Sri Lanka Route Guide · Airport transfers
Colombo Airport (CMB) to Tangalle by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
Tangalle has quiet beaches, boutique hotels and far fewer crowds than Mirissa. The Southern Expressway has made the drive much quicker than it used to be.
Route at a glance
- From
- Colombo Airport (CMB)
- To
- Tangalle
- Distance
- About 230 km
- Drive time
- 3.5 to 4 hours
- Best for
- Quiet beaches and couples.
The drive
You take the Southern Expressway to Matara and then the A2 coast road. The coast road is a normal two-lane road with some buses and animals.
Best stops on the way
Galle
Fort and lunch before the last stretch.
Matara
Coconut Tree Hill and Parey Dewa temple.
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
- Stay on Goyambokka or Rekawa beach for quieter sand.
- Rekawa is also a turtle nesting beach, often visited at night with a local guide.
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 Mirissa
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Yala National Park
- Galle to Yala National Park
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How far is Tangalle from the airport?
About 230 km, or 3.5 to 4 hours.
Is Tangalle good for a base for Yala?
Yes. It is about 1.5 to 2 hours from the park and a calmer base than Tissamaharama.