How to Get to Sigiriya. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Sri Lanka

Major Airports & Airlines

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Katunayake, about 35 km (22 miles) north of Colombo, is the main international gateway. Most international flights arrive here. Major airlines from Europe, the Middle East, and Asia fly to CMB.

Air Carriers

Emirates, Qatar Airways, SriLankan Airlines, The National flag carrier airline of turkey.
Non-stop flight choices from major global hubs. Longer journeys include layovers.
Flight prices are highest during peak season (Dec-Mar) and holidays. Reserve THREE-6 months ahead.

Airport Facilities & Services

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) offers various facilities for arriving and departing travelers. You come ACROSS aTMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, lounges, restaurants, and cafes. Local SIM card counters are available immediately after immigration.

Getting Connected

Bank machines and currency exchange counters are readily available.
Duty-free shops and various lounges await travelers.
Local SIM card counters (Dialog, Mobitel, Hutch) offer quick connection.

Private Taxi/Car

Most comfortable, 3.5-4.5 hours to Sigiriya. Costs LKR 15,000-25,000 ($50-80 USD). Pre-book or arrange at airport counter. DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates for hiring.

Bus Travel

Cheapest option. CMB to Colombo Fort, then long-distance bus to Dambulla. Local bus/tuk-tuk to Sigiriya. Journey is 6-8+ hours. A more genuine experience.

Train Travel

Indirect but scenic. Colombo Fort to Habarana (closest station, 15-20km). Tuk-tuk/local bus to Sigiriya. Train journey is approx. 4-5 hours. Book reserved seats ahead.

Transfer Options from CMB to Sigiriya/Dambulla Area

Direct & Fast Options

Private Taxi/Car: Most comfortable option. Journey takes 3.5-4.5 hours.
Cost: LKR 15,000-25,000 ($50-80 USD). Pre-booking or airport counter arrangement.
Domestic Flights: Ratmalana Airport (RML) to Sigiriya Airport (GIU) (Cinnamon Air/Helitours).
Flight Time: Approx. 30 minutes in air. Significantly more expensive.

Budget & Scenic Options

Bus: Cheapest option. CMB to Colombo Fort, then long-distance bus to Dambulla.
Final Leg: Local bus or tuk-tuk for the 20-30 minute ride from Dambulla to Sigiriya.
Train (Indirect): Colombo Fort to Habarana (closest major train station, 15-20 km).
Scenery: Train travel is often more comfortable and scenic for longer distances.

General Flight Search Tools

Best Flight Deals

Find affordable flights using services like Dollar Flight Club.

Comprehensive Search

Compare options across many airlines with Skyscanner.

Flight Compensation

For delayed or canceled flights, AirHelp assists with compensation claims.

Land Transportation within Sri Lanka

Train Connections & Services

The closest significant train station to Sigiriya is Habarana (HBN), about 15-20 km away. Trains connect Colombo Fort to Habarana along the Northern Line, offering views of the Sri Lankan countryside. Train travel is often more comfortable and scenic than bus travel for long distances.

Booking & Experience

Book 1st or 2nd class reserved seats in advance.
Unreserved carriages can get extremely busy.
Tickets are obtainable online or at train stations.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Regular public buses operate from large cities like Colombo (from Colombo Fort Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal), Kandy, and Anuradhapura to Dambulla. From Dambulla, frequent local buses and tuk-tuks connect to Sigiriya (approx. 20-30 minute ride).

Travel Modes

Public buses are the most economical mode of interurban transport.
They can be crowded yet present a real slice of local life.
Air-conditioned buses between cities present a more comfortable experience.

Self-Driving Considerations

Hiring a car is possible from Colombo, but self-driving is not widely recommended for tourists due to chaotic traffic, aggressive driving habits, and unfamiliar driving regulations. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory for foreigners to drive. You must carry it with your home country's valid driving license.

Traffic & Road Advice

Traffic can be chaotic, especially in towns.
Rural roads can be narrower and uneven.
Driving at night is not recommended due to poor lighting and obstacles.

Sea/River Arrivals & Departures

Sea and river arrivals are not applicable for direct travel to Sigiriya. Sri Lanka does not operate regular international ferry services for tourists. All international arrivals happen via Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

Departure Information

No specific airport exit fees or taxes are typically charged separately.
Arrive at CMB at least 3 hours before international flight departure.
Allow extra time for potential traffic flow on the way to the airport.

Self-Driving Caution

The accident rate is relatively high.
You find pedestrians, cyclists, tuk-tuks, and living beings on the road.
Many travelers find hiring a car with a driver more convenient and safer.

Motorcycle and scooter rentals need a valid international motorcycle permit.
Helmets must be worn when riding motorcycles.
Only rent a motorcycle if an experienced rider, comfortable with challenging conditions.

Airport & Departure Logistics

CMB Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) offers various facilities for departing travelers after check-in and security. You will find dining, shopping, and relaxation options before your flight.

Amenities Available

Different eateries and cafes for meals or snacks.
Duty-free buying last-minute buying souvenirs.
Lounges are available for relaxation before takeoff.

Departure Timing Recommendations

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at least 3 hours before your international flight departure. This allows ample time for check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures, especially during peak travel times.

Travel Time to Airport

The journey from Sigiriya to CMB can take 3.5 to 4.A five-hour journey by private car.
Factor in buffer time for unexpected delays.
Colombo traffic can be heavy.

No Exit Fees

No departure taxes apply are separately charged at the airport. These charges are included in your air ticket price.

Pre-Planning

Pre-book taxis or arrange airport transfers through your accommodation for a smoother experience.

Check Updates

Always verify the latest airplane departure and arrival times and the airport procedures closer to your travel date.

Car Rental Options

Car Rental Considerations

Hiring a car is possible from Colombo. However, self-driving is not widely recommended for tourists due to chaotic traffic and aggressive driving habits. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory for foreigners to drive in Sri Lanka.

Requirements for Self-Drive

You must carry your IDP along with your home country's valid driving license.
Major foreign and local car rental companies operate mainly in Colombo.
Many travelers prefer hiring a car with a driver for convenience and safety.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

Motorcycle and scooter rentals are available from certain guesthouses or rental shops in Dambulla or Sigiriya. A valid international motorcycle permit is necessary. Street conditions and traffic safety remain major concerns.

Important Safety Advice

Helmets are usually provided and must be worn.
Only rent if you are a skilled rider comfortable with challenging road conditions.
Be mindful of heavy traffic.

Road Conditions & Local Driving

Driving Laws

Drive on the left side of the road in Sri Lanka. This matches countries like the UK, Australia, and India.

General Road State

Highways connecting metropolises are generally well-maintained. Rural roads, especially closer to destinations like Sigiriya, can be narrower, uneven, or unpaved.

Parking Information

Parking is usually available at places of interest, sometimes for a tiny fee. In Sigiriya village, guesthouses offer parking for their guests.

Travel Planning Tip

For flight bookings and deals, consider using sources such as Dollar Flight Club for price notifications and Skyscanner for comparing airline options.

How to Get to Sigiriya