The Bandaranaike International Airport is the main airport servicing the capital city of Colombo. The airport is located in Katunayake, 20 miles away from the city centre, which is roughly 45-60 minutes away.  

There are buses, taxis, rental cars, and ride-sharing services at the airport.  Express buses depart from the airport every 30 minutes between 5:30 am and 8:30 pm. A bus ticket costs around 500 LKR, and the journey takes around 1 hour to reach the Colombo Central Bus Station. It also stops at Pettah Fort and Colombo Fort. You can take a tuk-tuk ride from these stations to your accommodation. The Colombo Express bus stop at the airport is a short (164 feet) walk from the terminal. 

The local public bus #187 runs every 30 minutes until 11 pm from the Katunayake bus station (located about 0.62 miles from the airport) to Colombo’s Central bus station, Pettah Fort, and Colombo Fort. This journey takes at least 1.5 - 2 hours. Ticket prices are around Rs 200 per person. There is a private bus, also #187, that operates between the airport and the bus depot in Petta. The journey takes around 40 minutes each way, departing every 30 minutes, and costs around RS 320. 

Taxis are available from the airport to the city and have counters in the arrivals hall with a fleet of over 600 vehicles. A taxi ride to the city will cost between Rs 7,500 - 10,000 and can take up to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Taxis run on meters and rates are not fixed; the cost should be between 2000-3000 LKR. Alternatively ride ride-sharing apps like Uber and PickMe are available at the airport.  There are several rental car companies available at the airport.

Colombo is a major port in Sri Lanka, it is a port of call for many cruise ships. There are ferry services to the city from Tuticorin, India. 

There are various options for getting around Colombo, including buses and tuk-tuks, which are among the most popular. The most common mode of transport is the government-run SLTB buses (red) and private buses (blue or white). The three primary bus terminals are Bastian Mawatha, Central, and the Gunasinghapura terminals in Pettah. It can be quite difficult to figure out the bus system and how to utilize it in the city. The easiest buses are the ones that cross teh city from North to South via Galle road, these buses are number 100 or 101. The cost of a bus ride is usually around Rs 20. Tuk-tuks are a popular way to get around the city and travel short distances. These motorised rickshaws are a quintessential mode of transport in the city and the countryside. They usually run on meters, so be sure the meter is turned on and working before you start your journey, then sit back and enjoy the entertaining ride and take in the surroundings. You can hail a tuk-tuk down on the street or find them outside the main stations, shopping centers, attractions, and on the streets. PickMe is effectively the same as Uber, but for tuk-tuks in Sri Lanka. Simply download the app, order a tuk tuk, and pay in the app or with cash.  

Trains are a great way to get around the country and travel from city to city. There are not really any trains that travel within the city for transportation purposes. The Central Bus Stand and Fort Railway Station function as the primary hubs for bus and rail travel on the island. Train travel throughout the country is very scenic and quite the journey and activity in itself. There is a recently renovated route that travels from Colombo to the historical city of Galle, running along the edge of the west coast, offering passengers mesmerizing views of the Indian Ocean.  There are four commuter train lines in the city; only one of these would be used by visitors. The Coastal line connects Colombo Fort Station with Mount Lavina Station and beyond. 

There is no need to rent a car if you are strictly staying in the city. There are many options to get around Colombo by transportation, so there is no need to have a car. Traffic can be congested, and parking can be a nightmare and impossible at times, so renting a car can be more of a hassle than anything. If you plan to travel around, then renting a car for a day or renting a car in the city when you leave the city is smart. Renting a car with a driver is also a great option in Sri Lanka. 

There are taxis in the city and plenty of options for ride-sharing with Uber, PickMe. You can normally find taxis outside the airport, the main bus and train stations, as well as call and order one from your hotel. The base charge starts around RS 40 per 0.62 mile. 

Colombo offers some great places for walking, with many sights and attractions in the city center that can be reached on foot. There are some great walking tours in the city that take you past major attractions like the historical Fort, the Parliament building, and the Dutch Hospital. The Galle Face Green Promenade is a nice stretch along Colombo’s coast and a large oceanside urban park. The park is the largest open space in Colombo, there is plenty to see and do along the bustling promenade. 

Riding a bicycle in Colombo is a great way of exploring the city. The city does not have dedicated bike lanes, however, it is easy to cycle around the city. The city is relatively small, which makes riding a bike an easy way to explore and get to the beach area. Cycling is a viable mode of transport, and there may be cycling tours with local guides offered. Some accommodations might have bikes on site to offer or rent for a small fee, and there are some bike rentals offered around the city. 

Colombo is considered a very safe destination to visit. However, due to its increased population and visitors over the recent years, crimes against tourists are becoming more common, with petty theft and muggings. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist attractions. At night, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. Be careful when walking at night, and don’t walk outside the main center of town. 

The capital city of Sri Lanka offers shoppers some great shopping experiences with some excellent modern luxury shopping malls, high street boutiques, busy shopping centers, and bustling street markets. Colombo’s vibrant shopping scene reflects the city’s unique blend of modernity and tradition, catering to every shopper's needs. A few of the shopping malls in the city worth visiting are the Colombo City Center and the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, both offering a wide selection of retail stores including international brands, designer brands, and an array of dining opportunities. The malls offer a nice escape from the heat and a great place for a leisurely shopping spree. The bustling streets around Galle Fort Shopping Street offer some great shops to explore, and Odel’s flagship store offers a mixture of local handicrafts, local and international fashion, unique gifts, and souvenirs. Pettah Market, the country’s largest marketplace, is a must when visiting Colombo, with a wonderful variety of goods ranging from spices, clothing, electronics, and jewelry. Along with the market's vibrant, lively atmosphere and the friendly local vendors, it makes for an enjoyable, authentic shopping experience. Other popular markets that are a must include Pettah Floating Market and Aslam Market. Fine gemstones are mined in Sri Lanka, especially sapphires and moonstones. Colombo is one of the main cities where these are marketed and sold. 

The official language spoken in Colombo is Sinhala, however, English is widely spoken by people working in the service and tourism industries. We recommend you get a good English-Nepal guidebook and familiarize yourself with a few common phrases, such as hello, goodbye, please and thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10. 

The city of Colombo features a tropical monsoon climate and is hot and humid throughout the year. The average temperatures range from 77 - 88°F. The monsoon seasons occur from April to June and September to November, with heavy rainfall. The best weather is during the drier months between November and March, when temperatures are a little cooler after the rainy season, and rainfall is minimal. Peak season begins in January and runs through to April, when prices and crowds increase. 

The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (SLR). US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Nepalese rupees upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

There is diverse and vibrant nightlife in the capital city of Colombo is quite varied and offers visitors some exciting options. There is a great variety of entertainment establishments in the city offering excellent music and drink specials, and a pleasant, laid-back atmosphere. There are some high-end cocktail lounges, rooftop bars, cozy pubs, a few casinos, and lively clubs in Colombo. The city’s spectacular skyline is a sight to behold, especially at night. Partygoers can enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from stunning rooftop bars and savor tasty cocktails, all while soaking up the city’s vibrant energy. Live music can be enjoyed throughout the lively capital city with live performances, local bands, and international artists playing everything from pop, rock, jazz, and the blues. The bustling city boasts a thriving nightclub scene and offers a great mix of local and international DJs. Clubs in the city offer a pulsating energy with non-stop entertainment and exhilarating tunes.  Colombo boasts a few casinos for those gamblers seeking a different kind of entertainment, with games and shows. Other nightlife options include Colombo’s vibrant street food scene comes alive at night with vibrant night markets offering a delicious array of local delicacies to try while immersing yourself in the local culture and a lively atmosphere. The shopping scene in Colombo also extends into the evening hours, with many shops and boutiques open late for some retail therapy after dark. 

Mount Lavina is a popular district for the nightlife scene, located 20 minutes from the city center. Mount Lavina is situated along the beachfront, boasting a variety of restaurants, bars, and other interesting beachfront party spots. This is the heart of Colombo’s LGBT district, and plays host to the city’s Gay Pride week in June. 

In the event of an emergency dial 118, 119, or 110

Hospital:

National Hospital of Sri Lanka tel. 94-112-691-111

Kings Hospital Colombo tel. 94-117-743-743