Lois Larson
Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB) in Sri Lanka has two terminals: Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 3 for domestic flights. The airport offers a range of services and facilities, including lounges, free Wi-Fi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels. There are also several shops within the airport, including souvenir shops that sell items reflecting Sri Lankan heritage and culture. If you're looking for a place to stay, the Serenediva Transit Hotel is a good option for passengers with stopovers or early connections. The airport also provides luggage storage and a variety of transportation options, such as buses and taxis, to get you to your destination.
Characteristics and Values of Colombo Airport
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB) |
| Services | Restaurants, fast food, food stores, retail outlets, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, banks, ATMs, childcare rooms, currency exchange, duty-free stores, prayer room, smoking room, pharmacy, spa and salon, lounges |
| Transport | Public bus 187-E3 to Colombo bus station every 30 minutes, shuttle bus to airport bus station every 15 minutes, inter-city buses, multi-seater taxis, minivan taxis |
| Hotels | Transit Hotel, Ramada Katunayake Colombo International Airport, Tamarind Tree Hotel |
| Shopping | Souvenir shops, Odel store (clothes, magnets, T-shirts) |
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Sri Lankan souvenirs and clothing
Sri Lanka is known for its vibrant traditional clothing, with the country's attire influenced by both Asian and European cultures. The basic attire for men in Sri Lanka is the sarong, a long piece of cloth wrapped around the waist, often combined with a long-sleeved shirt. For women, the traditional Kandyan saree (osaria) is the most popular attire, worn for all types of events and as daily wear for some. Sarees come in a variety of colours, bright patterns, and ornate designs.
If you're looking to purchase some Sri Lankan clothing, you can find a range of options, from sophisticated royal button shirts to versatile double-open shirts for men, and stylish authentic Sri Lankan tops and sarongs for women.
When it comes to souvenirs, Sri Lanka offers a plethora of options that showcase the country's rich culture and history. Here are some unique and memorable souvenirs to consider:
- Raksha Masks: These colourful, hand-painted masks are an integral part of Sri Lankan traditions and festivals. They feature distinctive designs, such as the Cobra Demon, Sanni, and Fire Demon. Raksha masks are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
- Gemstones and Jewellery: Sri Lanka is known for its gemstone mines, offering a wide range of colourful gemstones such as moonstone. These stones are crafted into elegant jewellery, including earrings, rings, bracelets, and chains.
- Tea: As the largest exporter of tea, Sri Lanka offers a variety of specialty teas, including black tea, cinnamon-infused blends, and luxury varieties like Golden Tips and Silver Tips.
- Spices: As the biggest exporter of cinnamon, Sri Lanka is a spice lover's paradise. In addition to cinnamon, you can find an array of other spices such as turmeric, pepper, and cardamom.
- Stone Art and Handicrafts: Flat stones hand-painted with traditional dancers, elephants, and other cultural symbols make for unique souvenirs. You can also find handmade kitchenware, such as coconut bowls, cinnamon tree bowls, and spoons.
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Food and drink
Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB) has a range of food and drink options available for travellers. The airport features several lounges that offer premium food, snacks, and alcoholic drinks. These include the Emirates Lounge, the Palm Strip Lounge, the SriLankan Airlines Serendiva Lounge, the Executive Lounge, and the Silk Route Lounge. The lounges also provide amenities such as Wi-Fi, flight monitors, newspapers, magazines, and television. It's important to note that these lounges may have specific locations, operating hours, and access requirements, so travellers should check the relevant lounge pages for detailed information.
In addition to the lounges, Colombo Airport offers various restaurants, fast food options, and food stores. There is a 24-hour convenience store located within the terminal, providing regular-priced food and drink options for travellers looking for quick bites during their layover or while passing through the airport.
For those who prefer a sit-down dining experience, Colombo Airport has restaurants available. However, specific restaurant names or types of cuisine offered are not readily available.
Travellers with longer layovers or those spending the night at the airport can take advantage of the 24-hour food options available. Additionally, the airport's nearby hotels, such as the Transit Hotel, may also provide additional dining choices.
It is always recommended to carry local currency (LKR) for purchases, but some outlets may accept credit cards as well.
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Duty-free shopping
Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB) has two terminals: Terminal 1, which services international flights, and Terminal 3, which handles domestic flights. The airport offers a range of duty-free shopping options for travellers looking to purchase gifts or souvenirs.
For those with a longer layover who wish to leave the airport, there are several souvenir shops located within 400 metres of the Departures building, which offer a wider range of options at lower prices than those inside the transit zone. These shops accept credit cards, so there is no need to exchange currency beforehand. However, it is important to always keep a close eye on your credit card to prevent cloning.
Within the airport, there are several lounges that offer premium food, snacks, alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, flight monitors, newspapers, magazines, and TV. Some lounges also offer spa services, showers, printers, and copiers. The SriLankan Airlines Serendiva Lounge is located across from the duty-free shopping mall and is open 24 hours. The Emirates Lounge and SriLankan Airlines Serendiva Lounge also offer a range of duty-free shopping options, including alcoholic drinks and snacks.
The airport also has a variety of retail outlets, including souvenir shops that reflect Sri Lankan heritage and culture. These shops offer a range of items such as magnets, T-shirts, and other clothing items. It is recommended to prebook a free transit ETA and pass immigration to access these shops outside of the transit zone, as the prices are significantly lower.
Additionally, the airport provides essential services such as ATMs, currency exchange, and a 24-hour convenience store with regular prices.
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Airport lounges
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) has a range of lounges to relax in before your flight. If you are a business or leisure traveller who wants to avoid the hassle of airport formalities, you can book a pass for an airport lounge and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere.
The airport has several lounges, including the Lotus First Class Lounge, the Palm Strip Lounge, the Soo Ceylon Cafe and Tea Lounge, and the Executive Lounge. The Lotus First Class Lounge is located in the departures terminal, airside, on the first floor, adjacent to Gates 6 and 7. It is open 24 hours and can be accessed with a lounge membership program.
The Silk Route Lounge is another option, with dedicated concierge services and attendants to help with your papers and luggage. There are two Silk Route Lounges, one in the arrivals section and one in the departures section.
You can also pay at the door or use a lounge membership program to access some of the lounges.
Colombo Airport has two commercial terminals: the old Terminal 1 services international flights, and Terminal 3 handles domestic flights. The Serenediva Transit Hotel is located inside the airport on the second level, above the main pier of the Arrival/Departure area, near the immigration counters.
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Transport to and from the airport
Colombo Airport, also known as Bandaranaike International Airport, is Sri Lanka's largest and busiest airport. Located 34 km away from Colombo city centre, there are several transport options to get you to and from the airport.
Taxi
The taxi is the quickest and most convenient transport option, with a large fleet of taxis readily available for passengers on arrival. The air-conditioned taxis typically seat 4 passengers, with a 35-minute journey time to the city centre, which can increase to 55 minutes during heavy traffic congestion. The taxi fare depends on your destination district, with an average cost of €21.50 (LKR 7,300) within Colombo. This is not a fixed fare, as the driver will use a taximeter to charge for additional kilometres and stops.
Bus
The cheapest way to get to the city centre is by bus, with the Sri Lanka Transport Board operating bus 187-E3 from the airport car park to Colombo bus station every 30 minutes. The total trip time is one hour, with a one-way ticket costing Rs. 110. Beware of scammers attempting to charge baggage fees for the bus, as there are no additional fees for this bus service. There are also express buses that depart regularly from the highway in front of the airport, taking around 90 minutes to reach the main bus station in the Pettah district. However, these do not run at night. Local buses run day and night, but the journey time is at least 1.5 to 2 hours, and they can be uncomfortable and overcrowded.
Private Transfer
For a more premium experience, you can book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. This option provides perks such as an English-speaking driver and zero wait time. The cost for a 3-seater sedan is €27 (LKR 9,135), while a 6-seater minivan costs €40 (LKR 13,530).
Rental Car
If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car or a tuk-tuk to get to your destination.
AtoB Transfer Service
The AtoB transfer service offers pick-up from the airport and drop-off at your desired location within Colombo. This service is available at any time of day or night, with chauffeurs waiting for you at the arrivals with a nameplate.
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Frequently asked questions
Colombo Bandaranaike Airport has a variety of shops, including souvenir shops that reflect Sri Lankan heritage and culture, and an Odel store, which sells clothing, magnets, and t-shirts. There are also duty-free stores, food, drink, and retail concessions, and a pharmacy.
It is always a good idea to buy a local SIM card at the airport, which you can get from one of the two companies that offer mobile phone connections. If you are travelling with an infant, you may also want to stock up on baby supplies from the airport's duty-free stores or convenience stores.
Colombo Airport has several lounges that offer premium food, snacks, alcoholic drinks, newspapers, magazines, and spa services. You can access these lounges by paying at the door or through a lounge membership program.
