Ella → Arugam Bay private transfer
Ella to Arugam Bay is about 125 km — 3 hours down from the hills through Wellawaya and Monaragala to the east coast. It is the usual way surfers combine the hill country with the east-coast season (May–September).
- Distance125 km
- Drive time3 h
- Pricefrom $105
Every trip is driven by a vetted local partner in Sri Lanka. Your confirmation names the driver, the car and its plate; on chauffeur-guide bookings also the SLTDA licence number.
Ella → Arugam Bay: price per car
| Car | Per car one way | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan up to 3 Toyota Axio / Prius / Premio | $105 ≈ Rs 34,500 | $53 | $35 | — | — |
| Minivan (KDH) up to 6 Toyota HiAce KDH, high roof | $135 ≈ Rs 44,500 | $68 | $45 | $34 | $23 |
| SUV up to 4 Prado / Montero class, leather, more legroom | $180 ≈ Rs 59,500 | $90 | $60 | $45 | — |
| Coach up to 20 Toyota Coaster, up to 20 seats | $275 ≈ Rs 91,000 | $138 | $92 | $69 | $46 |
Prices updated 20 October 2026.
The road
Down the Ella Gap to Wellawaya, then the A4 east via Monaragala and Siyambalanduwa to Pottuvil and Arugam Bay.
Worth stopping
- Ravana Falls just below Ella.
- Elephants are often seen from the road near Lahugala before Pottuvil.
Good to know
- Surfboards fit inside the KDH minivan.
- Kumana National Park and Okanda are south of Arugam Bay — ask us about a jeep.
Included
- Private air-conditioned car and an English-speaking driver
- Fuel, expressway tolls and parking
- Short stops on the way (up to 30 min in total)
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before; pay the driver at the end — no prepayment for transfers
Questions
How long from Ella to Arugam Bay?
About 3 hours.
Is there a bus?
Yes, with a change in Monaragala or Wellawaya; it takes most of the day with surfboards.