Airports Near Nuwara Eliya
Looking for the nearest airport to Nuwara Eliya? While there are no airports within a 50-mile radius of the city, there are options located a bit farther away. You'll need to plan for a longer drive, but nearby regional or major airports can still serve your travel needs.
What Is the Closest Airport to Nuwara Eliya?
The closest airport to Nuwara Eliya is Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI), a large airport located approximately 52.9 miles (85.1 km) southeast of the city center. The driving distance is about 93.5 miles (150.5 km), which typically takes around 3 hours and 14 minutes by car.
Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI)
IATA: HRI · ICAO: VCRI
Direct Distance 📏
52.9 miles
85.1 kilometers
Driving Distance 🚗
93.5 miles
150.5 kilometers
Driving Time 🕓
3 h 14 min
Direction ➤
Southeast
Nearby airports to Nuwara Eliya
| Airport | Iata Code | Location | Distance | Driving Distance | Driving Time | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hambantota Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport | HRI | Hambantota | 52.9 mi (85.1 km) | 93.5 mi (150.5 km) | 3 h 14 min | Large |
| Weerawila Airport | WRZ | Weerawila | 58.4 mi (94 km) | 92 mi (148 km) | 2 h 54 min | Small |
| Ratmalana Airport | RML | Colombo | 62.4 mi (100.4 km) | 99.5 mi (160.1 km) | 3 h 14 min | Medium-sized |
| Bandaranaike International Airport | CMB | Colombo | 63.3 mi (101.9 km) | 96 mi (154.5 km) | 3 h 15 min | Large |
| Koggala Airport | KCT | Galle | 74.6 mi (120.1 km) | 155.1 mi (249.7 km) | 4 h 12 min | Medium-sized |
| Batticaloa International Airport | BTC | Batticaloa | 79.7 mi (128.2 km) | 115.5 mi (185.9 km) | 4 h 7 min | Medium-sized |
| China Bay Airport | TRR | Trincomalee | 111.7 mi (179.8 km) | 158.6 mi (255.3 km) | 4 h 54 min | Medium-sized |
Closest Airports to Other Cities Near Nuwara Eliya
Planning to travel somewhere else in the region? Find the closest airport to these nearby cities:
- Closest airport to Maharagama
- Closest airport to Moratuwa
- Closest airport to Pita Kotte
- Closest airport to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte
- Closest airport to Kandy
- Closest airport to Katunayaka
- Closest airport to Battaramulla South
- Closest airport to Dambulla
- Closest airport to Kolonnawa
- Closest airport to Kotikawatta
General Airport Travel Tips
- Allow enough time: It's generally recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.
- Check your terminal: Confirm your departure terminal before heading to the airport, especially at larger airports.
- Airport selection: When choosing between multiple airports, consider flight availability, prices, and proximity to your final destination.
- Transportation options: Research transportation options to and from the airport including public transit, taxis, rideshares, or car rentals.
- Check flight status: Always verify your flight status before heading to the airport as schedules can change.
When planning your trip to Nuwara Eliya, choosing the right airport can help ensure a smoother travel experience. Consider all available options based on your specific needs.