Landing late or leaving early? Negombo is the closest beach town to Sri Lanka's main airport. Here's what to do there and how to get around.
Sri Lanka's main international airport, Bandaranaike International (Colombo), is actually in Katunayake, about 35 km north of central Colombo. Right next to it is Negombo, a fishing town and beach resort, and it happens to be where our office is. It's the easiest place to sleep on your first or last night.
How far is it?
Negombo is close to the airport, usually a short drive of 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Colombo city is much further, and the drive can take an hour or more at busy times. If your flight lands late or leaves early, staying in Negombo takes the stress out of it.
Why stay here instead of Colombo
- You are minutes from the terminal, not stuck in city traffic.
- There's a beach, and a good place to have a first dinner.
- Hotels range from simple guesthouses to comfortable resorts.
- It's a natural start point for the north and the Cultural Triangle, so you don't have to backtrack.
What to do in a few hours
- The fish market at the lagoon side is busiest in the early morning. It's a real working market, so expect a lot of activity.
- The lagoon and canals. A boat trip through the fishing villages is a gentle way to shake off a long flight.
- The old Dutch fort and the churches. Negombo has a strong Catholic tradition and several beautiful churches.
- The beach at sunset. It isn't the island's most dramatic coast, but it's a fine place to unwind.
- Seafood. Fresh crab, prawns and fish are a local speciality.
Getting around
Tuk-tuks are everywhere in town, and it's worth agreeing a price before setting off. For airport transfers, the safest option is to arrange a driver in advance, so someone is waiting with your name when you arrive. You can book a private airport transfer with us, and we'll confirm your driver before you land.
Timing tips
- Arriving late at night? Book your first night's hotel in advance and confirm the pick-up.
- A very early flight home? Sleep in Negombo, not Colombo or the south. It saves a long night drive.
- A long layover? With five or more hours, a short trip into town is easy. With less, stay near the airport.
From Negombo onwards
From here it's about three to four hours to Sigiriya, which is why Negombo works well as a first night for the 7-day itinerary too.