Sri Lanka expressway tolls for airport taxi trips
Most airport transfers from Colombo Airport (CMB) use an expressway. This guide explains which expressways you may use, how tolls work, and why the toll is separate from the taxi fare.
Expressways from Colombo Airport
The Colombo-Katunayake Expressway (E03) connects Bandaranaike International Airport with the Colombo area. From there, other expressways continue to different parts of the country.
- E03 Colombo-Katunayake Expressway: the airport to the Colombo area.
- E02 Outer Circular Expressway and E01 Southern Expressway: used for trips south, such as Bentota, Galle and Hiriketiya.
- E04 Central Expressway: used in our route data for trips such as Kandy, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura and Jaffna.
The exact roads depend on the route for your pickup and drop. The fare calculator shows a notice when your route uses the expressway.
How expressway tolls work
Tolls are charged for the section of expressway you use, so they depend on where you enter and leave, and on the type of vehicle. The rates are set by the road authority and can change.
Because the toll changes with the route and the rates, we keep it separate from the taxi fare.
Are tolls included in our taxi fare?
No. Our fares do not include highway toll fees. When your route uses the expressway, the fare calculator shows a notice, and each route page tells you which expressway the trip uses. If you want to know the toll for your trip, message us on WhatsApp.
To see how the fare itself is worked out, read our airport taxi price guide.
Expressway or normal road?
The expressway is usually the faster way to reach most places. Some routes, such as Nuwara Eliya and Wilpattu National Park, do not normally use an expressway. For Ella the fare calculator shows the normal-road fare first.
You can compare both. Tick Avoid the expressway in the fare calculator to see the fare on normal roads, and untick it to see the expressway fare. The distance, drive time and fare change with the road, and toll fees are extra on the expressway. Tell us your choice when you book.
Routes from Colombo Airport and the expressway they use
| From Colombo Airport to | Distance | Drive time | Expressway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Negombo | About 9 km | 21 minutes | Not normally used |
| Colombo City | About 34 km | 46 minutes | E03 expressway |
| Mount Lavinia | About 42 km | 1 hour 11 minutes | E03 expressway |
| Bentota | About 108 km | 1 hour 44 minutes | E03, E02 and E01 expressways |
| Kandy | About 114 km | 2 hours 54 minutes | E04 expressway |
| Dambulla | About 129 km | 2 hours 49 minutes | E04 expressway |
| Sigiriya | About 146 km | 3 hours 16 minutes | E04 expressway |
| Nuwara Eliya | About 152 km | 4 hours 45 minutes | Not normally used |
| Galle | About 153 km | 2 hours 15 minutes | E03, E02 and E01 expressways |
| Wilpattu National Park | About 156 km | 3 hours 37 minutes | Not normally used |
| Anuradhapura | About 174 km | 3 hours 48 minutes | E04 expressway |
| Hiriketiya | About 201 km | 2 hours 59 minutes | E03, E02 and E01 expressways |
| Ella | About 206 km | 6 hours | Normal main roads |
| Jaffna | About 373 km | 7 hours 21 minutes | E04 expressway |
Distances and drive times come from Google Maps without traffic. The real drive can take longer at busy times.
Tips for your trip
- Compare both fares: tick Avoid the expressway in the fare calculator, then tell us your choice when you book.
- Allow extra time for traffic around Colombo at busy times.
- Ask us on WhatsApp if you are not sure whether your route uses an expressway.
Questions and answers
Are expressway tolls included in the taxi fare?
No. Fares do not include highway toll fees. The fare calculator shows a notice when your route uses the expressway.
Which expressway goes to Colombo Airport?
The Colombo-Katunayake Expressway (E03) connects Bandaranaike International Airport with the Colombo area.
Can I ask the driver to use the normal road instead?
Yes. Tick Avoid the expressway in the fare calculator to see the fare on normal roads, and compare it with the expressway fare. Then tell us your choice when you book. The distance, drive time and fare change with the road, so we confirm the price on WhatsApp.
Why does the fare calculator show a toll notice?
Because your route uses an expressway. The notice reminds you that toll fees are extra.
How much is the toll for my trip?
The toll depends on where you enter and leave the expressway and on the type of vehicle, and the rates can change. Ask us on WhatsApp if you want to know the toll for your trip.
Check your fare now
Type your pickup and drop, choose Drop only or Return, and see the price of every vehicle.