Search flights to Bandaranaike Intl. Airport

Bandaranayike International Airport was built in the Katunayake District in the 1940s when Sri Lanka was a British colony and was used by the Royal Air Force as an airfield during the Second World War and beyond. In 1957, the prime minister of Sri Lanka, Bandaranayike, decided to transfer all military airports in the country to the Sri Lanka Air Force. Up until 1964, the Sri Lanka Air Force continued to use the airport and then was closed and was renovated. The airport was reopened in 1967 and operated only commercial flights.  The airport was named after Sirimavo Bandaranayike, the world's first female prime minister and the symbolic name of Sri Lankas independence. Bandaranayike International Airport is the main international airport in Sri Lanka and in 1990, was gradually expanded and the number of terminal buildings was increased to three.

Sri Lanka's capital city, Colombo, located on the southern part of Asia, is known for its Colombo Harbor, which is frequented by many merchant ships. The rivers and canals in the city add a different beauty and naturalness to the city. Sri Lanka is starting to become a tourist center as a result of the renovated and newly opened buildings thanks to the urban transformation that started in the city.

Transportation in Colombo is provided by many different transportation means. The sympathetic three-wheeled vehicles, special to the city, known tuk-tuk serve at short distances. Other transport options include buses, trains and taxis as well as ferries linking India and the city. Bandaranayike Airport connects Colombo with all the cities in the world.

There are buses that travel at certain intervals during the day from Bandaranayike Airport to the city center. Taxis carry passengers to the city center on a busy pace all day.  

Taxi

Taxis are very popular as transportation facilities at the airport are limited and buses, which do not work at night, have long intervals. You need to clearly tell the route you want to go to the driver of the taxi, which you can easily take at the airport exit.

Bus

There is an express route between the city of Colombo and the airport, which can only be used by buses. Thanks to this special road, bus number 187-E3 can reach the city center in half an hour. In order to take the buses in front of the terminal building you need to buy tickets in advance.

It is only possible to reach the airport from Colombo city center by bus and taxi. Alternatively, you can also travel with private cars that can be rented from car rental companies located in the city center.

Taxi

Taxi drivers in Colombo, which is moving towards to becoming a global world city, also keep up with this development. Almost all of the taxi drivers are clean-wear, polite and speak English, which increases the quality of service. Despite being expensive compared to other alternatives, it is preferred because of its ease of reaching anytime.

Bus

The bus number 187-E3, which is used to get to the airport, collects passengers at different bus stops all day except night time. It serves as an economic and fast transportation option.

Car Rental

As in all major cities, it is also possible to find quality and reputable car rental companies in Colombo. You can request the model and brand you want from the companies you can reach easily via Internet and telephone.

Airport Information

Bandaranayike Airport, which links Colombo to the world and hosts many passengers every year, consists of a medium sized single terminal building. There are many services ranging from pharmacies and health centers to foreign exchange bureaus and bank ATMs at the airport. There is a beauty and spa center in the terminal which also has an animal care room for pets of passengers.

Baristar Coffee Lanka, Burger King, Deli Food & Spicy, HVA Foods, Nestle Lanka PLC, Palm Strip Restaurant and Relax Inn Food are the places where passengers can meet their eating and drinking needs during waiting periods.

For shopping there are Abans Pvt, AMF Duty Free, Asian Electricals, Aventure Holdings, Chamber of Gifts, Classic Electronics, Crown Electronics, Citizen, Gomez's and Odel stores. The airport also meets the accommodation needs of its passengers with the Serediva Transit Hotel in it.