Book a taxi in Sri Lanka

August 31, 2025 By Travel Guide No Comments

Getting around Sri Lanka as a foreign traveler is easier than ever, thanks to the variety of taxi and ride-hailing options available across the island. Whether you’re here for a short holiday or a long business stay, knowing how to book a reliable ride will save you both time and stress.

From traditional tuk-tuks buzzing through busy streets to modern ride-hailing apps like PickMe and Uber, there’s a transport option to match every budget and comfort level. Foreign visitors no longer need to worry about language barriers or negotiating fares — booking a taxi can be done in just a few taps on your phone.

Airport transfers, hotel pickups, and city rides are now simple and transparent, with clear pricing and live tracking. For longer journeys, you can even book vans or larger vehicles, making group travel across Sri Lanka convenient and safe.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the main types of taxis in Sri Lanka and explain how to book them from the airport, within Colombo, and directly through the PickMe Taxis app — so your journey starts smooth and hassle-free.

Taxi Types in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers a variety of ride options to suit different tastes and budgets:

  • Tuk-tuk (three-wheelers) — Cheap and ideal for short city trips, though you should always agree on the fare upfront or book through the PickMe app to avoid haggling.
  • PickMe — The local ride-hailing app offering a range of vehicles from tuk-tuks and compact cars to minivans and vans, complete with features like live-location sharing, SOS, scheduling, and loyalty rewards.
  • Uber — Available in major cities; often less expensive than traditional taxis. However, PickMe generally boasts broader coverage, especially outside Colombo.

Booking a Taxi from the Airport

At Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), you can choose from official airport taxis, ride-hailing apps, or shuttle buses. Uber and PickMe both have dedicated pickup points outside the terminal. App-based rides (Uber/PickMe) are recommended: they reduce the risk of scams and overcharging common with some unofficial providers. A ride from the airport to Colombo typically costs around LKR 3,000 via PickMe/Uber, whereas traditional airport taxis can be significantly more expensive—sometimes 5,000 LKR or more.

Booking a Taxi within Colombo (from hotel or external location)

PickMe and Uber are convenient and reliable within Colombo. Simply download the app, set your pickup location, and request a ride. Beware of tuk-tuk “mafia” and non-app drivers who may intimidate or overcharge. It’s best to stick with app-based pickups to ensure safety and transparent pricing. In smaller towns or areas with limited coverage, PickMe or Uber may not work. In such cases, your hotel can often help arrange a fair-priced ride or private transfer.

Booking via PickMe Taxis (Step-By-Step)

  1. Visit https://pickmetaxis.com/ – and browse various travel plans
  2. Select your vehicle type—choose from options like Tuk, Flex, Mini, Car, Mini Van, or Van based on group size and comfort.
  3. Set your pickup and destination, then confirm your ride. You can also schedule it for later or add multiple stops.
  4. Track your ride in real time, use the in-app SOS if needed, and leave feedback after the trip.
  5. Payment options include cash or card—but always carry cash as many drivers prefer it.

Traveler Insights:

“Uber (and PickMe) have entered into a formal partnership with the BIA … you can hail one with no issues whatsoever.”Reddit

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