Sri Lanka Toll Roads Complete Guide: E-Tag, Rates & Payment 2025
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Sri Lanka Toll Roads Complete Guide
System: Distance-based toll collection (Manual + Electronic on E03)
Coverage: 300+ km of expressways (E01, E03, E04, OCH)
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Technology: Manual toll collection + Electronic Toll Collection (ETC)
Operators: Road Development Authority (RDA) - EOM&M Division, Sahasya Investment Limited (from April 2024)
Do I Need to Pay Tolls in Sri Lanka? 2025 Update
Yes, all vehicles using Sri Lanka's expressway network must pay distance-based tolls. Sri Lanka operates a limited but rapidly expanding toll road system with four main expressways in operation and several under construction.
Key Reality: Tolls are only charged on designated expressways (E-roads). Regular A-roads and B-roads remain completely free, though significantly slower.
2025 Update: Management of expressways transferred to Sahasya Investment Limited in April 2024, with toll rates increased approximately 25% in April 2023. Electronic toll collection (ETC) expanding beyond E03 to other expressways.
Sri Lanka Toll Costs: Current Rates
Sri Lanka uses distance-based toll calculation with rates varying by vehicle category. Current rates reflect the 25% increase implemented in April 2023.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Category (2025)
| Vehicle Category | Description | Rate Structure | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Cars, motorcycles, light vehicles | Base rate per km | Cars, SUVs, vans |
| Category 2 | Light commercial vehicles, small buses | Base rate × 1.5 | Mini buses, delivery vans |
| Category 3 | Medium trucks, larger buses (6 wheels) | Base rate × 2.5 | Medium trucks, coaches |
| Category 4 | Heavy vehicles, large trucks (over 6 wheels) | Base rate × 4 | Heavy trucks, trailers |
Major Route Toll Examples (2025 Rates)
| Route | Category 1 (Cars) | Category 3 (6-wheel) | Category 4 (Heavy) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peliyagoda to Katunayake (E03) | LKR 400 | LKR 450 | LKR 750 |
| Kottawa to Hambantota (E01) | LKR 1,300 | LKR 2,350 | LKR 3,950 |
| Kottawa to Galle (E01) | LKR 500 | LKR 900 | LKR 1,500 |
| Mirigama to Kurunegala (E04) | LKR 300 | LKR 450 | LKR 700 |
Current Expressway Network (2025)
Operational Expressways:
- E01 Southern Expressway - Kottawa to Hambantota (200+ km)
- E03 Colombo-Katunayake Expressway - Peliyagoda to Airport (25.8 km)
- E04 Central Expressway - Mirigama to Kurunegala (40+ km, partial)
- OCH Outer Circular Highway - Around Colombo (28.9 km)
Under Construction/Planned:
- Port Access Elevated Highway - New Kelani Bridge to Athurugiriya (completing May 2025)
- Central Expressway extensions to Dambulla and Kandy
- E02 Colombo-Kandy Expressway (future project)
How to Pay Sri Lankan Tolls
Sri Lanka uses a combination of manual and electronic toll collection systems:
1. Manual Toll Collection (Most Expressways):
- Cash payment only (Sri Lankan Rupees)
- Entry ticket system - retain ticket for exit payment
- Distance-based calculation at exit
- 24/7 staffed toll booths
2. Electronic Toll Collection (ETC):
- Currently available on E03 Colombo-Katunayake Expressway only
- Pre-registered transponder system with prepaid accounts
- Automatic payment without stopping at dedicated ETC lanes
- Lower rates than cash payments
- Rolling out to other expressways gradually
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Sri Lankan expressways, use TollGuru Sri Lanka toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Management Changes:
- Expressway operations transferred from RDA to Sahasya Investment Limited (April 2024)
- Commercial management approach implemented for better efficiency
- Enhanced electronic toll collection system expansion planned
Network Expansion:
- Port Access Elevated Highway completing May 2025
- Central Expressway Stage 2 (Mirigama-Kurunegala) operational
- Stage 3 (Pothuhera-Galagedara/Kandy) under construction
Rate Updates:
- 25% toll increase implemented April 2023 (current rates)
- Electronic toll collection rates remain lower than cash payments
- Enhanced luxury bus services introduced for expressway operations
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Airport trips: LKR 400 (Peliyagoda-Katunayake)
- Cross-country travel: LKR 1,300+ (Colombo-Hambantota)
- Regional travel: LKR 300-500 for medium distances
- Commercial vehicles: 2.5x to 4x higher rates than cars
Travel Tips:
- Carry sufficient LKR cash for toll payments
- Keep entry ticket safe - lost tickets incur maximum distance charges
- Consider ETC system for frequent E03 users
- Free alternative routes available but significantly slower
Emergency Services:
- 24/7 emergency hotline: 1969
- CCTV monitoring across all expressways
- Regular patrol services and breakdown assistance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Sri Lankan tolls completely?
Yes, tolls are only charged on expressways. Alternative free routes (A-roads, B-roads) exist but take significantly longer. For example, Colombo-Galle via A2 highway takes 3+ hours versus 1 hour via E01 expressway.
What happens if I lose my toll ticket?
You'll be charged the maximum possible fare from the furthest entry point to your exit point. This can be significantly expensive - keep your ticket safe throughout the journey.
Can I pay with foreign currency or cards?
No, manual toll collection requires Sri Lankan Rupees cash only. Electronic toll collection (ETC) uses prepaid accounts but is currently limited to E03 expressway.
Do motorcycles pay the same as cars?
Yes, motorcycles are classified as Category 1 vehicles and pay the same rates as cars and light vehicles.
Are expressways operational 24/7?
Yes, all expressways operate 24 hours with staffed toll booths, emergency services, and CCTV monitoring available around the clock.
Sri Lanka vs. Regional Countries
| Country | System Type | Network Size | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | Distance-based tolls | 300+ km expressways | Cash + ETC (limited) |
| India | Distance-based tolls | 50,000+ km highways | FASTag electronic |
| Bangladesh | Limited toll roads | Growing network | Manual collection |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- India Toll Roads - Regional toll comparison and cross-border travel
- Bangladesh Toll Roads - Neighboring country toll information
- Asian Toll Roads - Regional toll road networks
Official Resources:
- Road Development Authority (RDA): www.rda.gov.lk
- Expressway Operations: www.exway.rda.gov.lk
- Emergency Services: 1969 (24/7 expressway hotline)
- Sahasya Investment Limited: Commercial expressway management
