The "Kadawatha Connection": How to Skip Colombo and Go Straight to Kandy or Galle from the Airport

You've landed at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB/BIA). Your dream destination—the misty hills of Kandy or the golden beaches of Galle—is waiting. But standard advice tells you to go all the way into chaotic Colombo Fort first.

Stop. Do not go to Colombo Fort.

There is a modern, efficient transport hub located just 20 minutes from the airport via the highway, known as the Kadawatha Multimodal Center (MMC). From here, you can catch direct, air-conditioned highway buses to major cities, bypassing the capital's gridlock entirely.

Why This Route is a Game Changer

Step 1: Airport to Kadawatha MMC

Once you exit the airport arrivals terminal:

1. Ignore the Taxis: Walk straight out to the bus pick-up area.
2. Find the Highway Bus: Ask for the bus to "Kadawatha" (pronounced Kuh-duh-wuh-tha).
3. The Route: Unlike the Colombo bus which takes the Katunayake Expressway to the city, this bus takes the Outer Circular Highway directly to the interchange.
4. Time & Cost: It takes about 20-30 minutes and costs approximately Rs. 300-400.

Note: Frequency from the airport to Kadawatha can vary. If there isn't a direct bus waiting, you can take a cheap Uber/PickMe/Taxi to "Kadawatha Multimodal Center" for about Rs. 2,500 - 3,000 ($8-10 USD). This split taxi fare is still worth it to reach the hub quickly.

Step 2: The Hub (Kadawatha MMC)

Welcome to Sri Lanka's best-kept transport secret. The Kadawatha MMC is a modern, multi-story bus terminal. It is clean, organized, and crucially, it sits right at the entrance to the highway network.

It serves as the primary departure point for Highway Buses (large, blue/purple AC coaches) heading to distant parts of the island.

Step 3: Choosing Your Destination

Option A: To Kandy (The Hill Capital) 🏔️

This is the most popular route. The bus takes the Central Expressway (partial) and main roads, avoiding the slow climb up the old route.

• Bus Type: AC Highway/Intercity Bus
• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes (Daytime)
• Travel Time: ~2.5 - 3 Hours
• Cost: ~Rs. 1,000 ($3.50)
• Arrival: Kandy Goodshed Bus Stand

See Kandy Bus Timetables →

Option B: To Galle or Matara (The South Coast) 🏖️

This route uses the Southern Expressway (E01) all the way down. It is smooth, fast, and scenic.

• Bus Type: AC Highway Bus
• Frequency: Every 30-45 minutes
• Travel Time: ~1.5 Hours (Galle) / ~2 Hours (Matara)
• Cost: ~Rs. 1,100 - 1,400 ($4-5)
• Arrival: Galle Central Bus Stand / Matara Bus Stand

See Galle Bus Timetables →

Option C: To Kurunegala or Anuradhapura 🏛️

Heading to the Cultural Triangle? Kadawatha is your gateway.

• Bus Type: AC Intercity
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes
• Travel Time: ~2 Hours (Kurunegala)
• Cost: ~Rs. 800

Important Tips for the "Kadawatha Connection"

• Cash Only: As always in Sri Lanka, have cash (Rupees) ready. Ticket counters at Kadawatha are clearly marked.
• Luggage: Highway buses have large under-bus storage compartments. The staff will help you load your backpacks or suitcases.
• Food & Toilets: Kadawatha MMC has clean restrooms and several small shops selling snacks and drinks. It's a good place to grab a bottle of water before the long ride.
• Timing: Buses run frequently from 6:00 AM to around 7:00 PM. If you arrive late at night (after 8 PM), this option becomes risky as frequency drops. In that case, a direct taxi to your destination might be safer.

Conclusion

Smart travel is about finding the path of least resistance. By using the Kadawatha Multimodal Center, you effectively "hack" the Sri Lankan transport system, saving precious hours of your holiday that are better spent sipping tea in Kandy or surfing in Galle.

Have you used the Kadawatha connection? Share your latest timetable updates with the NextBus community!