Sri Lanka is one of South Asia’s most accessible destinations — whether you’re flying in from India, the Middle East, or Southeast Asia. Thanks to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean, the island serves as a crossroads between East and West, making travel both convenient and affordable.
Let’s explore the different ways to reach Sri Lanka, along with travel tips for smooth entry into this tropical paradise.
Main International Gateway: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The primary entry point into Sri Lanka is the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), located in Katunayake, about 35 km north of Colombo. It’s the country’s busiest airport and well-connected with major cities across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
From the airport, travelers can easily reach Colombo (around an hour’s drive) or head south to popular beach destinations like Bentota and Galle, or inland towards Kandy and the Central Highlands.
Facilities at Bandaranaike International Airport
- 24-hour money exchange counters and ATMs
- SIM card kiosks for tourist connections (Dialog, Mobitel, Airtel)
- Prepaid taxi counters and ride-hailing apps
- Duty-free shopping and restaurants
- Tourist information desks and hotel booking help
Travel Tip: You can pre-book your airport transfer online or use an official taxi from the arrivals terminal. Avoid accepting rides from unregistered drivers outside the airport.
Flights to Sri Lanka from India
For Indian travelers, Sri Lanka is one of the most affordable international destinations — with frequent direct flights and short travel times.
Several airlines operate daily connections between major Indian cities and Colombo:
| Indian City | Airlines | Flight Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Chennai | SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo, Air India | 1 hr 20 min |
| Bangalore | SriLankan Airlines, IndiGo | 1 hr 30 min |
| Mumbai | SriLankan Airlines, Air India, IndiGo | 2 hr 10 min |
| Delhi | SriLankan Airlines, Vistara, Air India | 3 hr 30 min |
| Trivandrum | SriLankan Airlines | 1 hr |
| Hyderabad | IndiGo, SriLankan Airlines | 1 hr 45 min |
Quick Fact: The Chennai–Colombo route is one of the shortest international flights in South Asia — perfect for weekend getaways or spontaneous travel.
Airlines Flying to Sri Lanka
- SriLankan Airlines (national carrier, best connectivity)
- Air India
- IndiGo
- Vistara
- Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and AirAsia (for connecting international routes)
Most flights land at Colombo International Airport, though a new airport, Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in Hambantota (Southern Sri Lanka), occasionally handles charter and regional flights.
Sea Routes – Ferry & Cruise Options
Though air travel is the primary mode of entry, sea travel between India and Sri Lanka has historical significance and is being revived in recent years. Here’s what travelers should know:
1. Nagapattinam (India) – Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka) Ferry Service
A new ferry service connects Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai near Jaffna in Northern Sri Lanka.
- Duration: Around 3–4 hours
- Frequency: Several times a week
- Cost: Approx. ₹7,000–₹10,000 per person (varies by season)
- Facilities: Air-conditioned seating, refreshments, and luggage allowance
This ferry is ideal for travelers looking to explore Northern Sri Lanka, including Jaffna, Mannar Island, and Anuradhapura.
Tip: Book tickets well in advance, especially during festival seasons or weekends.
2. Cruises to Sri Lanka
Several luxury cruise lines and regional operators include Sri Lanka in their itineraries, docking at Colombo, Galle, or Trincomalee.
Cruises departing from Mumbai, Cochin, Singapore, or Maldives often include Sri Lanka as a stopover destination.
Cruising to Sri Lanka is a scenic and relaxing way to experience the island, particularly for travelers combining multiple destinations in South and Southeast Asia.
Overland Travel and Regional Connections
Since Sri Lanka is an island nation, there are no direct land borders with any other country. However, it’s often combined with India or Maldives as part of a multi-country itinerary.
Popular Multi-Destination Itineraries:
- India + Sri Lanka: Combine South India’s temples (Madurai, Rameswaram) with Northern Sri Lanka (Jaffna, Anuradhapura).
- Sri Lanka + Maldives: Short flights (1.5 hours) connect Colombo with Malé, ideal for honeymooners or luxury travelers seeking both culture and beach bliss.
Flight Tip: Budget airlines like Flydubai, AirAsia, and IndiGo frequently offer discounted combination fares for India–Sri Lanka–Maldives routes.
Arrival and Customs Tips
When you arrive in Sri Lanka, you’ll go through immigration, customs, and health screening (if applicable). Here are a few tips to make your arrival smoother:
- Visa: Most travelers need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival (more on this in the next section).
- Documents to Keep Handy: Passport (valid for 6+ months), ETA approval, return flight ticket, and hotel booking confirmation.
- Currency Exchange: Exchange counters at the airport offer fair rates, but you’ll often get better rates in Colombo or Galle.
- Local SIM Card: Buy one at the airport from Dialog or Mobitel — they offer tourist data packages starting around USD 5.
- Transportation: Prepaid taxis, private transfers, or PickMe app (Sri Lanka’s version of Uber) are reliable ways to reach your destination.
Getting from the Airport to Major Cities
| Destination | Distance from CMB | Travel Time | Best Mode of Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | 35 km | 1 hour | Taxi, PickMe, Bus |
| Negombo | 10 km | 20 min | Tuk-tuk, Taxi |
| Kandy | 105 km | 3 hours | Taxi, Private Car |
| Galle | 150 km | 2.5 hours | Expressway Bus, Taxi |
| Nuwara Eliya | 160 km | 4 hours | Taxi, Train from Colombo |
Insider Tip: If you’re planning a multi-city trip, consider hiring a private driver for the entire journey. It’s surprisingly affordable (around USD 50–70 per day) and gives you full flexibility.
Summary – How to Reach Sri Lanka
- By Air: Best and fastest option; direct flights from major Indian and Asian cities.
- By Sea: Ferry from Nagapattinam (India) to Jaffna, or via international cruises.
- By Multi-Destination Travel: Combine with India or Maldives for a diverse holiday.
- Main Entry Airport: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Colombo.
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