Lois Larson
If you have a long layover or an overnight sleepover in Colombo, you may be considering sleeping in the airport. While it's not recommended, it is possible to sleep in Bandaranaike Airport, with travellers reporting that the airside area is more comfortable, with better air conditioning and more comfortable seats. If you'd prefer your own space, there is a transit hotel located inside the airport, as well as several nearby hotels that offer shuttle services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB), Sri Lanka |
| Terminals | Two commercial terminals: Terminal 1 for international flights and Terminal 3 for domestic flights |
| Sleeping Areas | Airside area near Gates 5-8 is recommended for its comfort, better air conditioning, and seats without armrests |
| Safety | Common issues include frequent announcements, mosquitoes, and potential pickpocketing; staying near other travellers or security is advised |
| Hotels | Serenediva Transit Hotel is located inside the airport above the Arrival/Departure area; rates start at $80 |
| Lounges | Pay-per-use lounges with showers and comfortable seating are available |
| Amenities | WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels |
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What You'll Learn
Safety tips for sleeping in the airport
While sleeping in any airport can be risky, especially when travelling alone, taking certain precautions can ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are some safety tips for sleeping in Colombo Airport:
Safety First
It is recommended to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. Asking security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night is also a good idea.
Stay Close to Other Travellers
If you're travelling alone, it is advisable to stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help deter potential thieves.
Avoid Landside
The Landside area of the airport can be crowded, and most seats have armrests. It is also prone to frequent announcements and mosquitoes. The airside area is generally considered more comfortable for sleeping, with better air conditioning and more seats.
Use Official Transportation Services
If you do decide to leave the airport and travel to a hotel, it is recommended to use the BIA taxi service or arrange transportation with your hotel. This can help ensure your safety when travelling at night.
Store Your Luggage Safely
If you have checked luggage, it is not advisable to leave it on the belt for too long as it may be challenging to retrieve it later. Instead, utilise the airport's 24-hour left-luggage services or store your luggage at a hotel for free.
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The Serenediva Transit Hotel
For travellers who don't need a room but want a comfortable place to relax, Serenediva offers access to its lobby for USD 20 per person. Guests can enjoy comfortable sofas, a pleasant view of aircraft landing and taking off, complimentary tea and coffee, bottled water, free Wi-Fi, and shower facilities for six hours. Separate ladies and gents shower stalls are also available for USD 15 per person, including access to fresh bath towels and bath amenities.
Reviews of the Serenediva Transit Hotel on Tripadvisor are mixed. While some guests appreciate the convenient location and clean rooms, others have complained about unprofessional staff, a lack of soundproofing in the rooms, and poor Wi-Fi. It is important to note that travellers who have not passed through security cannot access the hotel, and it is recommended to book in advance.
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Nearby hotels with shuttle services
If you're looking for a hotel with shuttle services near Colombo Airport, here are some options:
Serenediva Transit Hotel
Located inside the airport on the second level, above the main pier of the arrival/departure area, Serenediva Transit Hotel is ideal if you are in transit and do not want to leave the airport. The hotel is not accessible to travellers who have not passed through security. Rates start at $80.
Unique Towers
Unique Towers is located near many sites in the centre of Colombo. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a rooftop restaurant, and a welcoming ambience.
Mandarina Colombo
Mandarina Colombo is a 5-star hotel centrally located in Colombo. It is within walking distance of Marino Mall and the University of Colombo. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and a poolside restaurant. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge.
Ramada Colombo
Ramada Colombo is located 0.5 miles from the commercial capital of Colombo and 22 miles from the international airport. The hotel offers 181 individually furnished guest rooms, a bar/lounge, and a business centre. A roundtrip airport shuttle is available for a surcharge.
In addition to the above, it is worth noting that some travellers have mentioned using the BIA taxi service or a hotel transportation service for transfers between the airport and their accommodation.
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Paid airport lounges
While sleeping in any airport can be uncomfortable and include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone, Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB) does have a few paid airport lounges that you can use.
Serendib Lounge (Oneworld): This lounge is located in the Main Terminal, Airside, on the 1st Floor, next to Flemingo Duty-Free.
Serenediva Lounge (Oneworld): You can find this lounge in the Main Terminal, Airside, on the 2nd Floor, at The Airport Hotel, after security.
Araliya Business Class Lounge (Oneworld): Located in the Main Terminal, Airside, on the 1st Floor, near Gate 6.
Araliya Lounge (Oneworld, SkyTeam, Star Alliance): This lounge is in the Main Terminal, Airside, at the pier adjacent to Gates 6 and 7.
These lounges may be accessible for free if you are a First/Business/Elite Status flyer. However, if you are an economy class passenger, you can pay to enter these lounges for added comfort. It is recommended that you visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge and how to gain access.
It is worth noting that travellers have reported that the airside area near Gates 5-8 is more comfortable for sleeping, with better air conditioning and more seats. The landside area can be crowded, and most seats have armrests. Additionally, there are frequent announcements and mosquitoes, so it is advised to bring earplugs and mosquito repellent.
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The airside area for sleeping
If you're looking for a place to sleep inside Colombo Bandaranaike Airport, the airside area is reportedly more comfortable, with better air conditioning, fewer crowds, and more seats without armrests. Check out the area near Gates 5–8. To avoid the frequent announcements and mosquitoes, bring earplugs and mosquito repellent.
For uninterrupted sleep, there is a hotel inside the airport that caters to transit passengers. The Serenediva Transit Hotel is located on the second level above the main pier of the Arrival/Departure area, near the immigration counters. It is only accessible to travellers who have passed through security. Rates start at $80.
If you don't need a room but want a comfortable place to relax for a few hours, Serenediva also offers access to its lobby for USD 20 per person. You can enjoy comfortable sofas, complimentary tea and coffee, bottled water, free Wi-Fi, and shower facilities for up to 6 hours.
When sleeping in any airport, it's important to take precautions for your safety and the security of your valuables. Know where the security office is, look for video cameras where you plan to sleep, and ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night. Stay near other travellers or close to security, especially if you're travelling alone.
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Frequently asked questions
While there are no serious concerns about safety at Colombo Airport, travellers have complained about frequent announcements, mosquitoes, uncomfortable seating, and pickpockets. If you do choose to sleep at the airport, it is recommended that you stay near other travellers or close to security.
Travellers have reported that the airside area is more comfortable for sleeping, with better air conditioning and more comfortable seats. Check out the area near Gates 5-8.
Yes, the Serenediva Transit Hotel is located inside the airport on the 2nd level, above the main pier of the Arrival/Departure area. Rates start at $80. The hotel also provides separate shower stalls for a fee of $15.
If you would prefer a more comfortable option, there are several nearby hotels that offer shuttle services.
