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How to get to Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is in the middle of Colombo, between the sea and Galle Road. It runs from the Galle Face Hotel in the south to the old Parliament building in the north.

Directions in Google Maps
Map: Galle Face Green from the Galle Face Hotel to the old Parliament, with Colombo Fort station and the way to the airport Galle Face Green is a long, narrow park by the sea in the middle of Colombo. Port City is on new land to the north-west. Fort and Pettah are to the north. Beira Lake and the Lotus Tower are to the east. Gangaramaya Temple is to the south-east. The numbers match the list under the map. Indian Ocean Port City Beira Lake Galle Face Green 1 2 3 4 500 metres
  1. Galle Face Hotel, at the south end
  2. Old Parliament, at the north end
  3. Colombo Fort railway station
  4. Colombo Airport, about 35 km by road
Number 4 (Colombo Airport, about 35 km by road) is off the map: its arrow points the way. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

From Colombo Airport (CMB)

The airport is in Katunayake, about 35 km from Galle Face Green by road. Most of the drive is on the airport expressway. By car it takes 45 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic.

  • PickMe or Uber: book in the app if you have a working phone and data. The app shows the price first.
  • Airport taxi counter: a fixed 8,100 rupees (about $25) to Galle Face. Ask if the 400-rupee expressway toll is included.
  • Hotel pickup: many hotels can send a car for you. Ask them for the price when you book your room.
  • Bus 187: the cheapest way, to Colombo Fort. Then walk 20 to 25 minutes or take a tuk-tuk.

Read our full airport guide

From Colombo Fort railway station

It is about 1.5 to 2 km, a 20 to 25 minute walk. Walk along Olcott Mawatha and Lotus Road, past the old Parliament building, to the north end of the green. A tuk-tuk by meter costs about 250 rupees.

The closest station is Kompannavidiya (Slave Island), a few minutes’ walk from the south end, but fewer trains stop there. Check that yours does.

By tuk-tuk or taxi app

The easiest way is the PickMe or Uber app. You see the price before you book, and you don’t need to explain where to go.

If you stop a tuk-tuk in the street, choose one with a working meter, or agree the price before you get in. The official meter rate is 110 rupees for the first km and 90 rupees for each km after that.

By bus

Buses 100 and 101 run along Galle Road, past Galle Face, to Fort and Pettah. Ask the conductor for “Galle Face”. The shortest trip costs about 34 rupees.

By car, and where to park

Roadside parking by the green is run by Colombo Municipal Council: cars 70 rupees an hour, tuk-tuks 40, motorbikes 20. The first 10 minutes are free, and parking is free on Poya (full moon) days.

One Galle Face mall, at the north end, has a car park for 200 rupees an hour.

From nearby hotels

The Galle Face Hotel is right at the south end, a 2 to 3 minute walk. The hotels at the north end, near One Galle Face mall, are a 3 to 5 minute walk. From most other hotels in central Colombo, it is a short tuk-tuk ride.

Wheelchairs and prams

Most of the seaside walk is flat and paved, but there are some steps and kerbs, and the lawn can be bumpy. It is easiest to arrive by car at the south or north end. PickMe and Uber can send a car instead of a tuk-tuk, which is easier with a wheelchair or a pram.

Questions about getting there

How far is Galle Face Green from Colombo Airport?

About 35 km by road. By car it takes 45 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic. Most of the drive is on the airport expressway.

Can I walk to Galle Face Green from Colombo Fort station?

Yes. It is about 1.5 to 2 km, a 20 to 25 minute walk. A tuk-tuk by meter costs about 250 rupees.

Can I take PickMe or Uber to Galle Face Green?

Yes. Both apps work all over Colombo and at the airport, with tuk-tuks and cars. The app shows the price before you book.

How much is a tuk-tuk to Galle Face Green?

From Colombo Fort station, about 250 rupees by meter. The official meter rate is 110 rupees for the first km and 90 rupees for each km after that. Use a meter or an app, or agree the price before you get in.

Is there parking at Galle Face Green?

Roadside parking by the green is run by Colombo Municipal Council: cars 70 rupees an hour, tuk-tuks 40, motorbikes 20. The first 10 minutes are free, and parking is free on Poya (full moon) days. One Galle Face mall, at the north end, has a car park for 200 rupees an hour.

Is Galle Face Green good for wheelchairs and prams?

Most of the seaside walk is flat and paved, but there are some steps and kerbs. The lawn can be bumpy. It is easiest to arrive by car at the south or north end.

Where our facts come from

Facts checked on 16 October 2026. Prices and times can change, so check the official source before you go. Main sources:

Updated · Found a mistake? Email us

Getting around the rest of Colombo

Tuk-tuks, PickMe, Uber, buses and trains: how they work, what they cost, and the scams to avoid.

Getting around Colombo Galle Face Green guide