What to expect on Sri Lankan roads
The Lanka Arrivals team · 7 Nov 2026
Driving in Sri Lanka is different from driving at home, which is why most visitors hire a driver instead of a car. If you are new to the roads, here is what to expect.
Traffic and timing
- Traffic drives on the left.
- Journey times depend on traffic more than distance. Colombo can be slow at the morning and evening peaks, and the coast road is busy on weekends and holidays.
- Expressways between Colombo and the south are much faster than the old coast road, and tolls are paid at the gate.
- In the hills, roads climb and twist, and buses and trucks slow everything. Allow extra time for Nuwara Eliya and Ella.
Plan for the airport
For a flight home, aim to leave early. We suggest leaving enough time to arrive at the airport about three hours before an international departure, and more if you travel from Colombo at a busy hour or from far down the coast. Tell us your flight time and we will suggest the pickup.
Comfort on long drives
- Sit in the back and wear your seat belt. Our vehicles are air-conditioned.
- Carry water and a snack, and ask your driver to stop whenever you need a break.
- Travel sick? Choose the front seat and ask for slower driving on mountain roads.
- Ask about stops: tea factories, viewpoints and spice gardens can fit easily into a long drive.
Should you drive yourself?
Visitors who want to drive need to meet the licence rules in force, and most find the traffic, animals on the road and overtaking style stressful. A driver costs less than most people expect, and you can look out of the window instead of at the road.