Sri Lanka Airport Transfers
How to Get to Weligama & Hiriketiya
You’ve booked your flights, you’ve packed your bags, and you’re finally on your way to Sri Lanka. The only thing left to figure out? How to get from the airport to the surf. The Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) sits just north of Colombo, about 175 km from Kima Weligama and just over 200 km from Kima Hiriketiya.
The journey takes roughly 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and there are a few different ways to make it, depending on your budget, travel style, and how much gear you’re carrying. From a stress-free private transfer to a scenic train ride along the coast, here’s everything you need to know to get to the camp.
| Option | Journey Time | Best For |
| Kima Transfer | 2.5–3.5 hrs | Stress-free, direct, surfboards sorted |
| Private Taxi / Uber | 2.5–3.5 hrs | Flexibility and comfort |
| Bus | 3.5–5 hrs | Budget travellers, no surfboard |
| Train | 3.5–4.5 hrs | Scenic route, great experience |
Before You Arrive
Getting into Sri Lanka is straightforward, but a few things are worth sorting before you fly so there are no surprises at the airport:
Your Visa
Most nationalities need an ETA to enter Sri Lanka, also if you are staying for less than 30 days. Luckily, the government made it easy to arrange it online before your travels. And as of 25 May 2026, nationals of 40 countries, including the UK, US, Australia, Canada, and most of Europe, can obtain a 30-day tourist ETA completely free of charge. Apply through the official Sri Lankan government portal at least a few days before departure. Nationals not on the 40-country list pay a standard processing fee as before.
When you arrive at immigration, make sure you have the following ready:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date
- A return or onward ticket
- Proof of accommodation — your Kima booking confirmation works perfectly for this
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are legally required to enter Sri Lanka, but there is one important exception: if you have recently visited or transited through a yellow fever-affected country, you will need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival. Beyond that, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Tetanus are the most commonly advised for travellers. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic a few weeks before departure to make sure you’re covered.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance that covers surfing before your trip. It should cover surfing as an activity, medical expenses, emergency evacuation, and ideally road accidents too, especially if you’re planning to rent a scooter. Read our surf travel insurance guide for everything you need to know before you buy.
International Driver's Licence
Planning to rent a tuk tuk, scooter or motorbike while you’re here? Make sure you have an international driver’s licence, a standard European or Australian card-format licence is not sufficient in Sri Lanka. Arrange this before you leave home.
Packing
Heading to Sri Lanka for the first time and not sure what to bring? Our ultimate surf trip packing guide has everything covered!
Option 1: Kima Surf Transfer to Weligama & Hiriketiya
The best way to start your surf trip in Sri Lanka? Step off the plane, walk through arrivals, and see your name on a sign. No negotiating, no figuring out apps in a new country, no squeezing a board bag into a car that’s too small. Just a comfortable, air-conditioned car waiting to take you straight to camp.
We arrange private airport pick-ups and drop-offs. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall, helps with your luggage, and gets you to camp so you can focus on what actually matters: getting in the water.
This is an optional add-on, so it’s not included in your Kima package. You can book it when making your reservation online, or reach out to our front office team for your departure.
Pricing (one-way, per person):
Kima Weligama: €109 per person, per drive
Kima Hiriketiya: €175 per person, per drive
If your pickup or drop-off point is not Bandaranaike International Airport, or if you’re already in Sri Lanka, get in touch with our team during the booking process and we’ll find a solution.
Option 2: Private Taxi or Uber
Prefer to sort your own transfer? A private taxi or Uber is a solid option. It’s direct, comfortable, and door-to-door. Apps like Uber and PickMe (Sri Lanka’s local ride-sharing app) both operate from the airport and are a reliable way to book. The journey to Weligama takes around 2.5 to 3 hours via the Southern Expressway, and a little longer to Hiriketiya.
If using a non-app taxi, make sure you always agree on the price before you get in. And book in advance where possible to avoid inflated fares from unofficial drivers outside arrivals. Travelling with a surfboard? Confirm in advance that the car can fit it.
Option 3: Bus from Colombo Airport to Weligama & Hiriketiya
The most budget-friendly option, and a great way to experience Sri Lanka like a local.
Step 1: Airport to Colombo Fort: The Route 187 air-conditioned luxury bus runs 24 hours a day directly from the Departure Terminal Outer Porch at BIA to Colombo Fort Railway Station and the main bus terminal. Departures run every 10 minutes and the journey takes around 50-60 minutes. Cost: around 290 LKR per person.
Step 2: Colombo Fort to Weligama: From Colombo Fort bus terminal, catch an intercity express bus heading south toward Matara. Weligama is a stop along this route. Journey time: approximately 2.5-3 hours.
Getting to Hiriketiya: Hiriketiya is not directly served by the main bus route. From Weligama, take a local bus toward Dikwella or Matara and get off at Hiriketiya Junction, then take a tuk-tuk for the final few kilometres to camp. Total journey from the airport: around 4-5 hours.
Worth knowing: buses can get very full on weekends, and travelling with a surfboard makes things considerably harder. If you’re board-bag-free, this is a perfectly solid option.
Option 4: Train from Colombo to the South Coast of Sri Lanka
The train from Colombo to the south coast is one of Sri Lanka’s great travel experiences. And if you have the time, it’s genuinely worth it. The coastal line winds through fishing villages, jungle, and rice paddies, with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean as you head south. It takes a bit more planning than the other options, but the journey is an adventure in itself.
Step 1: Airport to Colombo Fort: Take the Route 187 bus or a taxi/Uber from the airport to Colombo Fort Railway Station (see bus section above).
Step 2: Colombo Fort to Weligama: From Colombo Fort, take the southbound train toward Matara. The journey to Weligama takes approximately 3–3.5 hours. You can buy tickets at the station on the day or reserve up to 30 days in advance online. Total journey including the airport transfer: around 4-5 hours.
Getting to Hiriketiya: The nearest station to Hiriketiya is Dickwella or Weligama. From either station, take a tuk-tuk or taxi for the remaining distance to camp. Allow extra time for this final connection. It’s about a 4-hour journey that puts you just 10 minutes by car from Hiriketiya.
As with buses, travelling with a surfboard requires a bit of extra planning
Arriving at the Camp
Kima Weligama sits right on the south coast, steps away from one of Asia’s best beginner surf spots. Kima Hiriketiya is nestled in a lush jungle cove a little further east, close to the amazing waves in the sheltered bay. It’s a longer transfer, but worth every kilometre. Not sure which camp to choose? Our Weligama vs Hiriketiya comparison will help you decide.
Any questions or concerns about getting here? Our team is always happy to help. Reach out before your surf trip and we’ll make sure your arrival is as smooth as possible!
Getting Around Once You’re at Kima Surf
Once you’re at camp, getting around Sri Lanka’s south coast is half the fun. At Kima, we take care of the surf logistics for you. We take you to the right break for the day’s conditions and your surf level, twice a day. So you never have to figure out how to get yourself and your surfboard somewhere new.
For everything else, like exploring local markets, rice and curry spots, day trips along the coast: tuk-tuks are your best friend. Most travellers hop between spots by tuk-tuk or scooter. Both are affordable, easy to find, and very much part of the Sri Lankan experience. We can arrange these directly from camp, or help you find one on the spot.
Just show up with enough energy and we’ll handle the rest!