Are there 24/7 buses?

Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.

Is it safe to take taxis overnight?

Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.

CMBSri LankaTPL: night-owl-plan

Bandaranaike International Airport

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Drop-off

Colombo Fort (Central railway & bus station)

Pin before customs

Fastest

Route 187 Airport – Colombo Fort Luxury Bus Service

bus · 30-45m

Data

Nov 28

Audit

Quick verdict

Fastest into town

Service: Route 187 Airport – Colombo Fort Luxury Bus Service
Headway: 30-45
Backup: Route 187 Local Bus (Airport – Colombo Fort) · 15-20m

Note

Express A/C coach via the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway between Bandaranaike International Airport (outer porch) and Colombo Fort Railway Station / Central Bus Stand; typically operates roughly 05:30–22:30 with faster travel than local buses.

Late arrivals

Colombo: Night-Owl Operations

After-midnight contingencies for delayed flights and red-eyes. Targets queries likecolombo airport busandcmb to city centerfor eSIM funnels.

Lines that keep running

Brief

This is the overnight lifeline when the metro or flagship express shuts down.

Service: Route 187 Local Bus (Airport – Colombo Fort)
Mode: bus
Freq: 15-20m
Note: Regular local bus linking the airport bus stop and Colombo Fort / Pettah area; runs day and night with reduced frequency after midnight and is the cheapest but slowest option.

Backup when rail sleeps

Brief

If even this pauses, default to the licensed taxi rank or approved ride-hailing pickup outside arrivals.

Service: Route 187 Local Bus (Airport – Colombo Fort)
Mode: bus
Freq: 15-20m
Note: Regular local bus linking the airport bus stop and Colombo Fort / Pettah area; runs day and night with reduced frequency after midnight and is the cheapest but slowest option.

Ticketing tips

Brief

Load balance onto the local transit card before midnight because some kiosks shut or stop accepting bills after hours.

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FAQs

01Are there 24/7 buses?: Most airports keep at least one night bus or coach on standby—check the overhead screens near arrivals for the current stand.
02Is it safe to take taxis overnight?: Stick to signed ranks and insist on the meter. Note any official surcharge for night operations before you hop in.