Airport (BIA) to Colombo by Bus: The Complete Guide (2025)
You've just landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), cleared immigration, and collected your bags. Welcome to Sri Lanka! As you step into the warm air of the arrivals hall, your first question is likely: "What's the best way to get to the city?"
While you'll be greeted by a sea of taxi counters and drivers, one of the smartest, most budget-friendly, and surprisingly efficient options is waiting just outside: the public bus.
Taking the bus might seem daunting after a long flight, but it's easier than you think. This comprehensive guide, updated for September 30, 2025, will walk you through every step, from finding the bus station to choosing the right service for your needs.
Why Take the Bus from the Airport?
In a world of taxis and ride-sharing apps, why should you consider the bus?
- Incredible Value: It's the single cheapest way to get into the city. A bus ticket will cost you less than a coffee at the airport, while a taxi can cost 10-15 times more.
- Surprising Efficiency: The modern highway bus is often just as fast as a taxi, using the same expressway to bypass city traffic.
- Authentic Start: It's your first, gentle immersion into Sri Lankan daily life, setting the tone for an authentic adventure.
First Step: Finding the Airport Bus Station
This is the most important part. When you exit the glass doors of the arrivals terminal, you will enter a covered walkway with crowds of people and taxi counters. Walk straight ahead.
Cross the main pedestrian crossing to get to the other side of the vehicle pickup lane. The official airport bus station is a sheltered area located to your left, a short 1-minute walk away. You will see several large and small buses parked here. This is your destination.
Your Two Choices: The Fast Highway Bus vs. The Local Route
You have two distinct bus options, offering a clear choice between speed and savings.
Option 1: Route EA-03 (The Expressway AC Bus) 🚀
This is the recommended choice for most tourists. It's fast, comfortable, and designed for travelers.
The Bus: Look for the large, modern, air-conditioned coaches. They are usually blue or white and will have a digital sign that says "HIGHWAY" or "COLOMBO FORT".
Ticket Price & Payment: As of late 2025, the fare is approximately Rs. 1,000 - Rs. 1,200 (~$3.50 USD). You do not need to buy a ticket beforehand. Simply board the bus, take a seat, and a conductor will come to you to collect the fare (cash only).
Travel Time: The journey is very quick, taking 30 to 45 minutes to reach the center of Colombo.
Drop-off Point: The bus terminates at a convenient spot in Colombo Fort, which is the city's main transport hub, located right next to the Fort Railway Station and the Pettah bus stands.
Pros: Very fast, air-conditioned comfort, guaranteed seat, secure luggage storage.
Cons: Significantly more expensive than the local bus.
Option 2: Route 187 (The Normal Local Bus) 🚌
This is the classic, super-budget option. It’s a no-frills local bus that has been running this route for decades.
The Bus: These are the older, non-air-conditioned buses, often red (government) or various colours (private). They look like standard city buses.
Ticket Price & Payment: The fare is incredibly low, typically under Rs. 400 (~$1.25 USD). Again, pay the conductor in cash after you board.
Travel Time: Be prepared for a long ride. Because it takes the old Negombo-Colombo road and makes numerous stops, the journey can take 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Drop-off Points: Unlike the highway bus, this route travels through the city, making many stops before terminating at the Pettah Central Bus Stand. You can get off earlier if your hotel is along its route.
Pros: Extremely cheap, runs more frequently and later into the night.
Cons: Very slow, can be hot and crowded, no dedicated luggage space, ride can be bumpy.
Dealing with Luggage on the Bus
This is a major deciding factor for many travelers.
On the Expressway Bus: These coaches have a large luggage compartment underneath the bus, just like a tour bus. The driver or an assistant will help you store your large suitcases and backpacks securely before you board.
On the Local 187 Bus: There is no dedicated luggage space. You must carry your bags on with you. This can be very challenging if you have a large suitcase and the bus is crowded. It's best suited for those with only a backpack.
Step-by-Step Guide for a Smooth Arrival
- Get Cash: Before you leave the terminal, use one of the ATMs in the arrivals hall to withdraw Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). You will need cash for the bus.
- Exit & Cross: Walk out of the terminal, cross the pickup lane, and head to the bus station on your left.
- Choose Your Bus: Decide if you want the fast AC Expressway Bus or the cheap Local 187 Bus.
- Board & Pay: Get on the bus, find a seat, and wait for the conductor to come to you for the fare.
- Know Your Stop: The AC bus has one final stop at Fort. For the 187, it's helpful to have your destination on Google Maps to know when to get off, or ask the conductor for help.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do the airport buses run 24 hours a day?
A: The Local 187 bus route operates through the night, but with much lower frequency after midnight. The Expressway AC bus service typically stops around 10:00 PM and resumes around 5:00 AM.
Q: How often do the buses leave?
A: During daytime hours (approx. 6 AM to 9 PM), both services are very frequent. The Expressway bus leaves every 30-45 minutes, while the Local 187 bus can be as frequent as every 15-20 minutes.
Q: Is it safe to take the bus from the airport at night?
A: Yes, it is generally considered safe. The buses are used by airport workers and locals at all hours. As with any travel, keep your valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Conclusion: Which Airport Bus is Right for You?
The choice is clear and depends on your priorities.
For 95% of tourists, especially after a long and tiring flight, the Expressway AC Bus (Route EA-03) is the highly recommended choice. The extra cost is minimal for the immense gain in speed, comfort, and convenience.
The Local 187 Bus is for the hardcore budget traveler, the adventurous spirit with only a backpack, or someone who is not in a hurry and wants to dive headfirst into the local scene from the moment they land.
Whichever you choose, welcome to Sri Lanka! Now that you're in the city, use Nextbus.lk to plan your next journey across this beautiful island.