Car Rental at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport

Airport travel guide

Colombo Airport, also known as Bandaranaike International Airport and Katunayake Airport is the main international airport in Sri Lanka. Located in the nearby city of Katunayake, this bustling airport is the main port of entry into Sri Lanka, serving over 10 million visitors annually. With a well-maintained road network and beautiful scenery, renting a car from Colombo airport is an ideal way to explore the city and the island beyond. 

Here are some interesting facts about Colombo:

• Colombo is the largest, and main city in Sri Lanka, with a population of over 5 million people. 

• Colombo is situated on the west coast of the island nation, overlooking the Indian Ocean.

• The city is a cultural melting pot, with many ethnic influences including the Sinhalese, Tamils, and Moors.

• Colombo is also the primary transportation hub of Sri Lanka, with road and rail networks connecting other major destinations in cluding Kandy, Ella, and the southern beach districts.

• Colombo is home to several significant religious sites, including the historic St Anthony’s Church, the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, and the Gangaramaya Temple.

And here are some intersting things to do and see in Colombo:

• The Galle Face Green. A popular urban park situated on the coast of Colombo. This is an excellent place to sit, relax, and enjoy amazing views over the Indian Ocean during sunset.

• Colombo Fort. Visit the historic district of Colombo. Originally built by the Portugese and later expanded by the British and Dutch, this area is now the financial hub of the city.

• Gangaramaya Temple. One of the most important Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, this unique temple features a mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, and Indian architecture. There’s also a fascinating museum attached, housing a collection of religious artifacts.

• Sri Lankan Railway. Experience the iconic Sri Lankan train system with affordable and regular departures to major cities and tourist areas in Sri Lanka. Take the train and explore the vibrant sister city of Kandy, or stop off in Ella and go hiking amongst the tea plantations. 

• Colombo National Museum. In many ways, it is  the most important museum of Sri Lanka, and it’s the right place to learn about the island nation’s (and its capital’s) long and varied history. Built for the purpose in the 1870s, the beautiful museum building is in the city center, near Viharamahadevi Park and the town hall. Visit its official website to learn more about collections and admission.
• Attidiya Bird Sanctuary. Located on the southern outskirts of the city, Attidiya is a marshland that’s been turned into a nature preserve. Known for its rich flora, the sanctuary is home to a large number of wading bird species, but also raptors like the Brahminy kites. The drive from the city center takes about 20 minutes.

Top international routes

• Chennai
• Male
• Dubai
• Doha
• Kuala Lumpur
• Singapore

Main airlines

SriLankan Airlines, Cinnamon Air, Cathay Pacific, China Eastern Airlines, IndiGo, and Korean Air

Terminals

Terminal 1 serves international flights while Terminal 3 serves domestic flights. The terminals are close to each other and you can walk between them, but you’ll have to go through security and customs. Terminal 2 is currently under construction and scheduled to open in 2019.

Location

Colombo Airport is about 32 km (20 mi) north of the city of Colombo. Katunayake Highway/E03 and Motorway A1 are the main roads connecting the airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Station wagons - from €97 per day
• Medium cars - from €33 per day
• Small cars - from €29 per day
• Large cars - from €41 per day
• Vans - from €65 per day
• SUVs - from €58 per day
• Premium cars - from €47 per day

Car rental desks

Some desks are inside the airport terminal, while other rental companies offer free shuttle service to their nearby facilities. The exact location of your car rental provider's desk will be listed on your Confirmation Voucher.

Services and facilities

You’ll find different kinds of shops, including duty-free outlets in both the arrivals and departures zones, as well bars, cafeterias, and restaurants serving both international and Sri Lankan cuisine. There are ATMs, currency exchanges, a first aid center, a pharmacy, showers, an on-site hotel, child care rooms, a foot massage salon, a spa, outlets for charging mobile devices, and a post office. Luggage storage is on the outer porch in the departures area. The airport’s facilities are equipped for travelers with reduced mobility; assistance can also be requested, but make sure to contact your airline in advance if you’d like this service.

Nearest gas station

Lanka Fuel station at 699/b Katunayaka can be reached in about eight minutes and is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations near Colombo Airport and on the way to the city.