Owais Crawford
Colombo has two airports: Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), which is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka, and Ratmalana Airport, a domestic airport serving the city of Colombo. Travellers have reported that the BIA is poorly managed, with long lines, slow staff, and disorganisation. There are also reports of rude staff, weak WiFi, and a lack of charging points. The airport is also notorious for charging high baggage fees for carrying personal items. However, the city centre is within a half-hour drive from the airport, and there are several nearby hotels that cater to transit travellers. Overall, while the airport itself may have some drawbacks, Colombo is considered a fairly safe city, with a low risk of terrorism, and is worth visiting for its local flavour.
Is Colombo Airport Safe for Transit?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Colombo is generally considered a fairly safe city, but there is a high risk of fraud and petty theft. |
| Airport Facilities | Colombo Airport has lounges, WiFi, nearby hotels, shops, food and beverage options, currency exchange, and ATMs. |
| Transit Visa | A transit visa is required for all international travelers passing through Colombo Airport. |
| Luggage Storage | Luggage storage is available at the airport and in the city, with options such as Bounce offering convenient locations near cultural districts. |
| Transportation | The city center is within a 30-60 minute drive from the airport. Licensed cabs and free shuttles offered by SriLankan Airlines are available for transport. |
| Airport Staff | Some reviews report rude and unhelpful airport staff, while others mention helpful staff. |
| Security Checks | Multiple security checks and long lines are common at Colombo Airport, which can cause delays in reaching the gate. |
| Charging Points | Limited charging points are available at the airport. |
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What You'll Learn
- Colombo airport has a reputation for ripping off tourists with high baggage fees
- The airport is poorly managed, with long lines, slow staff, and a lack of charging points
- Travellers have reported rude staff who do not listen to customers
- The airport is safe, but there is a high risk of fraud and travellers should be wary of pickpockets
- The city of Colombo is generally considered safe, but problems with corruption, bribery, and petty theft persist
Colombo airport has a reputation for ripping off tourists with high baggage fees
Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka, is generally considered a safe city. However, the city and its airports have a reputation for ripping off tourists, with high baggage fees, disorganisation, and slow service.
Colombo has two airports: Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), the main international airport serving Sri Lanka, and Ratmalana Airport, a domestic airport serving the city of Colombo. Travellers have reported negative experiences at Bandaranaike International Airport, citing issues with high and unconventional baggage fees, long lines, and slow and inefficient staff. One traveller reported being charged over $100 for carrying a purse and food as their personal items. Another traveller mentioned that the airport feels outdated and in need of an update.
The airport does offer some amenities, such as lounges, WiFi, nearby hotels, ATMs, currency exchange services, duty-free shopping, and food and beverage options. However, the transit area is described as a long corridor with limited seating and charging points, making long layovers uncomfortable. The Lotus Lounge, accessible with Priority Pass, offers a more comfortable experience with better seating and food and beverage options.
To avoid potential issues with transportation, it is recommended to pre-book your taxi from the airport with a trusted company. Negotiate the price before getting into a taxi or tuk-tuk, as locals may try to overcharge tourists. It is also advised to have cash in the local currency (LKR) and to be aware of potential toll road fees.
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The airport is poorly managed, with long lines, slow staff, and a lack of charging points
Colombo has two airports: Bandaranaike International Airport, which is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka, and Ratmalana Airport, a domestic airport serving the city of Colombo.
Bandaranaike International Airport has been described by some travellers as poorly managed, with long lines, slow staff, and a lack of charging points. Travellers have also reported issues with porters taking luggage without being asked and then demanding money. The airport is also said to be unreasonably expensive, with limited food and beverage options. The transit area is described as a long corridor with a limited number of steel chairs and few charging points.
One traveller reported that they had to go through multiple security checks, which led to a dangerous stampede as people rushed to their gates. The airport is also said to have frequent announcements, which can be disruptive for those trying to sleep.
However, other travellers have described the airport as clean and well laid out, with helpful staff. The airside area is reported to be more comfortable for sleeping, with better air conditioning and more seats. There are also several lounges available, such as the Lotus First Class Lounge, the Serendib Lounge, and the Emirates Lounge, which offer premium food, drinks, and other amenities.
For those with long layovers, there is a Transit Hotel called the Serenediva Transit Hotel located inside the airport, as well as several nearby hotels that offer shuttle services. It is recommended to have at least a six-hour layover if you want to leave the airport and explore the city, as it can take up to an hour to get to the city centre due to traffic.
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Travellers have reported rude staff who do not listen to customers
Colombo has two airports: Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), which is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka, and Ratmalana Airport, a domestic airport serving the city of Colombo.
In addition to rude staff, travellers have also reported other issues with the airport. For example, the airport has been described as disorganised, outdated, and lacking adequate charging points and drinking water points. The transit area has been described as a long corridor with limited seating and few charging points, making long layovers uncomfortable. The food and beverage options are also limited.
Travellers have also reported issues with the cost of services and items at the airport. One traveller reported being charged over $100 in unconventional baggage fees for carrying a purse and food. The prices at the airport have been described as "unreasonably expensive" compared to the cost just outside the airport.
To avoid negative experiences at the Colombo airport, travellers are advised to leave themselves plenty of time to get through the airport and reach their gate early. It is also recommended to arrange for luggage storage and to be vigilant against scams and unfair touts, both at the airport and in the city.
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The airport is safe, but there is a high risk of fraud and travellers should be wary of pickpockets
Colombo has two airports: Bandaranaike International Airport, the main international airport serving Sri Lanka, and Ratmalana Airport, a domestic airport serving the city of Colombo. While the city of Colombo is generally considered safe, there is a high risk of fraud and travellers should be wary of pickpockets.
Bandaranaike International Airport has been described as "notorious for ripping people off" and charging "unconventional baggage fees" for carrying personal items. Travellers have also reported rude staff, weak WiFi, a lack of charging points, and long lines. The airport is clean and well laid out with decent signs in English, but it is not very large. It is easy to get around, and staff are reportedly helpful if you approach them.
If you have a long layover, you may want to consider staying at a hotel. The Serenediva Transit Hotel is located inside the airport, and there are several other excellent hotels near the airport that can arrange transportation to and from the airport and the city centre. The city centre is within a half-hour drive from the airport, with peak traffic making the trip closer to an hour.
If you decide to explore the city during your layover, be sure to watch your valuables and keep them close to you at all times. Do not wear jewellery or carry a lot of cash with you. It is recommended that you negotiate the price before sitting in a taxi or tuk-tuk and that you look up hotel prices in advance online rather than locally.
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The city of Colombo is generally considered safe, but problems with corruption, bribery, and petty theft persist
Colombo, the largest city in Sri Lanka, is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, there are several issues that travellers should be aware of before visiting.
Colombo has two airports: Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), also known as Colombo International Airport, and Ratmalana Airport, a domestic airport. While the former is the primary hub for the country's airlines, both airports have been criticised for their disorganisation, long lines, and slow staff. There have also been reports of corruption, with some staff demanding money from travellers. In addition, the airport has been described as outdated, with limited charging points and uncomfortable seating.
In the city of Colombo, corruption, bribery, and petty theft persist. Tourists are often targeted by scams and unfair touts, and it is common for locals to try to get extra money from tourists for transport or accommodation. Pickpocketing is also a significant issue, especially on public transport, so it is important to keep valuables secure and be vigilant in crowded areas.
To avoid being a victim of scams or overcharging, it is recommended to negotiate prices in advance, especially for taxi or tuk-tuk rides. It is also advisable to look up hotel prices online rather than relying on local recommendations. Women can generally feel safe in Colombo, but it is recommended to avoid wandering around the city late at night or dressing too revealingly to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Despite these issues, Colombo remains a popular destination for travellers due to its rich culture and nearby beaches. The city offers a range of attractions, including casinos, museums, and waterfront areas to explore.
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Frequently asked questions
Colombo Airport is generally considered safe for transit, but there have been reports of disorganisation, long lines, and rude staff. The airport is also notorious for charging high fees for baggage. Outside the airport, there is a high risk of fraud and pickpocketing in Colombo, so it is important to be vigilant and keep an eye on your valuables.
Colombo Airport has free WiFi available in designated areas, as well as computers that can be used to access the internet. There are also several lounges, ATMs, banks, and currency exchange services available. For passengers with infants, there are baby care rooms, and for those who need to stay overnight, there is a transit hotel located inside the airport.
The city centre of Colombo is within a half-hour drive of the airport, so it is possible to explore the city during a layover. There are also several beaches nearby, including Negombo Beach, which is less than a 25-minute drive from the airport. Colombo also has a National Museum, which is worth visiting to learn about Sri Lankan history.
