Transferring from Airport to your Hotel

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How do I travel from BIA (Airport)?

Option 1:

Hail a Cab (yourself) from the Taxi counter within the arrivals lounge upon arrival

Keep in mind: It will take some time depending on the queue

Option 2:

Use a taxi hailing app on your phone

Keep in mind: These would be marginally cheaper but some may decline

Option 3:

Arrange a pick up from a reputed local taxi operator at a fixed price with the help of your host

Keep in mind: Host will have to book it and send you the confirmation message. I do this for my guest when they request.

Option 4:

Walk out and agree upon a price with a taxi driver fishing for customers

Keep in mind: Tourist trap alert! Will can cost you more, even  if you do bargain down to the correct price, they might use the longer route to avoid highway toll fees

Option 5:

Take a Bus to the Fort Bus Terminal and then get on a bus to your intended destination

Keep in mind: Much cheaper, but time consuming and tedious (If you’re not tired, travelling light     and have daylight and energy to brave the local public service

Advice: If you can afford to spend the $15-20 (Lkr 3000-4000) fee for a car, it is the most convenient and comfortable method to get to your hotel/homestay. A toll fee would be added on top of price, unless otherwise agreed upon.

Make sure to avoid the drivers outside fishing for tourists, unless you yourself are gifted in the art of bargaining.

Toll Fee rate for the Expressway can be found in the following link:

http://www.exway.rda.gov.lk/index.php?page=expressway_network/e01/tariff_schedule

So what are my options if I reach Fort via Bus?

Fort is the main transportation hub of Colombo. This is where you find the Pettah Bust Station and Fort Railway station. Depending on the time of day and availability, you could choose to travel via bus or train. Depending on your destination, a train ride during daytime would offer you the scenic coastal route. This recommended when travelling south or enjoy the mesmerizing views of the hill country when heading towards Kandy/Nuwara Eliya/Ella.

Keep in mind: If you want to enjoy the scenery – travel by train during daytime or plan accordingly

Common Bus Routes going through Colombo from Fort Bus Terminal

100 Pettah  – Panadura

Colombo End Pettah – Fort – Galle Face – Kollupitiya (Duplication Road) – Keselwatta (Duplication Road) Bambalapitiya (Duplication Road) – Wellawatta – Dehiwala – Mt. Lavinia (Galkissa) – Ratmalana – Moratuwa – Old Galle Road – Walana – Panadura Bus Stand Panadura End

101 Pettah – Moratuwa

Colombo End Pettah – Fort – Lake House – Slave Island – Kollupitiya – Bambalapitiya – Wellawatta – Dehiwala – Mt. Lavinia (Galkissa) – Ratmalana – Moratuwa  Moratuwa End

For a rudimentary schematic look at the common network of bus routes click on the link below