Ella → Yala National Park · Private Taxi

Ella to Yala taxi,
booked in one WhatsApp.

A private, fixed-price transfer to Kataragama or Tissamaharama with a local driver who knows Yala inside out. Around 2 hours, door to door — message us and it’s sorted.

Fixed price 12,000 LKR · approx. 40 USD Total for a private mini cab — up to 3 passengers. Agreed up front, no per-person charge, no surge.
Book this taxi on WhatsApp Get a price
★★★★★ 5.0 on TripAdvisor · Travellers’ Choice · 1,000+ guests driven
Ceylon Hunt guests with their driver-guide above Ella, Sri Lanka
TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice
Guaranteed Ride
Fixed Price — No Surge
Local Driver-Guide
24/7 WhatsApp Support

Clear, Fixed Fares

The Ella to Yala price — and everywhere else from Ella

Already heading somewhere else after? We run the same fixed-price service island-wide.

Ella → Yala (Kataragama / Tissamaharama) Private mini cab · up to 3 passengers
12,000 LKR
total · approx. 40 USD
From Ella toPrice (LKR)Price (USD)
Yala (Tissamaharama)12,00040
Yala (Kataragama)12,00040
Yala park gate (Palatupana)14,00047
Tangalle15,00050
Mirissa18,00060
Arugam Bay17,00060
Kandy17,00055
Sigiriya22,00075
Galle22,00075
Airport (CMB)35,000110

Booking the return leg too?

Book both directions with us and take 10% off the return transfer.

Prices are the total for a private mini cab (up to 3 passengers). Bigger group or van? Message us for a quick quote.

Ceylon Hunt vs Taxi Apps

Why not just take a taxi app?

For a long intercity run like Ella to Yala, taxi apps rarely deliver. Here’s the honest difference.

What matters on a 2-hour transfer
Ceylon HuntPrivate taxi service
Other taxi apps
Availability for long trips
Pre-booked & confirmed for your exact time
Few cars in rural Ella; drivers decline long fares
Price certainty
One fixed total, agreed before you go
Metered & surge — final fare unknown
The driver
Local, English-speaking driver-guide
Whoever accepts — no guiding, language barriers
Local & tourist knowledge
Tips on Yala blocks, gates, safaris & sights
Point A to B only
Stops & flexibility
Photo stops & detours welcome (e.g. Buduruwagala)
Meter keeps running; no stops
Vehicle quality
Clean, serviced A/C tourist vehicle
Unknown condition, hit or miss
Booking & support
24/7 WhatsApp, pre-schedule, real human
App-only, no advance guarantee
Payment
Cash or card
App/card only; cash often refused
Book a Guaranteed Driver Instead →

Not Just Ella to Yala

One trusted driver for your whole island trip

Ceylon Hunt is a Sri Lankan Destination Management Company offering private transfers and tours anywhere on the island. Many guests start with the Yala run, then keep the same driver for the rest of their trip — beaches, hill country, the cultural triangle and the airport.

Airport transfersElla & hill countryYala & safaris South coast beachesCultural triangleMulti-day tours
Ask About an Island-Wide Trip
Ceylon Hunt private A/C sedan for island-wide Sri Lanka transfers

On the Road

One of our drivers with happy guests

Real travellers, real journeys — the friendly local faces who’ll get you to Yala and beyond.

Ceylon Hunt driver with guests in Sri Lanka Ceylon Hunt private taxi guests Local driver-guide with travellers Ceylon Hunt guests on tour Travelling Sri Lanka with Ceylon Hunt Ceylon Hunt driver and guests memories

Guest Reviews

Trusted by travellers, ride after ride

Hundreds of travellers have trusted Ceylon Hunt for transfers and tours across Sri Lanka.

★★★★★

Excellent experience

“Charitha was a fantastic driver — very knowledgeable and recommended the best things to do around Sri Lanka. Would absolutely recommend booking through Ceylon Hunt.”

AS
Abhishek S
February 2026 · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

Truly amazing!

“Everything was so well planned and smoothly executed — it made our journey stress-free. Nirash and Anton were super helpful and always available. Highly recommend Ceylon Hunt.”

KN
Komal N
February 2026 · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

Looked after like family

“Seven days and every detail was taken care of. Our guide thought of things we didn’t even consider. Thoughtful, reliable and far beyond expectations.”

MR
Manaz R & family
January 2026 · TripAdvisor

Good to Know

Ella to Yala: common questions

Everything travellers ask us before booking this transfer.

How long does the Ella to Yala taxi take?
Around 2 to 2½ hours for the roughly 90 km drive, going down through Ella Gap and Wellawaya. Add 30–60 minutes if you want to stop at Ravana Falls, Diyaluma Falls or Buduruwagala along the way — just tell your driver and there’s no extra charge for short photo stops.
How much is a taxi from Ella to Yala?
Our fixed price is 12,000 LKR (about 40 USD) in total for a private mini cab with up to 3 passengers — not per person, and with no surge pricing. Larger groups or a van are quoted individually; message us on WhatsApp and we’ll confirm in a few minutes.
Should I stay in Tissamaharama or Kataragama for Yala?
Tissamaharama is the usual base for Yala. It has the widest choice of hotels and guesthouses, most safari operators pick up from Tissa hotels in the early morning, and it’s well placed for both Yala and Bundala National Park. Kataragama is a pilgrimage town closer to the northern side of the park — quieter, with fewer tourist hotels. If you’re not sure, tell us your safari plan and we’ll advise.
Can you take me straight to the Yala park entrance?
Yes. We can drop you at the Palatupana main gate or at your safari camp instead of in Tissa town. Most guests find it easier to spend the night in Tissamaharama and start the safari from there, since Yala safaris usually begin around 5:00 to 5:30 in the morning.
Is there a train or bus from Ella to Yala?
There is no train — the railway from Ella runs the other way, towards Badulla or back up to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy. Public buses go via Wellawaya and usually need at least one change, which takes 4 hours or more with luggage. A private taxi is direct, air-conditioned, and lets you stop where you like.
What time should I leave Ella?
If you have a safari the next morning, travel the afternoon before and arrive in time for dinner. If you want a same-day safari, an early start from Ella around 6:00 to 7:00 gets you there for an afternoon game drive. We drive this route at any hour, including night transfers.
Can we add stops or a Yala safari to the transfer?
Absolutely. Popular add-ons are Ravana Falls, Ella Gap, Diyaluma Falls and the Buduruwagala rock carvings. We can also arrange your Yala or Bundala safari jeep, and continue with you afterwards to the south coast or the airport with the same driver.
How do I pay, and can I cancel?
Pay your driver in cash (LKR, or major currencies) at the end of the trip, or by card if you prefer — no deposit needed to reserve. Plans change while travelling, so cancellation is free; just message us on WhatsApp.

Book Your Taxi

Get your Ella → Yala price now

Fill in a few details and we’ll confirm your driver and fixed price on WhatsApp — usually within minutes.

  • Guaranteed driver — we don’t cancel
  • One fixed price, cash or card
  • Free cancellation if plans change
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