Journey at a glance
| Distance | About 200 km |
|---|---|
| Driving time | About 4 – 5 hours without long stops |
| Route | Along the south coast or the Southern Expressway, then inland through Wellawaya up to Ella |
| Pickup | Any hotel in Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa or nearby |
| Vehicles | Private car or van with driver |
Popular stops on the way
- A jeep safari in Udawalawe (elephants) or Yala (leopards) — book the safari jeep separately
- The Elephant Transit Home at Udawalawe at feeding time
- Ravana Falls, just before Ella
- Lunch on the coast at Mirissa, Weligama or Tangalle
Make it a two-day journey
Want to see more on the way? Many travellers stay one night near Yala or Udawalawe for a sunrise safari, then continue to Ella the next day. We can plan the route and timings with you.
Ella to Galle
We also drive the other way — from Ella down to Galle, Mirissa or anywhere on the south coast.
Vehicle rates
Private vehicle with driver
Car + driverfrom LKR 22,000 / day≈ US$73
Van + driverfrom LKR 30,000 / day≈ US$100
Whole vehicle, not per person. Your quote depends on the route, vehicle and number of days. US$ figures are approximate.
Helpful travel guides
Ready to plan?
Message us — we reply personally.