Colombo Bandaranaike Airport

Katunayake, Sri Lanka

CMB

94

197 33 2424 (general information) or 197 33 1377/2377 (flight information)

None

Via the airport's website

1

GMT + 5.5

The airport is located 32km (20 miles) from the city

Most hotels and tour operators offer transport from the airport; if possible confirm in advance.

There are two parking areas. The terminal cark park can accommodate 400 vehicles. A remote car park, about 300m (984ft) from the terminal, is larger and offers cheaper parking.

There are several car hire companies at the airport, but none of the biggest international operators are present.

Road: Buses and taxis are available at the airport, and there is a train station nearby, but visitors are advised to arrange their own transportation. Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal. The airport taxi service (tel: 112 252 861, ext 3097) operates a counter in the arrival hall's inner lobby and has a fleet of over 600 vehicles. Bus: An intercity bus service operates from the airport. Buses leave for Colombo every 30 minutes.

The information desk is located on the first floor of the terminal building. In addition to offering information relating to travel or the airport's facilities, it also has fax and photocopying equipment for use by travellers.

Money and communications: Six banks operate at the arrival lobby providing currency exchange facilities. A post office is also available. Telephone booths can be found in the arrival, departure and transit areas. A communications counter is located in the transit lounge with international direct dialling and fax facilities. Eating and drinking: A restaurant run by Sri Lankan Airlines is located in the transit lounge and serves local and international cuisine. Another restaurant that serves snacks, meals and hot and cold beverages is located in the departure lobby. Shopping: Several duty-free shops are available in the arrival and departure halls selling a variety of products, including electrical and electronic items, wines and spirits, handicrafts, silk items, jewellery, perfumes and teas. Luggage: Travellers visiting Sri Lanka for up to 45 days can take advantage of the airport's bond baggage facility (tel: 112 252 861, ext 3019). The baggage will be checked by customs and airport security and will then be sealed and transferred to the departure terminal where it will be stored until your next flight. Inquiries about lost luggage should be directed either to the information desk or to the airline office. Other facilities: A first aid centre staffed with qualified nurses is located in the arrival immigration area. Fully air-conditioned day rooms with attached toilets are available in the arrival and departure halls for transit passengers who wish to stretch out and rest. Shower rooms are also available, in the transit lounge.

A business centre is located on the ground floor, in the transit hall. International direct dialling, fax and photocopiers are available. In addition, there are four business and first class lounges at the airport.

Special assistance to wheelchair users, passengers on stretchers and passengers travelling for medical reasons is available. Call for further information (tel: 197 332 382).

There are no hotels at the airport. The Hilton Colombo Residence (tel: (0)11 534 4644) is located in the city centre, 35 minutes from the airport. A shuttle bus runs from the airport to the hotel five times a day.