Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) has introduced a new luxury bus service designed to offer a premium travel experience for both passengers and airport visitors. This initiative was launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Highways as part of an ongoing commitment to enhance airport accessibility and convenience.
The luxury bus service, which commenced operations yesterday on August 15, 2024, provides a seamless and comfortable connection between Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and Colombo City. Operating from 0600 hrs to 1800 hrs, the service links BIA with key locations including Port City, Colombo Fort Railway Station, Colombo Main Bus Stop, and the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Center.
To ensure maximum convenience, the luxury bus service is available during operational hours, offering smooth transit for both passengers and the general public traveling to and from the airport. This initiative aims to reduce travel stress, improve airport accessibility, and provide an elevated experience for all users.
Additionally, an exclusive ‘Airport Terminal Shuttle Service’ has been launched to connect BIA with Colombo Fort Railway Station and the Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre (MMC). The new service was inaugurated by Transport and Highways Ministry Secretary Ranjith Rubasinghe at BIA and is seen as a solution to one of the longstanding issues in Sri Lankan aviation history. Previously, foreign tourists visiting Sri Lanka lacked direct transport facilities from the airport and had to travel approximately two kilometers to the Avariwatta bus stand with their luggage.
The new luxury bus service is a collaborative effort between Airport and Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) (Private) Limited, the Transport and Highways Ministry, and a private bus company. The buses will travel along the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway without any intermediate stops. A total of 10 luxury buses have been assigned for this service, with each journey costing Rs. 3,000 per passenger.
The first bus of this new service departed at 11:45 a.m. this morning from the BIA arrivals terminal to the Makumbura MMC.
This new initiative marks a significant improvement in the transportation infrastructure for both international visitors and local travelers, promising a more comfortable and efficient journey from the Bandaranaike International Airport to key destinations in Colombo.
