Car rental in Moratuwa gets you a car 18km south of Colombo Fort, about 10km from the E01 Southern Expressway, with delivery to your hotel included on every car. From here, Galle is about an hour south on the E01, Bolgoda Lake is on the town’s eastern edge, and the furniture workshops of Moratumulla line the roads in the middle of town.
Rentrals has 42 cars here from $21.29 a day, none of them need a credit card: 41 are automatic, the cheapest automatic is the Suzuki Wagon R at $22.29, and the 
Honda Fit at $29.28 comes with unlimited mileage.
The cheapest car here, the Datsun redi GO at $21.29 a day, has a manual gearbox. Sri Lanka drives on the left, so if you want an automatic, book the Suzuki Wagon R at $22.29 instead. It costs $1 a day more.
42 cars from $21.29/day
No credit card on all 42
City delivery on all 42
Unlimited mileage Honda Fit
What you get with Rentrals in Moratuwa
Honda Fit at $29.28; other cars show a daily allowanceWhy rent a car in Moratuwa?
No regular bus stops at the boat landings on Bolgoda Lake. If you buy furniture in Moratumulla, you need something to carry it home in. And picking up a car south of Colombo saves 45 minutes or more of Galle Road traffic before you reach the expressway.
All 42 cars include city delivery, so the car can come to your hotel anywhere from Mount Lavinia to Panadura. Ratmalana Airport is about 5km north. When you rent a car in Moratuwa, every car needs no credit card, and prices start at $22.29 a day for an automatic.
The furniture district: De Soysa Road and Moratumulla
Moratuwa makes more furniture than anywhere else in Sri Lanka. The roads around the Moratumulla junction and De Soysa Road are lined with workshops and showrooms working in teak, mahogany, jak and satinwood. People across the island repeat a local saying: if it wasn’t made in Moratuwa, it isn’t worth buying.
Most workshops make one kind of piece. One builds dining tables, the next cupboards, the next carved beds, so you can compare several makers within a few hundred metres. Many Colombo furniture shops buy here and add their own margin, so workshop prices are usually lower for the same piece. Some families have been in the trade for 4 generations; timber that once came in by waterway now arrives by lorry.
For carrying smaller pieces home, the Suzuki Every at $27.29 has a van body with a flat load area. If you plan to load furniture, note that the Datsun redi GO at $21.29 is manual; the Suzuki Every or Wagon R are both automatic.
Bolgoda Lake: boating, kayaking and fishing
Bolgoda Lake is often described as Sri Lanka’s largest natural lake. It sits on the border of Colombo and Kalutara districts, in 2 main bodies of water joined by the Bolgoda River, which reaches the sea at Panadura. Parts of it are 20 to 50 feet deep.
Anglers come for barramundi, barracuda and trevally, and the mangrove edges are full of herons, kingfishers and cormorants. Boat rides and kayak hire run from several points on the shore, and there are lakeside restaurants and small resorts along the banks. In the Dutch period, the lake was a transport route, and boatmen rested on its islands.
The University of Moratuwa campus at Katubedda sits on the northern shore. By car, the lake access points are under 15 minutes from central Moratuwa.
The E01 Southern Expressway: Galle in about an hour from Moratuwa
The nearest E01 interchanges are about 10km east of Moratuwa, around 15 to 20 minutes by car. Once you’re on the expressway, there are no traffic lights, level crossings or town centres until you exit.
From the interchange, the Galle exit is about 90km, around 50 minutes. Matara is roughly 1h 15min further down the expressway. Exits also serve Bentota, Hikkaduwa and the beaches past Galle.
On the A2 coast road, Colombo to Galle can take more than 3 hours with traffic. From Moratuwa via the E01, it’s a little over an hour. Moratuwa is the last large town before the expressway, so collecting here saves the 30 to 45 minutes you’d spend leaving central Colombo. Car hire from Moratuwa to Galle is the quickest way to start a south coast trip.
Collecting in Moratuwa: leave the city traffic behind
Moratuwa is 18km south of Colombo Fort. If you’re staying in Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia or along the Galle Road, this is the nearest pickup that doesn’t take you into the centre of Colombo.
Galle Road north of Mount Lavinia can add 45 to 90 minutes to a journey between 7am and 9am and 5pm and 7pm. With city delivery on all 42 cars, the car comes to your hotel and you can avoid the city for the whole rental.
Ratmalana Airport, about 5km north, handles mainly domestic flights, and Moratuwa is the nearest car rental base to it. If you’re collecting for a south coast trip, the Datsun redi GO is manual; choose the Suzuki Wagon R for an automatic.
Moratuwa heritage: the church, the rebel and the cricket ground
Holy Emmanuel Church on Galle Road was built between 1857 and 1860 in the Gothic Revival style, replacing an earlier church from 1815. Its tower is said to have been the tallest structure in Sri Lanka when it was finished.
Veera Puran Appu, born in Moratuwa in 1812, led the 1848 Matale Rebellion against British rule and was executed by firing squad. His statue stands outside the Moratuwa Municipal Council. De Soysa Stadium, once called Tyronne Fernando Stadium, hosted its first Test match in 1992.
Choosing the right car in Moratuwa
Suzuki Wagon R
The cheapest automatic in Moratuwa. Small, easy to park and fine for Colombo, the lake and the E01.
Honda Fit
The only car with unlimited mileage, plus free cancellation. The best pick for a long south coast road trip.
Suzuki Every
A small van with a flat load area. The practical choice for carrying furniture from Moratumulla.
Toyota Prius or Aqua
Hybrids with the lowest fuel use for long expressway days.
Toyota Raize (new)
One of 8 new cars in the fleet. A compact SUV with more room and clearance for longer trips.
Datsun redi GO (manual)
The cheapest car, and the only manual. Book it only if you drive a manual confidently on the left.
Car rental prices in Moratuwa: 42 cars from $21.29
41 of the 42 cars in the Moratuwa fleet are automatic. The only exception is the Datsun redi GO. The fleet has 18 cars with free cancellation, 31 with a low deposit, 22 with full insurance, 8 new cars and 16 SUVs. All 42 need no credit card and include city delivery.
| Car | Transmission | Key detail | Price/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Datsun redi GO | Manual | Low deposit, no credit card | $21.29 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Cheapest automatic, low deposit, no credit card | $22.29 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Low deposit, no credit card | $23.29 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Free cancellation, low deposit, no credit card | $24.29 |
| Suzuki Alto | Automatic | Free cancellation, low deposit, no credit card | $25.43 |
| Suzuki Every | Automatic | Van body, low deposit, no credit card | $27.29 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Low deposit, no credit card | $28.29 |
| Honda Fit | Automatic | Unlimited mileage, free cancellation, no credit card | $29.28 |
| Honda Fit Shuttle | Automatic | Estate body, low deposit, no credit card | $29.34 |
| Toyota Prius (hybrid) | Automatic | Low deposit, best fuel economy | $31.18 |
| Toyota Aqua (hybrid) | Automatic | Low deposit, hybrid | $31.18 |
| Toyota Axio | Automatic | Low deposit, spacious saloon | $34.43 |
| Toyota Raize (new) | Automatic | New car, low deposit | $40.37 |
| Honda Vezel (SUV) | Automatic | Low deposit, SUV | $40.43 |
| All other 41 cars automatic | |||
The Datsun redi GO at $21.29 a day is the only manual car in the Moratuwa fleet. If you want an automatic, which suits Sri Lanka’s roads better, the cheapest is the Suzuki Wagon R at $22.29. All other 41 cars are automatic. The Honda Fit at $29.28 a day includes unlimited mileage, so there’s no extra charge at return however far you drive. Galle is about 105km south via the E01, and Matara about 140km.
Cheap car rental in Moratuwa starts at $22.29 for an automatic. Prices change with the season and update daily, so check the booking widget for your dates.
Driving distances from Moratuwa
Moratuwa sits on the A2 Galle Road, with the E01 expressway to the east. Times below are typical outside rush hour.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mount Lavinia | about 5km | 10 min | Beach and hotel strip |
| Ratmalana Airport | about 5km | 10 min | Mainly domestic flights |
| Panadura | about 8km | 15 min | Where Bolgoda Lake meets the sea |
| E01 expressway interchange | about 10km | 15 to 20 min | Fastest route south |
| Colombo Fort | about 18km | 30 to 45 min | Heavy traffic at peak times |
| Kalutara | about 24km | 30 to 40 min | Riverside temple and bodhi tree |
| Beruwala | about 38km | 45 min | Kechimalai mosque, said to be Sri Lanka’s oldest |
| Colombo Airport (BIA) | about 50km | 1h to 1h 30min | Through Colombo, then the airport expressway |
| Bentota | about 55km | 55 min | Geoffrey Bawa’s Lunuganga, water sports |
| Galle | about 105km | 1h 10min | UNESCO Dutch fort via the E01 |
Along the coast you’ll also pass Wadduwa, and Horana is inland on the way to the expressway. Further south, the E01 reaches Hikkaduwa and Matara.
Buying furniture in Moratuwa: practical tips
- Visit 3 or 4 workshops making the same item before you choose. Prices for similar pieces vary a lot.
- Ask which timber is used for the frame and which for visible surfaces. Solid teak costs more than veneer.
- Agree the price, delivery date and finish in writing, and pay a deposit only for made to order pieces.
- Measure your car’s boot or load area before you go. The Suzuki Every takes far more than a Wagon R.
- Bring blankets and straps to protect polished surfaces and the car’s interior.
- For large pieces, ask the workshop about delivery. Many deliver around Colombo for a fee.
Driving in Moratuwa: what to know
- Sri Lanka drives on the left. 41 of the 42 Rentrals cars in Moratuwa are automatic .
- The only manual car is the Datsun redi GO at $21.29. Avoid it unless you drive a manual on the left with confidence.
- Galle Road is busy all day, with buses stopping often. Expect slow traffic from 7am to 9am and 5pm to 7pm.
- The E01 is a toll road. Carry rupees for the exit booths.
- Speed limits for cars are generally 50km/h in towns, 70km/h on open roads and 100km/h on the expressway.
- Roads in the furniture district are narrow, and lorries load at the roadside. Park off the main road where you can.
- Fuel is easy to find on Galle Road and near the expressway interchanges.
- The blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and the minimum driving age is 18.
What you need to rent a car in Moratuwa
Documents
Passport, your home driving licence and an International Driving Permit. Sri Lanka asks foreign drivers to have the IDP endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon, or to hold a temporary local permit from the Department of Motor Traffic.
Age
Drivers must be 18 or older. Some suppliers set their own minimum age, which shows on the car listing.
Payment
Car rental in Moratuwa with no credit card on all 42 cars. Pay 15 to 20% at booking and the balance at pickup, plus the supplier’s security deposit.
Cover and cancellation
22 cars have full insurance, with tiers shown at booking. 18 cars have free cancellation, including the Honda Fit.
How booking works
Compare
Pick your dates and compare the 42 cars by price, deposit, mileage and transmission.
Reserve
Pay 15 to 20% online. Booking is instant, with no credit card required.
Delivery
The car comes to your hotel or home in the Moratuwa area.
Handover
Check the car face to face with the supplier, pay the balance and drive away. No hidden fees.
A south coast day from Moratuwa via the E01
A day trip that uses the expressway both ways. The Honda Fit with unlimited mileage suits it well.
Best times to drive around Moratuwa
Before 7am
The quietest time on Galle Road. Leave now for the airport or the south coast.
10am to 4pm
Steady traffic. A good window for the furniture district and Bolgoda Lake.
5pm to 7pm
Heavy northbound and southbound traffic. Avoid Galle Road if you can.
Weekends
Lighter commuter traffic, busier lakeside restaurants and furniture showrooms.
Suggestions from Rentrals
Check the gearbox before you pay
The $21.29 Datsun redi GO is manual. For $1 more, the Suzuki Wagon R at $22.29 is automatic.
Take the Honda Fit for long trips
At $29.28 with unlimited mileage and free cancellation, it’s the best value for a south coast road trip.
Book the Every for furniture
The Suzuki Every at $27.29 has the most load space for its price. Measure your pieces first.
Use the expressway
For Galle or beyond, the E01 saves 2 hours or more compared with the coast road.
Leave before 7am
Galle Road traffic builds fast after 7am. Early starts make every trip shorter.
Have the car delivered
All 42 cars include city delivery. Ask for your hotel address so you never drive into central Colombo.
Carry toll money
Keep rupee notes ready for the E01 exit booths to avoid delays.
Photograph the car at handover
The inspection is face to face. Take photos of each side, the wheels and the fuel gauge before you set off.
Car rental in Moratuwa: frequently asked questions
How much does car rental in Moratuwa cost?
Car rental in Moratuwa starts at $21.29 a day for the Datsun redi GO, which is manual. The cheapest automatic is the Suzuki Wagon R at $22.29. The Honda Fit at $29.28 includes unlimited mileage. The new Toyota Raize is $40.37 and the Honda Vezel SUV is $40.43. Prices change with the season and update daily.
Is the cheapest car in Moratuwa automatic or manual?
The cheapest car, the Datsun redi GO at $21.29 a day, is manual. The cheapest automatic is the Suzuki Wagon R at $22.29, just $1 a day more. All other 41 cars in the fleet are automatic. No credit card is needed for any of them.
Is there a car with unlimited mileage in Moratuwa?
Yes. The Honda Fit at $29.28 a day includes unlimited mileage, free cancellation and city delivery, and needs no credit card. It’s the best option for a south coast road trip. Galle is about 105km away via the E01 and Matara about 140km, with no extra charge at return.
Can I pick up a rental car near Ratmalana Airport?
Yes. Ratmalana Airport is about 5km north of Moratuwa, roughly 10 minutes on the Galle Road. All 42 cars include city delivery, so the car can be brought to you on arrival. You don’t need to go into central Colombo to collect it.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Moratuwa?
No. All 42 cars in Moratuwa can be booked without a credit card. You pay 15 to 20% at booking and the rest at pickup. 31 cars have a security deposit under $300, and 22 have full insurance available.
How do I get to the E01 Southern Expressway from Moratuwa?
The nearest interchanges are about 10km east of Moratuwa, roughly 15 to 20 minutes by car. Once on the E01, the Galle exit is about 50 minutes away and Matara about 1h 15min further. It’s a toll road, so carry rupees for the exit.
Can I drive to Bolgoda Lake from Moratuwa?
Yes. The lake sits on the eastern side of Moratuwa, and its access points are under 15 minutes by car. Boat rides, kayak hire and fishing trips run from several spots on the shore. The University of Moratuwa campus at Katubedda is on the northern bank.
What is the best car for buying furniture in Moratuwa?
The Suzuki Every at $27.29 a day. It’s an automatic small van with a flat load area, and it needs no credit card. Measure your pieces before you book, and bring blankets and straps. For large sets, ask the workshop about delivery.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Moratuwa?
Yes, plan on it. Sri Lanka asks foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon, or a temporary local permit from the Department of Motor Traffic. Bring your home licence and passport too. The minimum driving age is 18.
How far is Moratuwa from Colombo Airport (BIA)?
About 50km, usually 1 hour to 1h 30min, through Colombo and then the airport expressway. Leave extra time at rush hour. If you’re flying in, you can have the car delivered to your Moratuwa hotel, or compare cars at Katunayake.
Is city delivery available for car hire in Moratuwa?
Yes, all 42 cars include city delivery. The car can be brought to your hotel or home in the Moratuwa area. Add the address and time when you book. The damage inspection takes place face to face at handover.
Can I book a car with a driver in Moratuwa?
Yes. Rentrals lists self drive and with driver options. A driver suits airport runs at rush hour or anyone who’d prefer not to drive on the left. Availability and price depend on the car and your dates.
Rent a car in other Sri Lanka destinations
Planning a longer route? Rentrals has cars in 64 more towns across Sri Lanka. Choose a region to see them.
Colombo and west
South coast
Cultural triangle
North and northwest
Book your car in Moratuwa
42 cars from $21.29 a day, 41 of them automatic, with no credit card and city delivery on every car. Compare the fleet above, or read the full Sri Lanka guide before you plan your route.
Sri Lanka car rental guide