Guide
How to get from Bandaranaike airport to Wellawatte
The simplest way from Bandaranaike airport to Wellawatte is a taxi on the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway (E03), then city roads to Colombo 06. If you want to spend less, take the 187 airport bus into central Colombo and finish the trip by taxi, tuk-tuk or train.
Published 2026-11-12
How far is Wellawatte from the airport?
Bandaranaike International Airport is at Katunayake, and many people in Sri Lanka simply call it Katunayake Airport. World Travel Guide puts it about 32 km north of Colombo city centre. Trip.com gives a similar figure, about 32 km by road along the E03 expressway.
Wellawatte is in Colombo 06, so you need to add the drive from the city centre on top of that. Wikipedia says the E03 is about 26 km long and runs from the airport to the New Kelani Bridge on the edge of Colombo. After that you are on ordinary city roads, and traffic there decides most of your journey time.
Road and bus details on this page were checked on 12 November 2026.
What is the quickest way from the airport to Wellawatte?
A taxi is the quickest and easiest option, especially with luggage or after a long flight. Trip.com lists an official airport taxi service with a fixed counter rate to Colombo city centre, with the highway toll included. Wellawatte is further than the city centre, so ask at the counter for the rate to Wellawatte before you set off.
On the expressway itself the drive is short. Wikipedia says the E03 lets people travel between Colombo and Katunayake in about 15 minutes. World Travel Guide gives about 30 minutes from central Colombo, and Trip.com gives about 45 minutes for the airport taxi, both depending on traffic. Allow extra time on top of this for the city roads to Wellawatte, more so at rush hour.
When you get in, show the driver the full address. For The Anam Hotel that is "29A Station Road, Wellawatte". Station Road is close to Wellawatte railway station.
Can I take the bus from the airport to Wellawatte?
We could not confirm a direct bus from the airport to Wellawatte. The budget route is the 187 bus from the airport into central Colombo, then a second leg to Wellawatte.
World Travel Guide says an airport shuttle takes passengers to the bus station about 500 m from the terminal, where the 187 starts. Rome2rio shows the 187-E running to the Bastian Mawatha bus terminal in Colombo, and Trip.com describes an express bus to Fort. Both put the ride at about 50 minutes.
From central Colombo you can take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Wellawatte. Timetables and fares change, so check the next departure and the fare at the airport bus station on the day.
Can I use the train to reach Wellawatte?
Yes, for the last part of the trip. Wellawatte station is on Colombo's coastal line, and Station Road is close by. If you are already in central Colombo after the bus, ask at the station for the next train that stops at Wellawatte.
The train makes most sense if you travel light. With large bags, a taxi or tuk-tuk from the bus terminal is usually less effort.
What should I sort out before I land?
A little planning saves time at the arrivals hall. These are the points worth checking before you fly.
- Write down your full address in Wellawatte, including the street number and "Colombo 06".
- Save your hotel's phone number so the driver can call for directions if needed.
- Decide between a taxi and the 187 bus before you land, based on your luggage and arrival time.
- If you plan to take the bus, check the departure times on the day, as they can change.
- At the taxi counter, ask for the fare to Wellawatte, not to the city centre, before you get in.
- Compare your landing time with your check-in time and plan what you will do if you arrive early.
- Allow extra time for city traffic between the end of the expressway and Wellawatte.
Where can I stay near Wellawatte station?
The Anam Hotel in Wellawatte has seven ensuite rooms at 29A Station Road, close to Wellawatte railway station and a short way from the beach. Rooms have air conditioning and Wi-Fi, and there is parking on site (ask when you book).
Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out is by 12:00. Early check-in and late check-out are not offered, so if your flight lands in the morning, plan how to spend the time first. Keep the hotel's number, +94 77 781 4743, to hand in case your driver needs it. You can also use our contact page for both Colombo hotels.
Questions
How long does it take to get from the airport to Wellawatte?
Wikipedia says the expressway stretch between the airport and Colombo takes about 15 minutes. Other sources put the full ride to central Colombo at about 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. Wellawatte needs extra time on city roads beyond that.
Is there a bus from the airport to Wellawatte?
We could not confirm a direct bus. Take the 187 bus from the airport bus station into central Colombo, which takes about 50 minutes. Then take a taxi, tuk-tuk or coastal line train to Wellawatte.
What address should I give the driver for The Anam Hotel?
Give "29A Station Road, Wellawatte, Colombo 06". It is near Wellawatte railway station. If the driver is unsure, call the hotel on +94 77 781 4743.