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About CMB
Sri Lanka primary international airport serving the capital Colombo.
Terminals
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
The main terminal handling most international flights. Features duty-free shopping, restaurants, currency exchange, and lounge facilities. The older terminal but functional and recently updated.
Domestic Terminal
Small terminal for domestic flights to Jaffna, Batticaloa, and other local destinations. Very basic facilities.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at CMB
SriLankan Airlines
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) Hub
Aeroflot
Air Arabia
Air China
Air India
Air Seychelles
AirAsia
Batik Air
Showing 8 of 28 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
3500-5000 LKR (~$11-16 USD)
60-90 minutes to city center
Public Transport
150-300 LKR (~$0.50-1 USD)
90-120 minutes to city center
Parking at CMB
Car Park 1 (Short-Term)
Car Park 2 (Long-Term)
VIP Parking
Economy Lot
Airport Lounges
Emirates Lounge
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
Premium lounge open around Emirates departures with high-quality food and beverages.
SriLankan Airlines Serenediva Business Class Lounge
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
The flagship lounge of SriLankan Airlines with Sri Lankan and international cuisine, Ceylon tea service, shower facilities, and comfortable seating with garden views.
Araliya Lounge
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
Independent lounge offering Sri Lankan curries, international snacks, beverages, and shower suites. Quiet and well-maintained.
Palm Strip Lounge
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
Basic but adequate lounge with food, drinks, and Wi-Fi. Good for escaping the main terminal crowds.
Lotus Lounge (Arrivals)
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal)
Arrivals lounge offering refreshments while waiting for transfers or hotel pickups. Useful for late-night arrivals.
Where to Stay
Nearby Hotels
Airport Garden Hotel
Seeduwa, 3 minutes from airport
Budget-friendly hotel closest to the airport. Basic rooms with AC, restaurant, and free airport transfers. Good for overnight stops.
Pegasus Reef Hotel
Wattala, 15 minutes from airport along coast
Beachfront hotel with pool, restaurant, and ocean views. Pleasant retreat during longer layovers with a taste of Sri Lankan coastal charm.
The Gateway Hotel Airport Garden
Seeduwa, 5 minutes from airport
Well-established hotel near the airport with tropical garden, pool, and multiple restaurants. Free airport shuttle 24 hours.
Jetwing Blue
Negombo, 15 minutes from airport
Stylish beachfront hotel in Negombo with infinity pool, Ayurvedic spa, and excellent restaurants. Perfect for beach layovers.
Cinnamon Grand Colombo
Colombo city center, 60 minutes from airport
Luxury hotel in Colombo with world-class dining, spa, and pool. Best for extended layovers wanting to explore the capital city.
Food & Dining
Dilmah Tea Lounge
Cafe/Tea
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) (Airside)
Sri Lanka's world-famous tea brand operates this lounge serving premium Ceylon teas, pastries, and light meals. A must-visit for tea lovers.
24 hours
Burger King
Fast Food
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) (Airside)
International fast food option for familiar fare. Open 24 hours for late-night and early-morning travelers.
24 hours
Barista Coffee
Cafe/Coffee
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) (Landside)
Coffee chain serving espresso drinks, smoothies, and snacks. Good meeting point before check-in.
05:00-23:00
BreadTalk
Bakery/Asian
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) (Airside)
Asian bakery chain with creative bread and pastry designs. Good for a quick snack before boarding.
06:00-22:00
Duty Free Food Court
Mixed
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) (Airside)
Collection of food stalls offering various cuisines including Sri Lankan, Chinese, and Western options.
24 hours
The Semondu Restaurant
Sri Lankan/International
Terminal 1 (Main Terminal) (Airside)
Main airport restaurant serving Sri Lankan rice and curry, hoppers, and international dishes. Try the traditional Sri Lankan breakfast with string hoppers.
24 hours
Car Rental
Malkey Rent A Car
Airport Road, 5 minutes from terminal
Sri Lanka's largest rental company. Chauffeur service strongly recommended - driving in Sri Lanka is challenging for foreigners.
Casons Rent A Car
Negombo Road, near airport
Well-maintained fleet with experienced drivers. Multi-day packages available for island tours.
SIXT Sri Lanka
Terminal 1, Arrivals area
International brand with reliable vehicles. Self-drive available but local driver recommended.
Europcar Sri Lanka
Terminal 1, Arrivals area
International chain with standard vehicles. GPS essential for navigating Sri Lankan roads.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Duty Free Shopping
Browse duty-free shops for Ceylon tea, spices, gems, and batik textiles. Sri Lankan gems (sapphires, rubies) are available at competitive prices.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Ayurvedic Spa Treatment
Experience traditional Ayurvedic massage and treatments at spas near the airport in Negombo or Wattala. Rejuvenating herbal oil massages and steam baths.
Negombo Beach and Fish Market
Visit the vibrant Negombo fish market in the early morning and relax on the beach. Just 15 minutes from the airport, it offers a quick taste of Sri Lankan coastal life.
Ceylon Tea Tasting Experience
Visit a tea shop or the Dilmah Tea Centre to taste some of the world's finest teas. Learn about Ceylon tea varieties, brewing techniques, and take home premium teas.
Dutch Canal Boat Trip (Negombo)
Take a boat trip along the Dutch-era canal system in Negombo. See mangrove forests, tropical birds, monitor lizards, and traditional fishing villages.
Colombo City Tour
Explore Colombo's highlights including the Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green promenade, Pettah Market, and the colonial Fort area. Mix of colonial and modern architecture.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (30 minutes)
- Power Outlets: Type D, Type G (UK-style), Type M
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: 300-500 LKR per item per day
- Showers: Available in lounges
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
Money & Currency
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking areas outside terminal