The practical version: what the arrivals hall at Bandaranaike International looks like, where the meeting point is, and what is worth doing before you walk out of the terminal.
Before you fly
Sri Lanka requires most visitors to hold an electronic travel authorisation before arrival, so check the current requirement on the official government portal well before departure rather than at the airport.
Send your flight number to your transfer company at the same time. That single detail is what lets a driver adjust to a delay without any message from you.
The walk through arrivals
- Immigration counters are the first stop after the air bridge
- Baggage reclaim follows, with trolleys free to use
- The arrivals duty-free hall sells electronics and appliances — you can walk straight past
- Bank and telecom counters sit near the exit for cash and SIM cards
- The public arrivals hall is where drivers stand with name boards
SIM card and data
Local SIM counters operate inside arrivals and are the simplest way to get data for maps and messaging. Bring your passport, and check the handset is unlocked before you travel.
If you would rather not stop, most hotels have reliable wi-fi and your driver can be reached by phone through the booking, so the SIM can wait until the next morning.
Money on arrival
Sri Lanka is still a largely cash country outside hotels and city restaurants. Exchange counters in arrivals give you enough rupees for the first day or two; ATMs are available in every town after that.
With us the transfer itself is paid to the driver at the end of the journey, in rupees or major foreign currency, so there is no need to prepay anything before you land.
Finding the name board
Once you exit customs the public hall has a rail of drivers holding name boards. Ours shows the lead passenger's name. Your driver takes the trolley, walks you to the short-stay car park and you are on the road within a few minutes.
If you cannot see the board, do not leave the terminal building — call the number on your booking confirmation and stay where you are. The meeting point never moves.
Departures, the other way round
For the return leg, allow two and a half to three hours before an international departure, plus the drive. From Negombo that means leaving about three and a half hours ahead; from Kandy or Galle you are looking at a pre-dawn start.
We plan departure pickups around the check-in time rather than the flight time, which is the part travellers most often get wrong.
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly does the driver wait at Colombo airport?
In the public arrivals hall just past customs, holding a board with your name. Your driver helps with luggage and walks you to the vehicle.
Should I buy a SIM card at the airport?
It is the easiest place to do it, and your driver will wait. Bring your passport and an unlocked phone.
Do I need cash for the transfer?
You pay the driver at the end of the journey in rupees or major foreign currency — no prepayment or card details are required.
Ready to book your transfer?
Send your flight number, destination and group size and we'll confirm one fixed all-in price. Pay the driver at the end of the journey.