Southern Expressway tolls how much CMB airport to Galle in 2026 and is it worth it

The Southern Expressway (E01) is brilliant. Airport (Katunayake) to Galle via the expressway is roughly 170 km and the toll for a car is around 1100-1400 LKR in 2026 (cars; vans pay more, buses more again, motorbikes are NOT permitted, and TUK-TUKS are NOT permitted either - so a tuk-tuk cannot use it). Payment is electronic (ETC tag) for regular users and cash at toll booths for everyone else. Driving time without traffic: airport to Galle in 1h45m to 2h15m vs 3.5-4.5h on the old A2 coastal road. Absolutely worth it for time-poor travelers and any chauffeur trip. Backpacker alternative: take the AIRPORT-to-Galle expressway bus service (yes, there is one) from a stop near the airport for around 1500-2000 LKR per seat; comfortable, AC, fast. Skip the expressway only if you specifically want to see the coastal road views.