Wildlife8daysWild Lanka Safari
Leopards, elephants and sloth bears, up close
Wilpattu · Sigiriya · Udawalawe · Yala
FromUS$580 pp
Airport taxi & transfer
Colombo Airport to Udawalawe
Your own airport taxi from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Udawalawe: a private car or van, a driver waiting for you at arrivals, and a fixed price agreed before you fly.
190 km4 hrsFrom US$140
The route
The drive from Colombo airport to Udawalawe
Inland through Ratnapura and Embilipitiya, or along the Southern Expressway, whichever is quicker on the day. It's about 190 km and usually takes 4 hrs, depending on traffic.
Good to know: Jeep safaris go out in the early morning and the afternoon, so with an early flight you can be on an afternoon drive the same day.
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.
Udawalawe to Colombo Airport
Flying home? We drive you from Udawalawe to Colombo airport for the same price: US$140 by car or US$185 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 Udawalawe
Buses and trains are cheaper, but they're slow with luggage and usually mean changing in Colombo or Negombo first, which can turn a 4 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
Udawalawe
Open grasslands around a great reservoir make this the most reliable place in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants, often dozens in a single drive.
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 Udawalawe?
A private transfer costs US$140 by car (up to 3 guests) or US$185 by van (up to 9), one way. That's per vehicle, not per person, with fuel, parking and highway tolls included.
How far is Udawalawe from Colombo airport, and how long does it take?
About 190 km by road, which takes around 4 hrs depending on traffic. We use the expressways wherever they save time.
Can you take us from Udawalawe back to Colombo airport?
Yes, for the same price: US$140 by car or US$185 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
Other airport transfers
From the airport toDistanceTimeCar, up to 3Van, up to 9Book