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Blue train crossing the Nine Arches Bridge, Ella

Private transfer · 215 km · 5–6 hrs

Colombo Airport to Ella private transfer

Fixed price from $130 per car, the same in both directions

Fixed price from $130 per car

Book this transfer on WhatsApp

The fastest way is the southern expressway and then up through the hills from the south. Your driver can also take the scenic route through tea country if you prefer.

Distance
About 215 km
Drive time
5–6 hrs
Price from
$130 per car
Return trip
Same price both ways

Prices

Colombo Airport to Ella taxi prices

One fixed price for the whole vehicle, not per person. Fuel, tolls, parking and the driver are included. Choose the size that fits your group and bags.

Private transfer from Colombo Airport (CMB) to Ella, one way, per vehicle
VehiclePassengersFareBook
Car1–3from $130Book on WhatsApp: Car
SUV1–4from $165Book on WhatsApp: SUV
Van (flat roof)4–5from $170Book on WhatsApp: Van (flat roof)
Van (high roof)6–8from $200Book on WhatsApp: Van (high roof)

"From" prices in US dollars. Final price confirmed on WhatsApp. You can pay in US dollars or rupees.

How it works

From arrivals to your hotel

  1. Arrivals

    Met with your name

    Your driver waits outside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name.

  2. Flight

    We track your flight

    Send us your flight number and we follow it. If you land early or late, your driver adjusts, at no extra cost.

  3. The drive

    Straight to your hotel

    Bags in the boot, a bottle of water in hand, and you are on your way to Ella. Stop whenever you need to.

The route

Stops worth making on the way

Colombo Airport
Ella
Map of Sri Lanka showing the route: Colombo Airport, Ella.
  1. StartColombo Airport (CMB)
  2. StopUdawalawe safari (en route via the south)optional
  3. StopRavana Fallsoptional
  4. StopA tea estate on the way upoptional
  5. EndElla215 km · 5–6 hrs

Short stops are free. Stops with a visit, such as a safari or a temple, add time; tell us when you book and we will plan the timing.

Other ways to travel

Train or bus?

Since storm damage in late 2025 the hill-country line is only partly open: Kandy to Nanu Oya is still closed, but the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella is running again. We can drive you to Nanu Oya for the train and meet you in Ella with your bags.

A private car costs more than a bus, but it leaves when you are ready, carries all your bags and takes you to the door. Split between two or more people, the difference is often small.

Return trip

Ella to Colombo Airport transfer

Flying home from Ella? A private taxi from Ella to Colombo Airport costs the same as the way in, from $130 per car. Tell us your flight time and we will plan the pickup so you reach the airport about three hours before departure.

Book Ella to Colombo Airport on WhatsApp

What's in the price

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle, just for your group
  • English-speaking driver
  • Fuel, expressway tolls and parking
  • Meet and greet at arrivals with a name sign
  • Flight tracking, no charge for delays
  • Short stops for food, photos and toilet breaks

Paid separately

  • Entrance tickets at stops
  • Long sightseeing detours (ask us for a price)
  • Tips

FAQ

Questions about this transfer

How much is a private transfer from Colombo Airport to Ella?

A private car from Colombo Airport (CMB) to Ella costs from about $130, for the whole car, not per person. Larger vehicles cost more; see the table above. Fuel, tolls, parking and the driver are all included, and the final price is confirmed on WhatsApp.

How long does it take to get from Colombo Airport (CMB) to Ella?

The drive is about 215 km and takes 5–6 hrs without long stops, depending on traffic and the time of day.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

We track your flight number, so your driver will be there when you land, even if it is late. There is no extra charge for delays.

Can we stop on the way?

Yes. Short stops for food, photos or a toilet break are always free. Longer sightseeing stops can be added; just tell us in advance.

Can I book the return trip from Ella?

Yes. The fare is the same in both directions, and your driver will collect you from your hotel in Ella.

Other transfers

All transfer prices

Tours that visit Ella

From

$130 / car

Book on WhatsApp