Mountain town in Uva Province, Sri Lanka
Getting around Ella
How to get around Ella
Walk in the village and use tuk-tuks for waterfalls and viewpoints. The train from Kandy or Nanu Oya is the classic way in; book seats ahead.
Ways to get around Ella
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Train | From Kandy about 1,000–4,000 LKR depending on class | Reserve online; second class windows are best value |
| Tuk-tuk | About 500–1,200 LKR per hop | Agree price first; many drivers also offer day tours |
| Bus | About 100–500 LKR | Routes to Bandarawela, Badulla and Haputale |
Ride-hailing apps in Ella
A 5 km ride costs about Rs500–1,200 ($1.5–3.6).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| PickMe | Patchy coverage; tuk-tuks wait at the station and Main Street |
- Tuk-tuks are the norm; agree the fare first. Guesthouses can arrange drivers for early Ella Rock starts.
Arriving in Ella
Via Colombo airport (CMB) or Mattala (CMB)
No airport near Ella. From Colombo: train via Kandy 9+ h, bus or private car about 6–8 h, car and driver roughly 30,000–45,000 LKR.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rentable for about 3,000–5,000 LKR a day; steep, wet roads. Visitors need a Sri Lankan licence.
- Driving: on the left. An IDP must be endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon, or get a temporary Sri Lankan licence.
- Onward travel in Sri Lanka: Trains are slow but scenic; reserve seats for Kandy–Ella well ahead. Buses go everywhere cheaply, and many visitors hire a car and driver for multi-day loops.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Ella?
No. Use PickMe instead.
What's the best way to get around Ella?
Walk in the village and use tuk-tuks for waterfalls and viewpoints. The train from Kandy or Nanu Oya is the classic way in; book seats ahead.
How do I get from the airport to Ella?
No airport near Ella. From Colombo: train via Kandy 9+ h, bus or private car about 6–8 h, car and driver roughly 30,000–45,000 LKR.
Is Ella walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Ella
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.