Make it a trip · Colombo, Sri Lanka
What Colombo costs
once you land
Real prices, from the airport ride to a room for the night, each with where we found it. Checked October 2026, around Colombo Fort and Kollupitiya.
Prices as the source quoted them.
Arriving
-
Free ETA, 30 days Fixed
For AU, NZ, GB, US, CA, NL, DE, FR, SG passports.
Free since 25 May 2026, but you must still apply for the ETA before arrival. Double entry within 30 days.
Source: Sri Lanka Department of Immigration, free tourist visas for 40 countries (2026-05)
Free -
Bus 187 from the airport to Colombo Fort Many reports
Pay the conductor in cash. About 05:30 to 22:00. PickMe or a taxi costs 2,500 to 4,500 LKR.
Sources: AirConnect, Colombo airport bus guide (2026), A Ticket to Take Off, one day in Colombo (2026-04)
Rs 100 to Rs 150 Book an airport pickup -
ETA travel authorisation Fixed
For IE passports.
Ireland is not on the free list. Up to 30 days; apply before arrival.
Sources: Sri Lanka Department of Immigration, free tourist visas for 40 countries (2026-05), OraVisa, Sri Lanka free ETA for 40 countries (2026-05)
US$50
Getting around
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Tuk tuk ride in the city, from Many reports
Usually 300 to 800 LKR.
Source: A Ticket to Take Off, one day in Colombo (2026-04)
Rs 300
Eating and drinking
-
Lunch menu at a cheap restaurant Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Colombo (2026-06)
US$4.40 -
US$7.40
-
Dinner for two at a restaurant Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Colombo (2026-06)
US$24 -
Cappuccino Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Colombo (2026-06)
US$2.50 -
Beer at a pub, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Colombo (2026-06)
US$2.20
At the supermarket
-
Water, 1 litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Colombo (2026-06)
US$0.30 -
Coca-Cola at a restaurant, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Colombo (2026-06)
US$0.70 -
Beer from a shop, half a litre Many reports
Source: LivingCost, Colombo (2026-06)
US$2
Doing
-
Gangaramaya Temple Many reports
Per person, includes Seema Malaka.
Source: A Ticket to Take Off, one day in Colombo (2026-04)
Rs 400 Get tickets -
Lotus Tower observation deck Many reports
Approximate foreign visitor price.
Source: A Ticket to Take Off, one day in Colombo (2026-04)
€18 Get tickets
Sleeping, per night
-
Hostel dorm bed Range
Middle half of 10 central hostels on Hostelworld, 30 Oct 2026. The cheapest bed was 2,400 LKR. Weekends and peak season cost more.
Source: Hostelworld, Colombo hostels (2026-10)
Rs 3,200 to Rs 4,000 Find a hostel
Prices change. Fixed fees come from official or widely reported figures; ranges are what travellers and operators report for 2026. Some links are affiliate links: they never change what you pay. How we make money.
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