Major Highways & Driving Tips in Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka
1. Kotte-Katunayake Expressway (Outer Circular Highway)
Fastest route to Bandaranaike International Airport; Connects Colombo with northern suburbs.
- Rush Hour Traffic: Heavy traffic during morning and evening peak hours.
- Toll Road: Requires electronic toll collection (ETC) system.
- Speed Limit: Speed limit of 100 km/h but watch for frequent speed checks.
2. Galle Road
Popular coastal road with beautiful sea views; Connects Colombo to Galle.
- Narrow Lanes: Narrow lanes make parking and overtaking challenging.
- Pedestrians: Many pedestrians, especially during weekends and evenings.
- Traffic Congestion: Traffic congestion in Colombo city center.
3. Western Expressway (Colombo-Kadawatha Expressway)
Connects the northern and southern suburbs of Colombo, bypassing city traffic.
- Toll Road: Requires electronic toll collection (ETC) system.
- Speed Limit: Speed limit of 100 km/h but watch for frequent speed checks.
- Accidents: High accident rate due to reckless driving and poor road conditions.
4. Maradana Inner Circle (Circular Road)
Inner city ring road with busy markets; connects several major routes.
- Pedestrians: Many pedestrians, especially during weekdays.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Markets and Shops: Frequent stops for shopping or sightseeing opportunities.
5. Colombo Fort Railway Station
Central hub for trains in Colombo; nearby Pettah market is worth a visit.
- Train Crowds: Very busy during morning and evening peak hours.
- Parking: Limited parking options in the area.
- Markets: Nearby Pettah market offers unique shopping experiences.
6. Kolonnawa Road
Connects Colombo with the eastern suburbs and Kotte; less congested than other major roads.
- Traffic Congestion: Less traffic congestion compared to other major roads.
- Speed Limit: Speed limit of 80 km/h but watch for occasional speed checks.
- Pedestrians and Markets: Frequent pedestrians and markets along the route.
7. Gangodawila Junction
Major intersection connecting northern and southern Colombo; beware of heavy traffic.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Road Conditions: Poor road conditions at times due to heavy vehicle usage.
- Traffic Enforcement: Strict traffic enforcement, especially during peak hours.
8. Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Road
Coastal road connecting Colombo and Mount Lavinia with beautiful sea views.
- Traffic Congestion: Moderate traffic congestion during weekends.
- Speed Limit: Speed limit of 80 km/h but watch for occasional speed checks.
- Pedestrians and Markets: Frequent pedestrians and markets along the route.
9. Havelock Road
Major route connecting Colombo with Bambalapitiya and Kollupitiya; heavy traffic during peak hours.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Pedestrians: Many pedestrians, especially during weekdays.
- Speed Limit: Speed limit of 80 km/h but watch for occasional speed checks.
10. Victoria Road
Connects Colombo Fort Railway Station with the Galle Face Green seafront.
- Pedestrians: Many pedestrians, especially during weekends and evenings.
- Traffic Congestion: Moderate traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Markets and Shops: Frequent markets and shops along the route.
11. Luxury Malls in Colombo
Modern shopping malls like Independence Square Mall, Liberty Plaza, and Crescat Boulevard offer upscale shopping experiences.
- Parking: Limited parking options in the area.
- Crowds: Very busy during weekends and evenings.
- Traffic Congestion: Moderate traffic congestion around the malls.
12. Colombo Port Area
Busy commercial area with cargo and passenger ships; be aware of heavy traffic.
- Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic congestion during ship arrivals and departures.
- Pedestrians: Many pedestrians, especially near the port entrance.
- Speed Limit: Strict speed limits and traffic enforcement in this area.
13. Colombo-Negombo A1 Highway
Expressway connecting Colombo with Negombo town; bypasses much of the city traffic.
- Toll Road: Requires electronic toll collection (ETC) system.
- Speed Limit: Speed limit of 100 km/h but watch for frequent speed checks.
- Accidents: High accident rate due to reckless driving and poor road conditions.
14. Beira Lake Area
Central Colombo lake area with several attractions like the Gangaramaya Temple and Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksha Open-Air Theatre.
- Traffic Congestion: Moderate traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Parking: Limited parking options in the area.
- Attractions and Markets: Numerous attractions, markets, and shops around the lake.
15. Colombo National Museum
A must-visit for history enthusiasts; located in the heart of Colombo.
- Parking: Limited parking options near the museum.
- Traffic Congestion: Moderate traffic congestion during peak hours.
- Opening Hours: Closed on Fridays and national holidays.