Last updated 9 October 2026
Why travel times surprise people
Sri Lanka is small, but most roads are two lanes, wind through villages and climb steeply into the hills. Outside the expressways, an average of 30 to 40 km an hour is normal. Plan on three to five hours of driving between the main stops on a round trip.
Typical driving times
- Airport to Sigiriya: about 4 hours
- Sigiriya to Kandy: about 2.5 to 3 hours
- Kandy to Nuwara Eliya: about 3 hours
- Nuwara Eliya to Ella: about 2.5 hours
- Ella to Yala (Tissamaharama): about 2.5 hours
- Yala to Mirissa: about 2.5 hours
- Mirissa or Galle to the airport: about 2.5 to 3 hours on the expressway
- Colombo to Galle: about 2 hours on the expressway
Times vary with traffic, weather and stops. These are the estimates we plan with.
Private car and driver
The most popular way to tour Sri Lanka. Your driver collects you from the airport, carries your luggage, stops wherever you like and knows which sights to visit at quieter times. It is the most flexible and comfortable option, especially for families and groups, and the cost is shared by everyone in the vehicle. Drivers' meals and accommodation are normally arranged along the way.
Trains
The hill-country line between Kandy, Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya) and Ella is one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Reserved seats sell out quickly in high season, and the trains are often late, so many travellers ride the train for the scenic section while their driver takes the luggage by road and meets them at the station.
Buses
Buses go almost everywhere and are very cheap, but they are crowded, fast and rarely have space for large bags. Fine for short hops if you travel light.
Tuk-tuks
Three-wheelers are perfect for short trips around towns. Use a metered tuk-tuk or an app such as PickMe or Uber where available, or agree the fare before you set off.
Self-drive
Driving is on the left, but traffic, buses and unmarked hazards make it stressful for visitors, and a Sri Lankan driving permit is required on top of your licence. Most travellers find a driver better value once everything is counted.
