Sri Lanka Route Guide · South coast
Kandy to Galle by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
The expressway makes this a one-day transfer from the hills to the coast.
Route at a glance
- From
- Kandy
- To
- Galle
- Distance
- About 230 km
- Drive time
- 4.5 to 5 hours
- Best for
- Hill country to coast transfers.
The drive
You take the A1 to Colombo and then the Southern Expressway. The first half is slow, the expressway is fast.
Best stops on the way
Kadugannawa
Viewpoint.
Bentota
Beach stop.
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
- Leave early to arrive before sunset.
- Consider an overnight in Colombo if you want to explore.
Book a driver
Compare verified drivers on the drivers page, or ask us on WhatsApp if you would like to talk to a real person first.
Keep reading
- 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary
- Travel times between places in Sri Lanka
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Colombo to Galle
- Galle to Mirissa
- Mirissa to Ella
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How long is the drive from Kandy to Galle?
About 4.5 to 5 hours.
Is the train an option?
It requires a change in Colombo, so many travellers drive.