Hambantota Seaplane Base (HBT)

Hambantota, LK 🇱🇰 Seaplane Base Scheduled Service

ICAO

HBT

IATA

HBT

Elevation

- ft

Region

LK-3

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: Not available

Local Code: Not available

Location: 6.124043° N, 81.103° E

Continent: Asia

Type: Seaplane Base

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Departures
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What Travelers Say

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Online Reviews Summary

Recent traveler reviews and experiences specifically detailing sentiment and satisfaction at Hambantota Seaplane Base (HBT) are scarce. Information available suggests HBT operates primarily as a public seaplane base, facilitating specialized air travel rather than high-volume commercial passenger traffic. Therefore, traveler experiences are likely to be different from those at larger international airports.

What Travelers Love
  • Scenic Entry: Arriving at Hambantota Seaplane Base (HBT) offers a unique and scenic approach to Sri Lanka's southern coast.
  • Efficient Car Rental Pick-up: The small and streamlined nature of the seaplane base allows for a personalized and efficient car rental process, especially if arrangements are made in advance. Rental agents can escort travelers directly to their vehicles, which are parked just outside the main terminal exit.
  • Gateway to Southern Sri Lanka: HBT provides convenient access to the region's pristine beaches, national parks, and cultural heritage sites.
  • Specialized Aircraft: Seaplane operators like Cinnamon Air utilize modern Cessna 208 aircraft for travel across Sri Lanka, designed for comfort and efficiency, including amphibious capabilities.
Common Complaints
  • Lack of Extensive Amenities: Due to its nature as a seaplane base rather than a major airport, there are unlikely to be extensive terminal facilities, shops, or restaurants directly at HBT, as one might find at a larger airport.
  • No Specific Security Wait Times Information: Specific data on security or customs/immigration wait times for Hambantota Seaplane Base (HBT) is not readily available in public traveler reviews or airport information resources.
  • Isolation (if not pre-arranged): While car rentals are efficient if pre-booked, the broader Hambantota area, including potential connections to the port or other transport hubs, can be isolated, making pre-arranged transportation essential for onward travel.

Overall, Hambantota Seaplane Base (HBT) appears to be a functional and efficient point of entry for those utilizing seaplane services to access the southern region of Sri Lanka. Travelers should anticipate a more intimate and specialized experience compared to traditional airports, emphasizing pre-arranged services for seamless onward travel.

Last updated: 65 days ago

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AI-Generated: Compiled from publicly available reviews. May not be current or accurate.

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Airport Routes

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Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025

Taxis

Taxis are the most practical and common way to travel from the area. It is highly recommended to pre-book a taxi or arrange a transfer through your hotel or a local travel agent for fixed rates. While an airport taxi counter is available at the nearby Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) terminal, ride-hailing apps like PickMe have very limited availability in this remote region.

Rental Cars

There are no major international car rental counters located directly at the seaplane base or the adjacent HRI airport terminal. Car rentals, either for self-drive or with a driver, must be booked in advance online through national or local Sri Lankan rental companies. The company will then arrange to meet you with the vehicle upon your arrival.

Public Transportation

Public transportation options are extremely limited and not recommended for tourists. There are no direct train connections. While some infrequent public buses connect the main airport road to nearby towns like Hambantota and Kataragama, they are not convenient for travelers with luggage and do not operate on a fixed, reliable schedule for flight arrivals.

AI-Generated Content: This ground transportation information was compiled using AI from publicly available sources. Prices, schedules, and availability may change; please verify with official airport or transportation provider websites before traveling.

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Koggala Airport
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Ampara Airport
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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.