” or ask at the information desk; official counters are within a short walk of the exit doors.
• Ride-hailing pickup: Most apps use the general car park or dedicated ride-hailing zone just outside arrivals—follow in-app instructions and confirm the licence plate before boarding.
• Cash vs card: Some airport taxis allow card payment, but assume cash unless clearly stated; ride-hailing apps can often charge directly to your card.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Airport Bus 187 / Express Bus + City Taxi or Tuk-tuk (Cheapest)

Lowest cost Frequent 1 transfer

• Overview: Take an airport bus (route 187 or an EX express bus) from Bandaranaike to Colombo Fort / Pettah, then hop into a tuk-tuk or taxi for the short ride to Galle Face Green.
• How to book (with price): Tickets are bought on board; expect around LKR 200–400 per person for the bus, plus LKR 500–1,000 for a tuk-tuk or taxi to Galle Face. For an idea of combined bus+taxi pricing and schedules, you can browse similar routes on 12Go.
• Pros: Very cheap; buses run from early morning until late night, and some services operate around the clock. Cons: Less comfortable with big luggage; you’ll need to change vehicles at Colombo Fort.
• Good to know: Keep small notes ready, watch your bags on crowded buses, and confirm the final stop with the conductor so you get off at Pettah or Fort.

Step-by-step: Airport Bus + City Ride

1. From arrivals, walk outside and look for signs to the airport bus stop; ask for the bus to “Colombo Fort” or route 187 / EX bus.
2. Board the bus, place larger bags where indicated, and pay the conductor in cash; keep your ticket until you get off.
3. Ride the expressway into Colombo; typical journey time ranges from 45 minutes to just over an hour depending on traffic.
4. Get off at the final stop near Colombo Fort / Pettah bus stand; use your map app to confirm you’re close to “Fort Railway Station” or “Pettah Bus Station”.
5. From Fort/Pettah, negotiate a tuk-tuk fare or open a ride-hailing app for the short 10–20 minute trip south to Galle Face Green.
6. Ask to be dropped along Galle Road or directly opposite the Galle Face promenade for easiest access.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Bus Stop / Colombo Fort)

• Airport bus stop: Located just outside the main terminal; if unsure, ask airport staff or security for “Colombo bus” or “187 bus”.
• Colombo Fort / Pettah: When you arrive in Colombo, you’ll be near the main bus and train hubs; follow signs or GPS for “Fort Railway Station” and “Galle Road”.
• From Fort to Galle Face: Tuk-tuks are plentiful; you can also walk in ~20 minutes by following Lotus Road and the seafront.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Prebooked Private Transfer / Shuttle (Most Comfortable)

Meet & greet Fixed price Great for groups

• Overview: A driver meets you at arrivals with a sign, helps with luggage and drives you directly to Galle Face Green or your hotel in a private car or van.
• How to book (with price): Standard sedans typically start from around LKR 5,000–10,000 per vehicle depending on size and provider. Check options and reviews on 12Go, Klook, GetYourGuide, and direct-driver services via GetTransfer.
• Pros: Easiest option after a long flight; price known in advance; can request child seats and larger vans. Cons: Slightly more expensive than standard metered taxis and much more than the bus.
• Good to know: Share your flight number so the driver can track delays, and confirm if the fare includes expressway tolls and night surcharges.

Step-by-step: Prebooked Private Transfer

1. Before you travel, choose your transfer provider and vehicle type on 12Go, Klook, GetYourGuide or GetTransfer, then complete the booking with your flight details.
2. On arrival at CMB, clear immigration and customs and walk into the arrivals hall; look for your name on a sign or follow the meeting instructions from your provider.
3. Confirm your destination (hotel name or “Galle Face Green”) and verify that the vehicle type matches your booking.
4. Load luggage with the driver’s help and follow the expressway to Colombo; you can usually request a quick ATM or SIM stop if agreed beforehand.
5. Arrive directly at your hotel entrance or at a convenient drop-off point along Galle Face Green.

Getting to the main embarking points (Meet & Greet Area)

• Meeting point: Most transfer companies meet passengers just outside the customs exit in the arrivals hall; they will usually specify a column number or café as a landmark.
• Delays & contact: If you’re delayed or miss your driver, use airport Wi‑Fi or a local SIM to contact them via phone, WhatsApp or the booking platform chat.
• Return transfers: You can book return trips from central Colombo or Galle Face back to the airport using the same provider or via 12Go/Klook/GetYourGuide.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Self-drive Car Rental (For Road-trip Itineraries)

Flexible Best for onward travel Challenging traffic

• Overview: Pick up a rental car at Bandaranaike Airport, drive into Colombo for Galle Face Green, then continue on to other parts of Sri Lanka on your own schedule.
• How to book (with price): Compact cars typically start around LKR 8,000–15,000 per day before fuel and tolls. Browse options and pickup locations at CMB on Booking.com Car Rental or compare scooters and motorbikes in Colombo on BikesBooking.
• Pros: Ultimate flexibility; good if you’re planning to drive to the south coast, hill country or ancient cities. Cons: Colombo traffic can be hectic; local driving style may feel challenging for first-time visitors.
• Good to know: You may need an International Driving Permit plus your home licence; always check insurance coverage and excess, and photograph the car when you pick it up.

Step-by-step: Self-drive from CMB to Galle Face Green

1. Reserve your car online before arrival, choosing Bandaranaike International Airport as the pickup point via Booking.com Car Rental or another provider.
2. At arrivals, follow signs to “Car Rental” or meet the representative named in your booking confirmation.
3. Complete paperwork, inspect the vehicle for existing damage, and confirm how to pay for tolls on the expressway (cash or electronic tag).
4. Exit the airport complex and join the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway (E03) heading south to Colombo; follow signs for “Colombo” and then “Galle Road” or “Galle Face”.
5. Park in your hotel’s car park or in a secure private lot close to Galle Face Green; avoid leaving valuables visible in the vehicle.

Getting to the main embarking points (Car Rental Desks)

• At the airport: Most major car rental desks are in the arrivals hall or just outside; smaller firms may meet you at a designated point with the car.
• Fuel & tolls: There are service stations along the expressway and within Colombo; keep cash for toll booths if your rental doesn’t include an electronic pass.
• Driving in Colombo: Expect buses, tuk-tuks and pedestrians; drive defensively and allow extra time during rush hours.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Colombo Bandaranaike Airport to Galle Face Green)

How long does it take to get from Colombo Bandaranaike Airport to Galle Face Green?
Most journeys by taxi, ride-hailing or private transfer take around 45–60 minutes via the expressway, but it can be as quick as 35 minutes late at night or up to 75 minutes in heavy peak-hour traffic.

What is the cheapest way to reach Galle Face Green from the airport?
The cheapest option is the airport bus (route 187 or EX buses) to Colombo Fort or Pettah, then a short tuk-tuk or taxi to Galle Face; this keeps your total cost to roughly LKR 700–1,400 per person depending on group size and negotiation.

Is it safe to arrive late at night and take a taxi?
Yes, taxis and ride-hailing cars operate 24/7 from the airport, and using official airport taxis, reputable transfer companies or trusted apps like Uber and PickMe is considered safe; as always, confirm the fare before departure and share your trip details with someone if travelling alone.

Can I pay for transport by card or do I need cash?
Prebooked transfers and ride-hailing apps often charge your card directly, but buses, tuk-tuks and many regular taxis expect cash in Sri Lankan rupees, so it’s wise to withdraw some money at the airport ATM.

Where should I stay near Galle Face Green?
The Galle Face and nearby Colombo 01–03 area has everything from heritage hotels to modern high-rises; you can compare locations, reviews and prices on Booking.com around Galle Face Green and choose something within easy walking distance of the promenade.