Airport taxi & transfer
Colombo Airport to Arugam Bay
Your own airport taxi from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Arugam Bay: a private car or van, a driver waiting for you at arrivals, and a fixed price agreed before you fly.
The route
The drive from Colombo airport to Arugam Bay
Through the hills via Ratnapura and Wellawaya, then down to the east coast at Pottuvil. It's about 340 km and usually takes 7 hrs, depending on traffic.
Worth a stop on the way
- Buduruwagala rock carvings near Wellawaya
Want to stop on the way? Tell us when you book and we'll plan it in.
Good to know: It's a long day, so we start early and stop for meals. Some guests break the trip in Ella.
How your transfer works
- Your driver waits at arrivals with a name board
- We track your flight, so delays cost you nothing
- Help with your luggage
- Air-conditioned car or van, just for your group
- Fuel, parking and highway tolls included
- Child seats free on request
Prices are per vehicle, one way, not per person. Need a transfer that isn't listed, or a hotel-to-hotel ride? Send us a message and we'll quote it right away.
Arugam Bay to Colombo Airport
Flying home? We drive you from Arugam Bay to Colombo airport for the same price: US$230 by car or US$315 by van. Tell us your flight time and we'll pick you up with plenty of time to spare.
Other ways to get from Colombo airport to Arugam Bay
Buses and trains are cheaper, but they're slow with luggage and usually mean changing in Colombo or Negombo first, which can turn a 7 hrs drive into most of a day. A pre-booked transfer takes you door to door at a fixed price, and your driver waits even if your flight is late. Read our Colombo airport arrival guide
Arugam Bay
A legendary surf town with a relaxed beach-shack vibe, close to lagoons, Kumana's birdlife and quiet jungle ruins.
Travel guideAirport pickups
Book your airport pickup
Tell us your flight and hotel. Your driver will be waiting with a name board when you land.
Good to know
Airport pickup questions
How much is a taxi from Colombo airport to Arugam Bay?
A private transfer costs US$230 by car (up to 3 guests) or US$315 by van (up to 9), one way. That's per vehicle, not per person, with fuel, parking and highway tolls included.
How far is Arugam Bay from Colombo airport, and how long does it take?
About 340 km by road, which takes around 7 hrs depending on traffic. We use the expressways wherever they save time.
Can you take us from Arugam Bay back to Colombo airport?
Yes, for the same price: US$230 by car or US$315 by van. Tell us your flight time and we'll plan your pickup so you reach the airport about 3 hours before an international flight.
How do I find my driver at Colombo airport?
After customs, walk out into the arrivals hall. Your driver will be waiting with a name board showing your name. We send you your driver's name and WhatsApp number before you fly.
What if my flight is delayed?
We track your flight, so your driver is there when you land. Delays cost you nothing.
My flight lands in the middle of the night. Is that OK?
Yes. Many flights land late at night or before dawn, and our drivers meet flights at any hour. If you land after midnight, a first night in Negombo, 20 minutes away, lets you start the longer drives fresh.
Is the price per person?
No. Prices are per vehicle, one way: a car for up to 3 guests or a van for up to 9.
How do I pay?
No payment is needed to book. You pay your driver on the day, in cash (US dollars, euros or Sri Lankan rupees).
Is Katunayake airport the same as Colombo airport?
Yes. Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is in Katunayake, about 30 km north of Colombo. It's Sri Lanka's main international airport, and most people simply call it Colombo airport.
How early should we leave for the airport when flying home?
Plan to reach the airport about 3 hours before an international flight. We work out your pickup time from the distance and the traffic, so you don't have to.
Airport transfers