Sri Lanka Route Guide · South coast
Colombo to Galle by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
A simple day trip or transfer by expressway. A private driver means you can stop in Bentota or Hikkaduwa and be back in Colombo the same evening.
Route at a glance
- From
- Colombo
- To
- Galle
- Distance
- About 120 km
- Drive time
- 1.5 to 2 hours
- Best for
- Day trips from Colombo and weekend breaks.
The drive
The Southern Expressway runs the length of this trip and is the fastest road in the country. Tolls are paid at the entry and exit.
Best stops on the way
Kalutara
Bodhiya temple and a beach view from the road.
Bentota
Beach and river activities.
Hikkaduwa
Turtles and coral.
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
- Weekday mornings out of Colombo are the quietest.
- Day hire is usually better value than two separate one-way transfers.
Book a driver
Keep reading
- Best beaches in Sri Lanka
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Tipping your driver in Sri Lanka
- Galle to Mirissa
- Mirissa to Ella
- Udawalawe to Mirissa
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How long does it take to go from Colombo to Galle?
About 1.5 to 2 hours on the Southern Expressway.
Can I do Galle as a day trip from Colombo?
Yes. With a driver you can leave in the morning, see the Fort and return by evening.