Sri Lanka Itineraries · By area
East coast and north routes
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
The east coast is at its best from April to September, when the south and west are wet. The north has its own food, temples and culture.
Distances
These are long drives, so plan an overnight halfway rather than one very long day.
Routes for this trip
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Trincomalee (260 km, 5.5 to 6 hours)
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Arugam Bay (320 km, 8 to 9 hours)
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Pasikudah (290 km, 6 to 7 hours)
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Batticaloa (330 km, 7 to 8 hours)
- Sigiriya to Trincomalee (110 km, 2.5 to 3 hours)
- Polonnaruwa to Trincomalee (105 km, 2.5 hours)
- Trincomalee to Jaffna (240 km, 5.5 to 6.5 hours)
- Anuradhapura to Jaffna (200 km, 4 to 4.5 hours)
Keep reading
- Travel times between places in Sri Lanka
- Best beaches in Sri Lanka
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Trip cost calculator
- Find a private driver
More itinerary ideas
Cultural Triangle · Hill country · South coast · West coast
By length · By month · By interest
FAQs
When is the east coast best?
April to September.
Is the north worth visiting?
Yes, for food, temples and quieter roads.