RML Colombo Ratmalana Airport
Colombo Ratmalana Airport (RML) serves Colombo, about 13 km south of Colombo. Below: trains and buses from the terminal, an estimated taxi fare to town and nearby cities, where you can fly from here, and hotels nearby.
Getting from Colombo Ratmalana Airport to Colombo
The airport is about 13 km south of Colombo, about 28 minutes by road in normal traffic.
Train & bus: No rail to the airport (CMB) — it's near Negombo, about 35 km from Colombo. An express bus to Colombo, or a taxi.
Taxi & apps: PickMe and Uber (legal, cheap) are the easy way. A rank taxi with a price agreed first. Estimated fare to the centre: Rs1187–Rs1886.
Tipping: Round up; ~10%.
| Way in | Time to centre | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train / bus | ~20 min | cheapest | CHEAPEST |
| Taxi | ~28 min | Rs1187–Rs1886 | |
| Private transfer | ~28 min | fixed upfront | |
| Car rental | ~28 min + חניה | from the terminal |
From RML to nearby cities
Estimated drive times in normal traffic, and an approximate taxi fare at the local tariff. A pre-booked transfer is usually cheaper.
| Destination | Distance | Drive | Taxi (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galle | 93 km | 98 min | Rs7285–Rs11570 |
| Kandy | 98 km | 102 min | Rs7667–Rs12177 |
| Nuwara Eliya | 100 km | 105 min | Rs7820–Rs12420 |
Which way suits you from Colombo Ratmalana Airport
Taxi
Cheapest for a short trip, one or two people. ~Rs1187–Rs1886 to the centre.
Private transfer
Fixed price upfront, driver with a sign. For a late arrival, bags, kids or a group.
Car rental
If you're touring the region. Desks in the terminal, booking ahead beats the counter.
Train or bus is usually the cheapest — details above.
Book your airport transfer in Colombo ahead, no terminal surprises.
Left luggage & lost and found at Colombo Ratmalana Airport
Most large airports offer left-luggage inside the terminal, usually by the hour or day and with a size limit. A common, cheaper alternative: in-city storage points near stations and sights — handy for an early arrival before check-in, or after check-out.
Something lost in the terminal is handled by the airport's lost-and-found office (usually near baggage claim); something left on the plane is the airline's responsibility. Keep your flight details, seat number and a description of the item.
Hotels near Colombo Ratmalana Airport
For an early connection — a hotel by the terminal saves a taxi and a headache.
Rates in Colombo shift daily. See what your night costs now.
Reviews — Colombo Ratmalana Airport
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Other options near Colombo
Answers to your questions
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About this page
Written and checked by the Around the World team. We compare prices across the major providers, cross-check official sources, and update when something changes. We have no stake in any one provider — links are affiliate links, and the price is the same for you.
Sources: Airport data: OpenFlights (ODbL) · Route network: OpenFlights routes · Getting-there notes: Around the World, checked 2026