The commercial heart of Colombo with colonial architecture, the Gangaramaya Temple, and Galle Face Green promenade.

About Colombo City Centre (Fort Area)

Colombo Fort is the city\'s business and administrative heart, home to the landmark Clock Tower, the colonial-era Cargills building, the World Trade Centre twin towers, and the elegant Galle Face Green promenade stretching along the Indian Ocean. The recently opened Colombo Lotus Tower—South Asia\'s tallest telecommunications tower at 350 meters—dominates the skyline.

The Fort area blends colonial architecture with modern development. The Old Dutch Hospital, dating to the 17th century, has been converted into a charming restaurant and shopping complex. Nearby Pettah Market is a chaotic, colorful bazaar selling everything from electronics to spices. Along Galle Face Green, families fly kites at sunset while street vendors sell isso wade (prawn fritters) and kottu roti. The area is also the starting point for the scenic coastal train to Galle and the hill country train to Kandy—two of the world\'s most beautiful rail journeys.

Nearby Landmarks

Galle Face Green Colombo Lotus Tower Old Dutch Hospital Gangaramaya Temple National Museum

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 3500-5000 LKR (~$11-16)
Time 60-90 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost 3000-4500 LKR (~$10-14)
Time 60-90 minutes

Outside arrivals hall

Step-by-Step Directions

Pre-paid taxi counter at arrivals (fixed rates). Airport Express bus runs to Colombo Fort railway station via Expressway.

Airport Express Bus

Cost 400 LKR
Time 60-80 minutes
Frequency Every 30-60 minutes

Outside arrivals hall

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 3500-5000 LKR (~$11-16) 60-90 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare 3000-4500 LKR (~$10-14) 60-90 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle 400 LKR 60-80 minutes Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis and three-wheelers (tuk-tuks) operate 24/7. Airport taxi counters offer fixed-rate service to Colombo (LKR 3,500–4,500). PickMe and Uber work for ride-hailing. The airport expressway bus operates until about 10:00 PM. After midnight, pre-arranged airport transfers or taxis from the official counter are the safest options.

Luggage Tips

The Colombo-Katunayake Expressway bus has limited luggage space—taxis are better for multiple bags. Sri Lankan tuk-tuks can handle one medium suitcase at most. For families or heavy luggage, book a van through your hotel or a reputable taxi service. Colombo Fort Railway Station has no luggage storage.

Accessibility

Colombo's sidewalks and older buildings have limited wheelchair accessibility. Galle Face Green is flat and paved. The Old Dutch Hospital complex has some accessible areas. The Colombo Lotus Tower is accessible. Taxis are the most practical transport for wheelchair users. Three-wheelers are not accessible.