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Colombo Airport to Galle by Car

about 150 to 170 km, 2 to 2.5 hours on the expressways

Galle is the easiest long drive from the airport: the expressways run almost the whole way, so most of the trip is smooth, fast and without traffic lights.

Distance
about 150 to 170 km
Driving time
2 to 2.5 hours on the expressways
Cars from
Rs. 12,000 per day

Times are for normal traffic and exclude stops. Always allow extra time on holidays and in rain.

Routes from the airport to Galle

Expressway (fastest)

From Bandaranaike International Airport take the Colombo-Katunayake Expressway towards Colombo, join the Outer Circular Expressway and then the Southern Expressway, which runs south to Matara. Leave it at the Galle interchange. Allow 2 to 2.5 hours; expressway tolls are paid at the entry and exit gates.

Coastal road (slowest, most scenic)

The old Galle Road along the coast passes Kalutara, Bentota, Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa. It has many junctions, bus stops and towns, so it takes 4 to 5 hours or more, but it is the choice when you want to stop for the beach.

Worth a stop on the way

  • Kalutara Bodhiya: A large white stupa right beside the road, about an hour from the airport, with a short, easy stop.
  • Bentota and Ambalangoda: Beach, river safaris and the traditional mask workshops of Ambalangoda, reached from the coastal road or an expressway exit.
  • Hikkaduwa: Reef snorkelling and surf beaches before the last stretch to the fort.

Road notes

  • Enter the Southern Expressway at the first interchange you reach; do not stop on it except at the service areas.
  • Have the toll payment ready at each gate (the expressway tolls are paid by the hirer); ask us if you are unsure how to pay.
  • The coastal Galle Road is crowded at weekends and on public holidays; start early.
  • Parking inside Galle Fort is limited: use the car parks near the cricket stadium and walk in.

Which car for this drive

The road is flat and fast, so any car is comfortable. A hybrid such as the Toyota Prius or Axio uses the least fuel on a long expressway drive, and a small car is enough for two people with light luggage.

Daily car rental rates in Sri Lankan rupees (LKR). The rate per day falls as the rental period gets longer.
VehicleSeatsGearboxFuelPer dayPer day, 2 weeksPer day, 1 monthPer day, 3 months
SUZUKI WAGON R5AutomaticHybrid, PetrolRs. 12,000≈ $37Rs. 11,500≈ $36Rs. 10,000≈ $31Rs. 9,000≈ $28
SUZUKI WAGON R4AutomaticPetrolRs. 13,500≈ $42Rs. 12,000≈ $37Rs. 10,000≈ $31Rs. 8,500≈ $26
SUZUKI WAGON R2 cars at this rate4AutomaticHybrid, PetrolRs. 13,500≈ $42Rs. 12,000≈ $37Rs. 10,000≈ $31Rs. 8,500≈ $26
TOYOTA PRIUS5AutomaticHybridRs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,500≈ $45Rs. 12,000≈ $37Rs. 11,500≈ $36
PRIUS4AutomaticHybridRs. 17,500≈ $54Rs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,000≈ $43Rs. 13,000≈ $40
TOYOTA PRIUS5AutomaticHybridRs. 17,500≈ $54Rs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,000≈ $43Rs. 13,000≈ $40
TOYOTA PRIUS G SPORT5AutomaticHybridRs. 17,500≈ $54Rs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,000≈ $43Rs. 13,000≈ $40
TOYOTA AXIO4AutomaticHybrid, PetrolRs. 20,000≈ $62Rs. 18,500≈ $57Rs. 15,000≈ $47Rs. 13,500≈ $42
TOYOTA AXIO2 cars at this rate4AutomaticHybridRs. 20,000≈ $62Rs. 18,500≈ $57Rs. 15,000≈ $47Rs. 13,500≈ $42
TOYOTA AXIO2 cars at this rate5AutomaticHybridRs. 20,000≈ $62Rs. 18,500≈ $57Rs. 15,000≈ $47Rs. 13,500≈ $42
TOYOTA AXIO WXB5AutomaticHybridRs. 20,000≈ $62Rs. 18,500≈ $57Rs. 15,000≈ $47Rs. 13,500≈ $42
HONDA VEZEL5AutomaticHybridRs. 22,000≈ $68Rs. 20,000≈ $62Rs. 16,000≈ $50Rs. 14,000≈ $43
HONDA VEZEL5AutomaticHybridRs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87Rs. 24,000≈ $74Rs. 22,000≈ $68
HONDA VEZEL5AutomaticHybrid, PetrolRs. 35,000≈ $109Rs. 33,000≈ $102Rs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87
HONDA VEZEL2 cars at this rate5AutomaticHybridRs. 35,000≈ $109Rs. 33,000≈ $102Rs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87

Rates are read from our booking system. Fuel, expressway tolls, parking and traffic fines are paid by the hirer; the rate includes commercial rent-a-car insurance (an insurance excess applies), 24/7 breakdown support and 100 km per day. See the full price list.

More about the cars: Honda Vezel, Toyota Prius, Toyota Axio, Suzuki Wagon R.

Airport pickup and one-way hire

We can bring the car to Bandaranaike International Airport on request; see car rental at Colombo airport. You can also hire with a driver, who handles the road, the parking and the tolls. Tell us your flight, your dates and the number of travellers on WhatsApp. More about the place itself: car rental for Galle.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Colombo airport to Galle?
About 2 to 2.5 hours on the expressways in normal traffic, for roughly 150 to 170 km. By the coastal road it takes 4 to 5 hours or more.
Are there tolls on the way to Galle?
Yes. The Colombo-Katunayake, Outer Circular and Southern expressways charge tolls at the gates. Tolls are paid by the hirer, not included in the rental rate.
Can I pick the car up at the airport and drop it in Galle?
One-way hires depend on the car and the dates. Tell us on WhatsApp where you want to collect and return it and we confirm whether it is possible and the extra charge.
Which car is best for Galle and the south coast?
A hybrid sedan or hatchback for two to four people. For a group, ask about our vans; the south coast roads are flat and wide enough for them.

Other routes from the airport

Plan your drive to Galle

Tell us your dates, your flight and the number of travellers, and we confirm the car and the price.

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