Sri Lanka Route Guide · Airport transfers
Colombo Airport (CMB) to Bentota by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
Bentota is a resort beach on the south west coast with calm water, river safaris and water sports. It is one of the quickest beach transfers from the airport.
Route at a glance
- From
- Colombo Airport (CMB)
- To
- Bentota
- Distance
- About 100 km
- Drive time
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Best for
- Relaxed beach holidays and families.
The drive
You use the Southern Expressway and leave at the Kurundugahahetekma exit. The expressway is smooth and fast, and the local road to the beach is short.
Best stops on the way
Bentota River
Mangrove boat safaris and a quiet river ride.
Brief Garden
Landscape garden created by Bevis Bawa, a short drive inland.
Choose your vehicle
Pick a vehicle by group size and luggage. These are average day rates across GoTourRide drivers; a one-way transfer is quoted by the driver, so request a quote for an exact price. You can also use our trip cost calculator.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Average day rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mini car | Up to 2 | About $61/day |
| Normal car | Up to 3 | About $66/day |
| SUV | Up to 3 | About $91/day |
| Large car | Up to 4 | About $75/day |
| Minivan | Up to 6 | About $103/day |
| Large van | Up to 10 | About $118/day |
| Minibus | Up to 15 | About $169/day |
Tips for this route
- Resorts here are popular with families, so book the vehicle size early for car seats and luggage.
- Monsoon season on this coast runs roughly from May to September, with rougher seas.
Book a driver
Keep reading
- Best beaches in Sri Lanka
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Galle
- Colombo to Galle
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Mirissa
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How far is Bentota from Colombo Airport?
Around 100 km, which takes 1.5 to 2 hours by expressway.
Is Bentota good for a first night?
Yes. It is calm, close and has a wide choice of hotels.