Quick answer
After landing at Bandaranaike International Airport, clear immigration with your ETA, buy a local SIM and withdraw rupees before leaving the terminal. Sleep the first night in Negombo, about 20 minutes away, or Colombo, about an hour, then travel on the next morning: about two and a half to three hours to Galle or three to four to Kandy. Aim to land at least a day before the first match.
Key takeaways
- Land at least one full day before the first match.
- Buy a SIM and withdraw rupees at the airport before leaving.
- Negombo is about 20 minutes from the airport; Colombo about an hour.
- Galle is about two and a half to three hours from the airport by expressway.
- Jet lag from Australia is mild, with a 4.5 to 5.5 hour difference from the east coast.
Through the airport
Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake is Sri Lanka's main gateway, about 30 km north of Colombo. Immigration checks your passport and ETA; queues can be long when several flights land together, so be patient.
After customs, the arrivals hall has ATMs, money exchange counters and mobile network stalls. A tourist SIM with data takes a few minutes with your passport and is far cheaper than roaming. Withdraw enough rupees for the first few days, as cash is needed for tuk-tuks and small purchases.
If you have booked a driver, they will usually meet you outside the arrivals hall with a sign.
- →Immigration: passport and ETA.
- →ATM and SIM stall in arrivals.
- →Driver meets you outside.
Where to sleep the first night
Most international flights from Australia land in the evening or at night. Rather than driving straight to Galle or Kandy, many fans stay the first night near the airport. Negombo, about 20 minutes away, has beach hotels and guesthouses and an easy start the next morning.
Colombo, about an hour away by the expressway, is better if the first match is in the city or if you want a day of sightseeing. For a Galle Test, a first night in Colombo cuts the next day's drive to about two hours.
If you land early in the day, you can drive straight to Galle and arrive by mid-afternoon.
- →Night arrival: Negombo or Colombo.
- →Colombo first if the match is in the city.
- →Day arrival: straight on to Galle.
Getting over the flight
The flight from the east coast of Australia is long, but the time difference is only 4.5 hours in the Australian winter and 5.5 in summer, so jet lag is mild. Most people adjust within a day. From Perth, the difference is only 2.5 hours.
The heat and humidity take more getting used to. Spend the first afternoon at an easy pace, drink plenty of water and avoid a heavy night out before the first match.
Lankan Stays & Trails usually plans the first evening around a short walk and an early dinner, keeping the first full day light.
- →Jet lag: mild, a day to adjust.
- →Heat: the bigger adjustment.
- →Keep the first evening easy.
Getting to the ground
From Negombo or the airport, the Colombo Outer Circular Highway links to the Southern Expressway, and Galle is about two and a half to three hours by road. Kandy is three to four hours, depending on traffic. Most fans travel with a private driver, which allows stops along the way.
The train is an option from Colombo Fort station to Galle or Kandy, but schedules and crowding make it less practical on arrival day with luggage.
Check in near the ground the day before the match, so you can pick up tickets, find the gate and settle in.
- →Airport to Galle: about two and a half to three hours.
- →Airport to Kandy: three to four hours.
- →Arrive the day before the match.
A first evening near the ground
An evening walk sets you up well for the first day. In Galle, walk the fort ramparts at sunset, look across at the ground and have dinner within the walls. In Kandy, walk around the lake and visit the Temple of the Tooth for the evening ceremony. In Colombo, Galle Face Green at sunset is the classic first evening.
Lay out your match-day kit, charge your phone and set an alarm. The cricket starts at about 10 am, but you will want to be at the gate early.
- →Galle: the ramparts at sunset.
- →Kandy: the lake and the evening ceremony.
- →Colombo: Galle Face Green.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Colombo airport to Galle?
The drive from Bandaranaike International Airport to Galle takes about two and a half to three hours, using the Colombo Outer Circular Highway and the Southern Expressway. Traffic around Colombo can add time. Most fans travel with a private driver, who can stop for food on the way.
Should cricket fans stay in Negombo or Colombo the first night?
Negombo is about 20 minutes from the airport, ideal for a late arrival and an early start south. Colombo is about an hour away and better if your first match is in the city or you want a day of sightseeing. Both work well for a Galle Test.
Can you buy a SIM card at Colombo airport?
Yes, mobile network stalls in the arrivals hall sell tourist SIMs with data, set up in a few minutes with your passport. They are much cheaper than roaming and give good coverage in all the cricket towns. Top-ups are easy at shops across the island.
Is jet lag bad flying from Australia to Sri Lanka?
Jet lag is mild, as Sri Lanka is only 4.5 to 5.5 hours behind the east coast of Australia and 2.5 hours behind Perth. Most people adjust within a day. The heat and humidity are usually the bigger adjustment for the first couple of days.
How early should you arrive before the first match?
Arrive at least one full day before the first match. That gives a night to sleep off the flight, a day to travel to the ground and an evening to settle in. Two days is better if you want to adjust to the heat first.
Is there an ATM at Colombo airport?
Yes, there are ATMs and money exchange counters in the arrivals hall at Bandaranaike International Airport. Withdraw enough rupees for the first few days, as cash is needed for tuk-tuks, tips and small purchases. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants.
What should cricket fans do on their first evening in Galle?
Walk the Galle Fort ramparts at sunset, look across at the cricket ground, then have dinner inside the fort. It is an easy, beautiful first evening that also helps you find your way around before match day. Keep it early so you are fresh for the first ball.