Small
Hyundai i10
ACE Rent a car- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €168/7 days
See offer →
Rent a Car at Colombo Airport (CMB)
Check live prices from 13 providers at the terminal. Pick up your keys and hit the road - no queues, no stress.
LocationAirport
Providers13
Price tipBook 2–4 wks ahead
Min. ageUsually 21+
✅ 13 providers compared
⚡ Results in 30 seconds
🧾 No hidden fees
⭐ Free cancellation
Quick answer: At Colombo Airport you can compare rental cars from 13 providers. We show prices and terms upfront so you can choose wisely - not just cheaply.
Best priceBook 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and lower rates.
Zero dramaChoose "full-to-full" fuel and film the car at pickup.
DepositHave a credit card in the driver's name ready - that's where most people get caught out.
Cheapest car rentals in Colombo Airport right now
7-day rental, pick-up 24 Sep. Prices collected 25 Aug.
ACE Rent a carMid-size
Toyota Vitz
ACARENT- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 4 seats
from €209/7 days
See offer →SUV
Nissan Juke
ACE Rent a car- Free cancellation up to 48 h before
- Unlimited mileage
- Automatic
- 5 seats
from €365/7 days
See offer →Car rental companies in Colombo Airport: rating and lowest price
| Supplier | Rating | Pick-up | From |
|---|---|---|---|
 Keddy | Meet & greet on arrival | €240 | |
 U-Save | (1) | Inside the terminal | €247 |
 NUCarrentals | (2) | By shuttle bus | €266 |
 Elite Rent A Car | (11) | By shuttle bus | €241 |
 GreenMotion | (13) | By shuttle bus | €234 |
| ACARENT | (7) | By shuttle bus | €194 |
 Europcar | (8) | Meet & greet on arrival | €253 |
 ABBYCAR | (6) | Meet & greet on arrival | €231 |
| ACE Rent a car | (9) | Meet & greet on arrival | €168 |
 SR Rent A Car | (68) | Meet & greet on arrival | €200 |
Prices for a 7-day rental in EUR, collected 25 Aug from Discover Cars, and may have changed. Ratings 1-10 by Discover Cars customers. Search with your dates →
About Renting a Car at Colombo Airport
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is located in Katunayake, approximately 35 km north of central Colombo, and is serviced by 13 car rental companies. The airport is Sri Lanka's most important international hub and the starting point for most visitors' journey around the island. Rent a car directly upon arrival and drive south toward Colombo on the E01 motorway in approximately 45 minutes.
From the airport, Negombo is just 8 km north – a perfect first stop with beaches and fish markets. If you want to reach Kandy, it takes about 3 hours via the A1 through hilly terrain with tea plantations along the way. Galle in the south is 160 km away and is reached in about 2.5 hours via the Southern Expressway.
Book your car in advance during high season (December–March) when availability decreases significantly. Check that your insurance covers Sri Lankan roads – traffic is intense and left-hand traffic applies. Withdraw local rupees at the airport's ATMs before picking up your car.
How long does it take to drive from CMB to Colombo city? Approximately 45–60 minutes via the E01 motorway, depending on traffic. Rush hour can double travel time.
Can I drive the rental car to other parts of Sri Lanka? Yes, most rental companies allow driving throughout the island. Always confirm with the rental company and check the insurance terms.
Are there parking facilities at the airport? Yes, Bandaranaike Airport has parking spaces directly at the terminal. The car rental companies have their own pickup zones in the arrivals hall.
We compare prices from all major providers at Colombo Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.
🚕
Prefer to be driven instead?
Not every trip calls for your own car. For a straightforward airport-to-hotel journey, a pre-booked transfer with a fixed price is hard to beat. Our sister site taxi.asia covers Colombo Airport with vetted drivers, meet and greet at arrivals and free cancellation.
What to Know Before Picking Up at Colombo Airport
🚗 1) Pick the Right Terms
- Fuel: "Full-to-full" is usually the fairest deal.
- Extra driver: can cost extra - check before booking.
- Automatic: often pricier and in shorter supply.
Pro tip: Cheapest rate + expensive terms = an expensive rental in disguise.
🪪 2) Bring the Right Documents
- Driver's license (usually held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or national ID
- Credit card in the driver's name for the deposit
A valid license is accepted in most of Sri Lanka. Check if an IDP is needed.
📸 3) Drama-Free Pickup
- Film the car from all angles + the dashboard.
- Photograph scratches, wheels and windshield.
- Keep your fuel receipt when returning.
60 seconds now can save 6 weeks of email disputes.
Rental Companies at Colombo Airport
Providers you can compare here (availability varies by date and season).
Essential Info for Renting at Colombo Airport
Practical answers and tips before you book.
✅ Quick Answers ▼
At Colombo Airport you can compare rentals from 13 providers on SmartCarRental. We show prices and terms upfront so you know what you're paying.
- Book 2–4 weeks ahead for better selection and prices.
- Choose "full-to-full" fuel whenever possible.
- Have a credit card in the driver's name ready for the deposit.
🚙 Driving in Sri Lanka ▼
In Sri Lanka you drive on the Left side.
- Urban speed limit: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 80 km/h
- Motorway: 100 km/h
- Alcohol limit: 0,0 ‰
🅿️ Parking & Tolls ▼
Parking is available in cities, but be aware of fees.
Road tolls: Be prepared to haveve cash available.
Frequently Asked Questions - Car Rental at Colombo Airport
Which rental companies are available at Colombo Airport?▼
You can compare 13 rental companies at Colombo Airport on SmartCarRental. Availability varies by season and dates, so the best way to see current options is to search with your travel dates.
Do I need an international driving permit in Sri Lanka?▼
Requirements depend on your home country. EU, US and UK licenses are generally accepted, but an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your license isn't in Latin script.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
Is there an age limit for renting a car at Colombo Airport?▼
The minimum age to rent in Sri Lanka is typically 21 years. Drivers under 25 often pay an additional young driver surcharge.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What are the traffic rules in Sri Lanka?▼
In Sri Lanka you drive on the Left side. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on motorways.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
What do I need to bring for pickup?▼
When collecting your car at Colombo Airport you'll typically need: 1) A valid driver's license (held for at least 1 year), 2) Passport or national ID, and 3) A credit card in the driver's name for the security deposit.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
How does the fuel policy work?▼
Most providers at Colombo Airport use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. This is typically the simplest and cheapest option.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
When is it cheapest to rent a car at Colombo Airport?▼
Generally, booking 2–4 weeks in advance, choosing a mid-week pickup, and avoiding peak season gives you the lowest prices.
→ Read more in our guide
→ Read more in our guide
15-Day Weather Forecast for Colombo Airport
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Rent a Car Near Colombo Airport
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Check prices from 13 providers at Colombo Airport - pick your dates and see what's available.
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Colombo Airport
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