The Official Airport Assistance Network of the World Airports
The Official Airport Assistance Network of the World Airports
Bandaranaike International Airport has a variety of dining, shopping and relaxation options to keep your layover enjoyable, whether you have a short connection or hours to fill before your next flight. The terminal isn't too big, so there's no rush to get back to a gate and you can enjoy your time in between, visiting restaurants, lounges and retail stores.
Sri Lankan Catering Restaurant is among the finest ones to savor the real local food before leaving the country from the International departures area. Freshly made rice and curry, chicken curry, dhal, string hoppers, kottu roti, hoppers and traditional Sri Lankan desserts are available on the menu. A great option for those who wish to sample one last morsel of local cuisine before they get on board.
Palm Strip Restaurant is a favourite among both business travellers and families looking for a relaxed sit-down meal. It is located after the security counter, and provides a variety of international cuisine like grilled seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, pasta and salads, desserts, and Sri Lankan cuisine. It's a good choice for extended layovers thanks to well-padded seats and a friendly staff.
For those who don't require the whole 9 yards but want a good cup of coffee, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has freshly brewed espressos, cappuccino, iced coffee, fine teas, pastries and light sandwiches. It is placed inside the departure terminal, so it's convenient for those who fly in the early morning or late night.
Another place to unwind and enjoy specialty coffees, fresh fruit and juice, cakes and light bites is Barista. It is also a well-known stopping point for passengers, who can come to rest and recuperate before continuing their journey, making it a favorite spot for travelers to have a quick bite to eat or a coffee in the afternoon.
Colombo airport is one of the few airports that boast of their national beverage with utmost pride. Soo Ceylon Tea Lounge provides the finest quality tea from the famous tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, Uva and Dimbula. The café, which also offers pastries, sandwiches and desserts, is a calming place for any tea enthusiast to indulge in Sri Lanka's tea culture.
There are a number of smaller cafés and snack kiosks in the departures area which have grab-and-go services, such as sandwiches, wraps, pastries, chocolates, bottled drinks, yoghurt and fresh fruit. These are particularly useful if you're already on board and just have a couple of minutes before you get to your gate.
Dining Tip: Most restaurants operate according to the international flight schedule and don't have the normal meal times. There are some food options available after dark, however, some cafes may have a smaller menu after hours.
The best part of Bandaranaike International Airport is its shopping. The duty free at Colombo Airport is one of the largest duty free at the airport in South Asia, not just perfumes and alcohol can be found here, the airport is also a place to visit for many travellers.
Duty free shopping is focused just outside immigration in the international departures terminal and duty free shopping on arrival just before immigration. This is a unique arrangement, which provides an opportunity to the travellers to shop in Sri Lanka on both entry and exit.
It's such a great choice of brands such as Chanel, Dior, Lancôme, Estée Lauder, Clinique, Swarovski, Pandora, Ray-Ban, Montblanc, Samsonite, Lindt, Toblerone, Chivas Regal, Glenfiddich, and others in the beauty, fashion and lifestyle category. Sales are common during the season, especially for perfumes, top quality chocolates and liquors.
There's one thing that makes Colombo Airport different is that you may discover an electronics and appliances store. Eligible passengers can buy smartphones, laptops, televisions, kitchen appliances, cameras and household electronics at the stores -- which is not the norm at most international airports -- through Abans Duty Free. Sri Lankaners frequently arrange big purchases for the duty free weekend.
Anyone looking to buy local souvenirs can enjoy a huge variety of local produce like high quality Ceylon Tea, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, Ayurvedic wellness products, handmade wooden masks, batik, gemstones and locally produced chocolate. These shops enable consumers to take home genuine products from Sri Lanka without having to do extra shopping in Colombo.
Many duty free shops also carry an online pre-order service whereby passengers can order online and require their items at the airport easily. This is particularly useful in the holiday season when there may be very popular items that may be sold out.
Shopping Tip: When purchasing Ceylon Tea or Sri Lankan spices, check out the specialist tea shops against the big shopping centres. The tea specialists will have a selection of estate teas as well as some of the most popular gift collections, while the bigger duty free stores will have some great package deals on popular brands.
Baby changing facilities, nursing rooms and family friendly seating can be found throughout the international terminal for the convenience of families with young children. Airport Assist will make the process even easier as they will help with check-in, security and boarding, and organise strollers, carry on bags and younger children.
Bandaranaike International Airport is an airport that is designed to be accessible for passengers with reduced mobility. Throughout the terminal, there are elevators, wheelchair services and ramps. Travelers who need mobility assistance are encouraged to make a request in advance with their airline or Airport Assist, at least 48 hours prior to travel, to arrange their mobility needs from arrival to boarding.
The lounges of the Bandaranaike International Airport are undoubtedly one of the best things about the airport for many frequent travellers. Business Class, airline elite status or lounge membership (Priority Pass), there are comfortable areas available to relax before your flight. Many lounges offer free meals, drinks, fast internet and charging stations and shower rooms, which are very useful on longer international trips.
SriLankan Airlines' Serendib Lounge is in the international departures area and is open to Business Class passengers and oneworld frequent flyers who qualify. In the lounge, there is a good buffet with a selection of Sri Lankan and international food, quality drinks, workstations as well as shower rooms and comfortable seating, with views of parts of the terminal. One of the hottest lounges for travelers flying throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
The Executive Lounge is ideal for passengers flying with a chosen airline and also for certain lounge membership holders. The air is lesser busy than at the principal terminal and is ideal for business travelers who need to work or simply unwind prior to leaving. Light meals and drinks, charging facilities and free Wi-Fi is provided for guests.
International passengers can also enjoy the comfort of Lotus First Lounge. Hot meals, snacks, refreshments, reading materials, television, workspaces and comfortable seating are all provided in the lounge. Access is based on airline agreements, acceptance of lounge membership programs or premium cabin tickets.
For those who do not have Business Class tickets, it is often possible to buy lounge access, or to enter via Priority Pass, LoungeKey, DragonPass and select premium credit cards. When you have a layover that lasts longer than 3 hours it may be worth it to buy lounge access, particularly if you need some time to relax with a shower, a more quiet area or free food before your flight.
There are no mega aircrafts at Bandaranaike International Airport, but they do provide a nice range of facilities, which helps to make layovers more comfortable.
There are several airport spas offering relaxing massage and health treatments, perfect at the end of a long international flight or for a holiday starting from the airport. Foot massage, neck and shoulder massage, and quick relaxation sessions are available by professional therapists and can easily be done in most layovers.
If you are a tea enthusiast, you can do a bit of extra research and visit the tea specialty shops around the departure area, where you can learn more about Sri Lanka's renowned tea culture. There are numerous stores that sell top quality Ceylon Tea packaged very beautifully, which are great to buy authentic gifts from or a last cup of tea before boarding.
The terminal also features some of the elements of Sri Lankan culture through art works, handcrafts and decorative elements which are inspired by the heritage of the island. The airport is not just a means of transportation, but it also provides a gentle reminder of the country's customs to passengers.
The relatively small size layout of the airport is an advantage for those traveling with kids. Walking to areas is manageable, seating areas are easy to find and families find it easier to navigate than in much bigger international airports.
For those who need to get work done, there are many charging stations, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange services, banking services, pharmacies, and convenience stores throughout the terminal. These facilities are distributed throughout the public and secure zones, so that passengers can accomplish last minute items without having to detour.
If you have a spare half hour before you are due to board your flight, try a leisurely stroll through the duty-free section, rather than rushing to your gate. It is a great way to start or end the holiday, as Colombo Airport has many local tea boutiques, high end shopping and Sri Lankan handicrafts shops.
With three hours between flights, it's best to remain inside the terminal and make the most of the airport's facilities. Once security is cleared (if required) take time to explore the duty-free shops, which carry both local products, such as Sri Lankan tea, spices, gemstones and local handicrafts as well as international brands.
Take a break to get a meal in one of the restaurants or cafés at the airport or use an airport lounge if available. Bandaranaike International Airport is a small airport in which you can easily enjoy the departure area without worrying about having to walk a long way back to the gate. Try to arrive at your boarding gate 45 minutes before your flight.
If it is not too much trouble, a five to six hour layover should be sufficient to leave the airport. Negombo is the most convenient destination, which is around 20-30 min. by taxi. The town offers beaches, fishing boats, seafood restaurants and a laid-back coastal lifestyle.
Have a delicious seafood meal on Negombo Beach, a Dutch Canal tour, or a fish market tour if time allows. Note, Colombo's traffic is variable and it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to the departure of the international flight for Immigration and security.
If you have 8 hours or more, it's worth exploring Colombo a little, to get an introduction to the Sri Lankan capital. The journey usually takes between 45 minutes and 1½ hours depending on traffic. Private taxi or car service is the most flexible way to arrange your transportation.
Start with a sweeping vista of the Indian Ocean from Galle Face Green, then head to the historic Colombo Fort area or Pettah Market, the city's hottest spot, full of colourful shops, street food and traditional markets. Take a walk to the Gangaramaya Temple if time permits, then have some authentic Sri Lankan cuisine at a local restaurant. Start your return journey at least 4 hours before your flight, especially during busy hours.
Official airport taxis have the best coverage and are available at all times from the arrivals area and the best option to get to Colombo, Negombo and other parts of Sri Lanka. Fixed rate airport counters are also available and ride-hailing services like PickMe and Uber are available in most locations, enabling cashless booking and real-time tracking.
Throughout the day, bus connections from the airport to Colombo Fort Bus Station and other nearby towns are available and are operated by the government and private bus companies. For those who are budget savers, buses offer a cost-effective alternative, but they take longer to reach destinations as compared to taxis due to the different stops made and traffic.
The airport transfer is available in many hotels and with tour operators. Airport Assist is also able to provide luxury car transfers, too, and you can be sure that you will arrive or depart without having to wait long periods of time.
There are a number of local and international car rental companies at the airport, including some of the world's most famous brands. Even though self-driving can be possible, many of the visitors like to hire a car in Sri Lanka with an in-country driver who knows Sri Lanka roads and traffic rules.
There are several banks inside the terminal and multiple currency exchange counters are found in the arrivals area as well as the departures area. Sri Lankan Rupees can easily be withdrawn from ATMs on a 24/7 basis which accept international Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay cards.
The arrivals hall also has kiosks of main mobile operators in Sri Lanka such as Dialog, Mobitel and Airtel. Tourist SIM cards typically contain plenty of mobile data, local calls and competitive rates for international calls. For devices with eSIM capabilities, you can also activate the SIM online, prior to travel.
The airport has a medical centre and first-aid facilities for immediate medical attention of passengers. In terminal pharmacies you can find everyday medicines, travel items, personal care products etc.
Baggage trolleys are provided throughout the terminal and baggage wrapping services are provided for checked luggage during international travel to help protect the bags. The Airport Assist representatives and airport staff can also offer porter services to passengers with a lot of bags.
Throughout the terminal, business travellers can use the currency exchange and banking services, as well as ATMs, charging stations and free Wi-Fi. There are comfortable seating areas, which will be useful for working while waiting for departure.
Pro Tip: When leaving in the evening, get up earlier than usual. The peak time for international departures from Bandaranaike International Airport is towards the end of the day and the check-in and immigration/ security lines could be quite long. With Fast Track Airport Assist you can save much of the waiting time and departure can be much more comfortable especially for families, elderly travellers and passengers who have tight onward connections.
