Sri Lanka Route Guide · Airport transfers
Colombo Airport (CMB) to Galle by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
The Southern Expressway makes Galle one of the easiest transfers from the airport. It is a natural start for a south coast trip covering the Fort, beaches and whale watching.
Route at a glance
- From
- Colombo Airport (CMB)
- To
- Galle
- Distance
- About 140 km
- Drive time
- 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
- Best for
- South coast beach holidays and a relaxed first day.
The drive
Most of the way is the Southern Expressway (E01), a smooth tolled highway. The only slow parts are the link road from the airport and the exit into Galle.
Best stops on the way
Bentota
River safaris and a wide beach, a short detour off the expressway.
Hikkaduwa
Turtles and snorkelling, along the old coastal road.
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
- The expressway has tolls, which your driver handles and which are normally part of the quote.
- Check in at the Fort early; the old town is best explored on foot in the morning.
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 Sigiriya
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Kandy
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Ella
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How long is the drive from the airport to Galle?
Roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours on the expressway.
Is the expressway toll included?
Confirm with your driver when you request a quote; most include it in the transfer price.