Start Your Sri Lanka Journey Right

After a long international flight, the last thing you want is transportation stress at the airport. Whether you're landing at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) or the newer Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in the south, having reliable airport transfer arranged in advance transforms your arrival from potentially chaotic to completely seamless. No haggling with taxi drivers, no confusion about rates, no wondering if your driver knows where they're going—just a friendly face with your name on a sign, ready to whisk you comfortably to your destination.

At CU Tours Sri Lanka, we've perfected the airport transfer experience. Our professional drivers meet you at arrivals with clear signage, help with luggage, and provide comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles for your journey. We monitor flight times so even if your flight is delayed, your driver will be there waiting. With transparent fixed pricing, modern vehicles, and drivers who know every route and shortcut, we make your first (or last) impression of Sri Lanka a positive one. Whether you're heading to the beaches, hill country, cultural triangle, or anywhere else on the island, we've got you covered.

Colombo Airport (CMB) Transfers

Bandaranaike International Airport, located in Katunayake about 35 kilometers north of Colombo city, is Sri Lanka's main international gateway handling most international flights. The airport is modern and well-organized, with clearly marked exits where you'll find our drivers waiting in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. We track your flight in real-time, so whether you land early or your flight is delayed, your driver adjusts accordingly—no additional waiting charges.

From Colombo Airport, we offer transfers to all major destinations across Sri Lanka. To Colombo city center takes approximately 45-60 minutes depending on traffic (rush hour can add 30+ minutes). Popular beach destinations like Negombo are just 20 minutes away, making it perfect for late arrivals or early departures. Heading south to Bentota, Hikkaduwa, or Galle takes 2-3 hours. The hill country destinations of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella are 3-5 hours depending on your specific location. Even the cultural triangle sites like Sigiriya and Dambulla are reachable in 4-5 hours.

Our Colombo airport fleet includes comfortable sedans for 1-3 passengers, spacious vans for families or groups up to 8 people, and luxury vehicles for those seeking premium comfort. All vehicles are air-conditioned, well-maintained, and equipped with luggage space. Your driver speaks English, knows the routes intimately, and can provide insights about Sri Lanka during your journey. We also offer meet-and-greet inside the terminal for easier connections (small additional charge) and can arrange child seats if needed—just let us know when booking.

Mattala Airport (HRI) Transfers

Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, located near Hambantota in southern Sri Lanka, is the country's second international airport. While it handles fewer flights than Colombo, it's a game-changer for travelers heading to the south coast, Yala National Park, or eastern beaches, saving hours of driving. If your airline offers flights via Mattala, it's worth considering for southern Sri Lanka itineraries as it significantly reduces transfer times and puts you straight into your holiday.

From Mattala Airport, you're ideally positioned for southern destinations. Tangalle and surrounding beaches are just 30-45 minutes away. Mirissa and Weligama are about 60-90 minutes, Galle is roughly 2 hours, and even Colombo is reachable in 3.5-4 hours via the Southern Expressway. The airport also provides excellent access to Yala National Park (90 minutes), Udawalawe (2 hours), and Arugam Bay on the east coast (2.5 hours). This strategic location makes Mattala perfect for itineraries focused on wildlife safaris, surfing, beaches, and southern cultural sites.

Our Mattala airport transfer service operates identically to Colombo—professional drivers meet you at arrivals, monitor your flight, and provide comfortable vehicles to your destination. Because Mattala handles fewer flights, the airport experience is often quieter and less crowded than Colombo, though immigration and customs procedures are the same. The drive from Mattala passes through scenic countryside, small towns, and often wildlife areas, making the transfer itself an enjoyable part of your journey rather than just getting from A to B.

Vehicle Options & Rates

We offer various vehicle categories to match your needs and budget. Standard cars (sedans like Toyota Axio or similar) comfortably accommodate 1-3 passengers with standard luggage, perfect for couples or solo travelers. These are our most economical option while maintaining high comfort standards with air conditioning and professional drivers. Rates typically range from 5,000-15,000 LKR depending on distance, with Colombo to Negombo being the shortest and cheapest transfer.

For families or small groups (4-7 passengers), we provide spacious vans (Toyota KDH or similar) with ample luggage capacity. These minivans are ideal for families with children, friends traveling together, or anyone with extra luggage. The additional space makes long journeys more comfortable, and splitting the cost among multiple passengers often makes it very economical. Rates for van transfers typically range from 8,000-25,000 LKR depending on distance and passenger count.

Premium travelers can opt for luxury vehicles including newer model cars, SUVs, or even luxury vans with extra amenities. These include features like leather seats, extra legroom, WiFi connectivity, and bottled water. Premium transfers are perfect for business travelers, honeymooners, or anyone wanting to start their holiday in style. We also offer customization like specific vehicle brands if requested in advance, though this may affect pricing.

Additional Services & Customization

Beyond simple airport transfers, we offer various add-on services to enhance your experience. Sightseeing en route allows you to break up long journeys with stops at interesting attractions. For example, transfers from Colombo to Galle can include stops at Kalutara Temple, Bentota Beach, or Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery. Colombo to Kandy transfers often include visits to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage or spice gardens. These stops are arranged at your preference with minimal additional cost beyond entrance fees and slight time extensions.

Multi-day charters are available if you want the same vehicle and driver throughout your trip. This provides ultimate flexibility—your driver becomes your personal chauffeur and guide, adapting the itinerary as you go. It's particularly valuable for complex itineraries covering multiple regions or for those who prefer not to prearrange every detail. Day rates for chartered vehicles are very competitive, especially when split among a group, and eliminate the hassle of arranging multiple separate transfers.

We also coordinate airport transfers with our other services—safaris, tours, and activities—creating seamless travel experiences. Arrive at Colombo Airport, transfer to Yala for an afternoon safari, then continue to your beach hotel all in one coordinated movement. Or fly into Mattala, transfer to Ella with a stop at Udawalawe Safari, and end your journey at a hill country hotel. This integrated approach saves time, reduces stress, and often provides better value than booking services separately from different providers.

Departure Transfers & Airport Timing

Departure transfers require careful timing to ensure you reach the airport with adequate buffer for check-in, security, and immigration. For international flights from Colombo, we recommend arriving 3 hours before departure, while 2 hours is sufficient for Mattala due to smaller crowds. Factor in your origin location and potential traffic—from Colombo city to the airport can take 45-90 minutes depending on time of day, so departing 4-5 hours before your flight is wise for evening departures during rush hour.

We work backward from your flight time to calculate optimal pickup times, accounting for traffic patterns, route options, and safety buffers. Our drivers are experienced with airport timing and will recommend pickup times when you book. Many travelers underestimate how long transfers take or don't account for traffic, resulting in stressful rushes to the airport. With pre-booked departure transfers, you can relax knowing you'll arrive with time to spare, check in comfortably, perhaps enjoy the airport lounge, and board your flight without the anxiety of cutting it close.

For early morning flights (common for international departures), our drivers are available for pickups as early as needed—whether that's 3am from Colombo or 4am from Galle. While it means an early start to your day, it ensures you catch your flight and provides the peace of mind that comes from punctual, professional service. We've never missed a flight due to late pickup, and that's a track record we're proud to maintain through careful planning and reliable execution.