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
6-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 6-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
4–5 hours in the city (stay close)
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.
6 hours
You are here6 hours in Colombo
4–5 hours in the city (stay close)
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.
6 hours in Colombo
6-Hour Itinerary
1
0–45 min
Clear passport control
Only leave the airport if your passport and visa allow entry; see the entry note above.
2
45–90 min
Into Colombo: Taxi / PickMe app
30–45 min, $10–18.
3
90–210 min
Galle Face Green
Ocean-facing promenade where Colombo gathers at dusk. Street food vendors sell isso wade (prawn fritters) from 4pm.
4
210–270 min
Eat before you head back
Kottu roti (chopped roti with vegetables and meat) at Pilawoos Hotel in Kollupitiya — the city's favourite late-night dish, LKR 500.
5
270–360 min
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 6-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 6 hours enough to leave Bandaranaike Airport?
4–5 hours in the city (stay close). 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
A day-use hotel near the airport is a great option for a 6-hour layover.
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.