Kart racing

Go-karting in Sri Lanka is centred on two tracks near Colombo, both run by the same group. The main one is the Sri Lanka Karting Circuit (SpeedBay) in Bandaragama, an FIA-CIK homologated international circuit of about 1.2 km. The other is a shorter city track at Port City Colombo, easy to reach for an evening session. Both rent karts by the session, so you do not need any racing experience.

Where can you go karting in Sri Lanka?

• SpeedBay, Bandaragama (Sri Lanka Karting Circuit): about 1.2 km of international-standard track with elevation changes and multiple layouts, plus a separate kids' track. It sits inside the Pearl Bay leisure park, which also has a water park, so it works well as a family day out. Bandaragama is roughly an hour south of Colombo by road, depending on traffic.
• SpeedBay @ Port City Colombo: a compact track of about 600 m on the reclaimed land of Port City, a short ride from Colombo Fort and Galle Face Green. Good for a quick session if you are staying in Colombo.

What is a karting session like?

You sign a waiver, get a helmet and a short safety briefing, then drive timed sessions, usually around 10 minutes each. Marshals use flags to control the track, and lap times are often recorded so you can compare with friends. Many groups book two or three sessions to improve their times.

Rental karts are speed-limited for beginners. Experienced drivers can ask about faster karts or race formats when they book.

Who can drive?

Both tracks cater for adults and children, with separate karts and age or height limits for younger drivers. Bandaragama has a dedicated kids' rental track. Check the current minimum ages when you book, especially if you are travelling with young children.

People with back problems, heart conditions or who are pregnant are usually advised not to drive.

Opening times and booking

Opening days and hours change, and Port City has had limited evening hours in the past. Call ahead or book through an operator before you travel out, especially on weekdays. Entry to Port City may also need a booking or pass, so check how to get in when you reserve.

Karting is a paid activity charged per session. Weekends and public holidays are busiest with local families, so weekday sessions are quieter.

What to wear

Wear closed shoes (no flip-flops or sandals), comfortable trousers or shorts, and tie back long hair. Avoid scarves or loose clothing that could catch on the kart. Bring water and sun cream for Bandaragama.

Is karting worth it on a Sri Lanka trip?

For most travellers, it is a fun extra rather than a reason to visit. It works well on a rainy day, a family day near Colombo, or your first or last day close to the airport. Racing fans will enjoy driving a proper international circuit for a fraction of the effort it takes in Europe.

Getting there

From Colombo, a ride-hailing app or private driver is the easiest way to reach Bandaragama. Port City is a short tuk-tuk ride from Fort or Kollupitiya. Pair it with a day exploring the capital: see our city explorations guide.

Fit a karting session into your Colombo days: Plan your Sri Lanka trip on VisitLanka.

Common questions

Where is the best go-kart track in Sri Lanka?

The SpeedBay circuit in Bandaragama, south of Colombo. It is the island's purpose-built international track, about 1.2 km long.

Can children go karting in Sri Lanka?

Yes. Bandaragama has a separate kids' track and junior karts. Check the minimum age and height when you book.

How long is a karting session?

Most rental sessions last around 10 minutes on track. Allow at least an hour for check-in, briefing and a couple of sessions.

Do I need a driving licence to go karting?

No. Rental karting does not need a licence, just the track's safety briefing and age requirements.

Is there go-karting in Colombo city?

Yes, at SpeedBay in Port City Colombo. It is a shorter track, good for a quick session, with limited opening hours, so check before you go.