Ella to Yala
Private transfer & shared ride — 126 km, about 3½ hours door to door.
Leave the tea country at the Ella Gap and watch the road spill downhill through hairpins into hot dry-zone plains — 126 km, about 3 hours 18 minutes. A private car can pause at Ravana Falls or Buduruwagala's rock Buddhas en route; a cheaper shared seat heads to Yala on Wed & Sat at 8:00am.
- Ravana Falls, roadside on the Ella hill road
- Buduruwagala's rock-cut Buddhas near Wellawaya
- Tissamaharama's lake and white dagoba
- Safari jeeps queueing at the Yala park gates
Ella to Yala — questions
How long does the Ella to Yala transfer take?
The drive is about 3½ hours on 126 km of road. Your driver takes the fastest safe route and can add stops along the way.
How much is a taxi from Ella to Yala?
A private car is from $56 and an air-conditioned van (up to 6 people) from $75, fixed and door to door — the price you see is the price you pay. A shared seat is from $23 per person.
Is there a cheaper shared option?
Yes — this route runs on our Ella–Yala–East Coast shared service (Wed & Sat). A single seat is from $23, ideal for solo travellers and couples happy to share.
Can we stop along the way?
Of course. A private transfer is door to door and yours for the trip — tell your driver where you'd like to stop for photos, lunch or a quick sight and they'll build it in.
How do I book the Ella to Yala transfer?
Get an instant fixed price and book online, or message us on WhatsApp and we'll arrange it. You pay securely online to confirm your booking.