1Galle Face Green
Ocean-facing promenade where Colombo gathers at dusk. Street food vendors sell isso wade (prawn fritters) from 4pm.
Photo: Rehman Abubakr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Bandaranaike Airport (CMB) · Sri Lanka
12-Hour Layover in Colombo: What To Do
By AirConnect Editorial
Photo: Phil Whitehouse, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Quick answer
Can you leave the airport on a 12-hour layover in Colombo?
Entry
Sri Lanka requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for most nationalities — apply at eta.gov.lk before travel ($35 USD, issued instantly). Indian nationals need separate visa.
Into town
Taxi / PickMe app: 30–45 min, $10–18.
Time outside
6–8 hours exploring
Times from CMB arrivals. Check entry rules for your passport before you fly.
Top Colombo: Where to Go
The sights in Colombo worth leaving the airport for.
1market
Pettah Bazaar
Colombo's oldest wholesale market — a sensory overload of spice stalls, electronics, and fabric.
landmark
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
Eclectic temple complex with a museum of offerings from world leaders. Free entry, open from 6am.
Itinerary ideas for Colombo
Pick the plan that fits the time between your flights.
3 hours in Colombo
Stay airside — 3h is too tight
See the 3-hour planPhoto: Atlantic Ambience on Pexels.
12 hours
You are here12 hours in Colombo
6–8 hours exploring
Insider tip
Colombo has no traffic on early mornings (before 7am) and late nights. A 6-hour night layover allows easy access to the Pettah market street food scene.
Into Colombo
Getting to Colombo City Centre
| Mode | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi / PickMe app | $10–18 | 30–45 min |
| Bus (Route 187/190) | $0.30 | 50–70 min |
Eat like a local
Eat Like a Local in Colombo
Kottu roti (chopped roti with vegetables and meat) at Pilawoos Hotel in Kollupitiya — the city's favourite late-night dish, LKR 500.
12 hours in Colombo
12-Hour Itinerary
1
0–60 min
Clear passport control and head into Colombo
Take Taxi / PickMe app (30–45 min, $10–18).
2
1–4 hrs
Galle Face Green
Ocean-facing promenade where Colombo gathers at dusk. Street food vendors sell isso wade (prawn fritters) from 4pm.
3
4–6 hrs
Pettah Bazaar
Colombo's oldest wholesale market — a sensory overload of spice stalls, electronics, and fabric.
4
6–8 hrs
Eat like a local
Kottu roti (chopped roti with vegetables and meat) at Pilawoos Hotel in Kollupitiya — the city's favourite late-night dish, LKR 500.
5
8–10 hrs
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
Eclectic temple complex with a museum of offerings from world leaders. Free entry, open from 6am.
6
10–12 hrs
Back to Bandaranaike Airport
Head back to Bandaranaike Airport by Taxi / PickMe app (30–45 min, $10–18). Be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Your questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for a 12-hour layover in Colombo?
Sri Lanka requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for most nationalities — apply at eta.gov.lk before travel ($35 USD, issued instantly). Indian nationals need separate visa. Check the rules for your own passport before you fly.
Is 12 hours enough to leave Bandaranaike Airport?
6–8 hours exploring. Getting into Colombo by Taxi / PickMe app takes 30–45 min each way.
How do I get from Bandaranaike Airport to Colombo centre?
Taxi / PickMe app: 30–45 min, $10–18. Bus (Route 187/190): 50–70 min, $0.30.
Getting out of Bandaranaike Airport
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.Things to do in Colombo
Lock in a few experiences before you go — the good ones sell out.
Tours, tickets & day trips
Our pickGetYourGuide has the deepest catalogue for Colombo and free cancellation on most experiences — book now, decide later.
Browse ColomboJust need timed-entry attraction tickets in Colombo? Try Tiqets.Want a private driver-guide? Trip.com Private Tours in Colombo.Trains & buses from Colombo
Compare overland routes — often cheaper, more scenic and skip the airport queue.
Photo: Engin Akyurt on Pexels.
Hotels near Colombo Airport
With 12 hours, a day-use hotel room is worth it — shower, sleep, and recharge before your next flight.
Find hotels in Colombo
Hotels, hostels & more · Trip.com
Search hotels
Planning a longer stay in Colombo?
Read our full destination guide — hotels, attractions, visa tips, and more.
Colombo Destination Guide →Also useful for your Colombo trip
Stay connected abroad — no roaming bills
Buy a travel eSIM before you fly and install it by QR code.
Airlines that fly to Colombo
See each airline’s route map: where else it flies from CMB.
Flights to Colombo from 24 cities: fares and airlines →
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Airport lounges at Bandaranaike Airport
Wait for your flight in a lounge — one membership covers lounges at airports across the country and worldwide.
Colombo travel deals
Weekly layover, flight + hotel deals. No spam.
How a layover in Colombo works
01
Check you can leave
Sri Lanka requires an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for most nationalities — apply at eta.gov.lk before travel ($35 USD, issued instantly). Indian nationals need separate visa.
03
Back in time for your flight
Head back to Bandaranaike Airport by Taxi / PickMe app (30–45 min, $10–18). Be at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight.
Ready for Colombo?
Tours, tickets and day trips that fit between your flights.