How to Reach Colombo Cricket Stadium from the Airport and City Center
Watching a T20 World Cup match in Colombo is an unforgettable experience, but navigating the city’s traffic to get there can be chaotic. Before you book your ride, it is crucial to check your ticket carefully because Colombo hosts matches at two different venues: the famous R. Premadasa Stadium (RPS) and the historic Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC). These grounds are in completely different parts of the city, and confusing them is a common mistake for first-timers. This guide covers exactly how to reach Colombo cricket stadium venues (both RPS and SSC) from the airport and city center—by bus, taxi, or tuk-tuk—so you don’t miss a single ball.
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How to Reach R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (Khettarama)
If you are heading to a day-night match (like an India vs. Pakistan clash), this is likely where you are going. The R. Premadasa Stadium (often called “Khettarama” by locals) is located in a busy, industrial part of Colombo. It is not a touristy area, so don’t expect fancy cafes nearby—just pure cricket fever.
Here is the best way to get there:
From the Airport (CMB)
- Distance: ~35 km
- Time: 1 hour (can be 1.5 hours in traffic)
The Smart Way (Uber / PickMe): Do not bother with the expensive taxi counters inside the airport. Download the PickMe or Uber app using the free airport Wi-Fi.
- Cost: Approx. 5,000 – 7,000 LKR ($17 – $24 USD).
- Tip: Select “Highway” as your route preference. You will have to pay the toll (about 300 LKR) in cash, but it saves you 30 minutes of chaotic city traffic.
The Budget Way (Bus + Tuk-Tuk): If you are traveling light and want to save money:
- Walk out of the terminal and take the Expressway Bus to “Colombo Fort” (Cost: ~500 LKR).
- Get off at the final stop (Colombo Fort).
- Take a Tuk-tuk from there to the stadium (see below).
From Colombo City Center (Fort / Pettah / Galle Face)
- Distance: ~4-5 km
- Time: 15–20 mins (45 mins on match day)
Option 1: The Tuk-Tuk (Best Choice). A car will get stuck in the gridlock around Maligawatta. A tuk-tuk can weave through the gaps.
- Expected Cost: 500 – 800 LKR ($2 – $3 USD).
- Crucial Advice: Never get into a Tuk-tuk that is parked and waiting for tourists. They will quote you 3,000 LKR. Always flag down a moving one and ask, “Meter?” If they say no, walk away. Or, better yet, book one on PickMe.
Option 2: The Bus (For the Adventurous) If you want the full local experience, look for Bus Route 176. It stops right near the Khettarama temple, just a short walk from the gates. It will be crowded, sweaty, and loud—but the ticket costs less than a bottle of water.
How to Reach SSC Cricket Ground (Maitland Place)
If R. Premadasa is the “loud and rowdy” venue, the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) is the “gentleman’s game” venue. Often called the “Lord’s of Sri Lanka,” this stadium is located in Cinnamon Gardens (Colombo 7)—the most upscale, leafy neighborhood in the city.
Because the area is nicer, your travel options are a bit more comfortable here.
From the Airport (CMB)
- Distance: ~32 km
- Time: 45 mins – 1 hour (via Highway)
The Best Option: Uber or PickMe (AC Car). Unlike the chaos of Maligawatta, the ride to SSC is usually smoother.
- Cost: Approx. 4,500 – 6,000 LKR ($15 – $20 USD).
- Route: Tell the driver to take the Katunayake Expressway. It drops you quite close to the Borella/Cinnamon Gardens area, avoiding the worst of the city traffic.
Drop-off: The main gate is on Maitland Place. If the road is closed for the World Cup, ask to be dropped near Independence Square; it’s a beautiful 5-minute walk from there.
From Colombo City Center (Fort / Galle Face / Colpetty)
- Distance: ~4-6 km
- Time: 15–20 mins
Option 1: The “Comfortable” Tuk-Tuk Taking a tuk-tuk to Colombo 7 is actually quite pleasant because the roads are wide and lined with huge trees.
- Cost: 400 – 600 LKR ($1.50 – $2 USD).
- Navigation Tip: If your driver seems confused, just say “Near the NCC ground” or “Cinnamon Gardens.” (Note: The NCC ground is literally right next door to the SSC, so don’t accidentally walk into the wrong one!)
Option 2: Bus (Not Recommended) While there are buses that go through Borella or Town Hall, they don’t drop you right at the gate. You will likely have to walk 1-2km in the heat. For the few dollars you save, it’s not worth arriving at the match drenched in sweat. Stick to a Tuk-tuk or Uber.
Best Transport Option Comparison (Both Stadiums)
| Transport Mode | R. Premadasa Stadium | SSC Cricket Stadium | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Uber / PickMe | Fast & Comfortable | Fast & Comfortable | Tourists, Families, Match Day Travel |
| Bus | Very Cheap | Cheap & Easy | Budget Travelers |
| Train + Tuk-Tuk | Moderate | Easy | Backpackers |
| Tuk-Tuk | Best for Short Distance | Very Convenient | Nearby Hotels |
| Walking | Not Recommended | Possible if Staying Nearby | Central Area Visitors |
Travel Tips for T20 World Cup Match Days
1. Leave 2 Hours Earlier Than You Think – Google Maps might say it takes 30 minutes, but on match days, roads around R. Premadasa and SSC are often blocked off by police. You will likely have to get out of your vehicle and walk the last 1–1.5 km to the gate.
2. Don’t Bring These Items (Seriously) – Security at Sri Lankan stadiums is tight. To fly through the checks, leave these at your hotel:
- Power banks (Often confiscated, though rules vary)
- Coins (Sometimes removed to prevent throwing)
- Plastic/Glass Bottles (Even water bottles are often taken; you have to buy water inside in cups)
- Alcohol (Strictly prohibited)
- Large Backpacks (Bring a small waist bag or nothing at all)
3. The “Return Ride” Strategy – Getting an Uber or PickMe after the match is nearly impossible at the stadium gate because of the network jam and crowd.
- At R. Premadasa: Walk 15 minutes away towards Maradana or the Sugathadasa Stadium area before trying to book.
- At SSC: Walk towards Independence Square or Torrington to find a driver easily.
4. Cash is King – While the stadiums have food stalls (selling hot dogs, kottu, and short eats), card machines often fail due to the network overload. Keep small notes (100s and 500s) handy for quick snacks and water.
5. Dress for the Heat – Most seats (especially the lower stands) are open to the elements. If it is a day game, you will bake. If it is a night game, it will be humid. Wear light cotton clothes and bring a hat.
Conclusion
Colombo during the T20 World Cup is going to be loud, chaotic, and absolutely incredible.
The traffic might test your patience, and the heat will definitely test your stamina, but once you hear the Papare bands start playing and the crowd roaring, none of that will matter.
Just remember the golden rule: Double-check your ticket before you leave your hotel.
- If it says R. Premadasa (RPS), head to Maligawatta and be ready for the noise.
- If it says SSC, head to Cinnamon Gardens for a slightly more chilled vibe.
Download the PickMe app, carry small cash, and leave early enough to grab a cold drink before the first ball.
Are you supporting your team at the RPS or the SSC? Drop a comment below and let me know which match you are most excited for!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About How to reach Colombo cricket stadium
Q 1: I am looking for how to reach the Colombo cricket stadium by car. Is there parking?
Honestly? Don’t even try. General public parking is almost non-existent inside the stadium complex during big tournaments like the World Cup. The nearby streets get closed off or are packed with VIP vehicles. You will spend more time looking for a spot than watching the match. Save yourself the headache and take a PickMe or an Uber.
Q 2: Can I bring my backpack or laptop bag inside?
No. Security is very strict about bags. They usually only allow small ladies’ handbags or clear waist pouches. If you bring a large backpack, you might be forced to leave it at a “cloakroom” tent outside (which is chaotic) or denied entry entirely. Leave the luggage at your hotel.
Q 3: How much should a taxi cost from the airport to the stadium?
If you use a ride-hailing app like Uber or PickMe, a small car (Nano/Alto) should cost around 5,000 – 6,500 LKR ($17–$22). If you take an airport taxi from the counter, they might quote you 8,000 – 10,000 LKR. Always check the app price first to negotiate.
Q 4: Can I bring water bottles or food from outside?
Generally, no. Security will make you throw away plastic bottles at the gate to prevent them from being thrown onto the field. There are plenty of food stalls inside selling water, soft drinks, and snacks (popcorn, hot dogs, kottu), though lines can be long during the innings break.
Q 5: Is it safe to take a Tuk-tuk late at night after the match?
Yes, Colombo is generally very safe for tourists, even late at night. However, tuk-tuk drivers waiting right outside the gate will try to overcharge you (sometimes 3x the normal rate). Walk a few hundred meters away from the main crowd to find a driver who is willing to use the meter, or book one through an app for safety and a fair price.