Private airport transfer
Colombo Airport to Ella transfer
Your driver meets you at Colombo Airport (CMB) arrivals with a name board and takes you straight to your hotel in Ella. Fixed price per vehicle, with flight tracking and free waiting.
- Distance and timeAbout 230 km · 6 hrs
- Car · 1–3 guestsUS$155 one way
- SUV · 1–4 guestsUS$185 one way
- Van · 1–6 guestsUS$200 one way
Your journey
Meet your driver at arrivals
Once you're through immigration and have your bags, your driver is waiting outside the arrivals hall with your name. Time for a SIM card and cash is included.
About 6 hrs to Ella
There are two routes: through the hill country via Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, or down the Southern Expressway and up through Wellawaya. Your driver chooses based on your arrival time and traffic. It's a long day, so many travellers stop for lunch and a tea factory, or turn it into a two-day trip with a night in Kandy.
Drop-off at your door
Your driver takes you right to your hotel and helps with your bags.
Prices
| Vehicle | One way | Return |
|---|---|---|
| Private car1–3 guests, 2 large suitcases | US$155 | US$310 |
| Comfort SUV1–4 guests, up to 3 large suitcases | US$185 | US$370 |
| Private van1–6 guests, up to 6 large suitcases | US$200 | US$400 |
| Two vehicles7 or more guests | Ask us | Ask us |
Prices in US dollars per vehicle, the same price from or to the airport, day or night.
Included in every transfer
- Meet & greetYour driver waits outside arrivals with your name.
- Flight trackingDelays cost you nothing; we adjust the pickup.
- 60 minutes free waitingTime for immigration, bags and a SIM card.
- Air-conditioned vehicleClean, private and just for your group.
- Tolls and parking includedThe price you see is the price you pay.
- Free child seatsTell us your children's ages when you book.
About Ella
Ella is a small hill-country village surrounded by tea estates, waterfalls and easy hikes, and home to the famous Nine Arch Bridge.
- Nine Arch Bridge, ideally when a train passes
- Sunrise hike up Little Adam's Peak
- Ravana Falls
Best weather: January to April.
Staying a few days? See our Yala Safari Tour & Transfer.
Questions
How long does it take from Colombo Airport to Ella?
About 6 hrs for roughly 230 km, depending on traffic and stops. There are two routes: through the hill country via Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, or down the Southern Expressway and up through Wellawaya. Your driver chooses based on your arrival time and traffic.
How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to Ella?
One way, a private car for 1 to 3 guests costs US$155, an SUV for up to 4 guests costs US$185 and a van for up to 6 guests costs US$200. The price is per vehicle and includes tolls, parking and waiting time.
Can we stop on the way?
Yes. Short stops for food, a SIM card, cash or photos are fine. It's a long day, so many travellers stop for lunch and a tea factory, or turn it into a two-day trip with a night in Kandy.
Can we break the journey?
Yes. Many travellers turn a long transfer into a day of sightseeing on the way, or add a night in between. Ask us for a price.
What if my flight is delayed?
We track your flight number, so your driver is there when you actually land. Waiting caused by a delay is free.
Do I pay in advance?
No. You pay your driver on arrival in Sri Lankan rupees, US dollars, euros or pounds.
Other airport transfers
All prices- Negombo25 min · from US$25
- Colombo city45 min · from US$40
- Bentota1 hr 45 min · from US$75
- Kandy3 hrs · from US$80
- Galle2 hrs 30 min · from US$100
- Mirissa3 hrs · from US$115
- Sigiriya4 hrs · from US$120
- Nuwara Eliya5 hrs · from US$120
- Yala4 hrs 30 min · from US$155
- Trincomalee6 hrs · from US$165
- Arugam Bay7 hrs 30 min · from US$200