Sri Lanka Route Guide · Safari, east coast and north
Anuradhapura to Jaffna by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
The usual route up the A9. The road is good and the scenery changes as you go north.
Route at a glance
- From
- Anuradhapura
- To
- Jaffna
- Distance
- About 200 km
- Drive time
- 4 to 4.5 hours
- Best for
- Travel to the north.
The drive
You drive via Vavuniya and Kilinochchi on the A9. The A9 is paved and fairly quiet.
Best stops on the way
Vavuniya
Rest stop.
Kilinochchi
Water tower memorial.
Choose your vehicle
Pick a vehicle by group size and luggage. These are average day rates across GoTourRide drivers; a one-way transfer is quoted by the driver, so request a quote for an exact price. You can also use our trip cost calculator.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Average day rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mini car | Up to 2 | About $61/day |
| Normal car | Up to 3 | About $66/day |
| SUV | Up to 3 | About $91/day |
| Large car | Up to 4 | About $75/day |
| Minivan | Up to 6 | About $103/day |
| Large van | Up to 10 | About $118/day |
| Minibus | Up to 15 | About $169/day |
Tips for this route
- Leave early.
- Carry cash for fuel stops.
Book a driver
Compare verified drivers on the drivers page, or ask us on WhatsApp if you would like to talk to a real person first.
Keep reading
- Travel times between places in Sri Lanka
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Best places to travel in Sri Lanka
- Ella to Yala National Park
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Arugam Bay
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Trincomalee
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How far is Jaffna from Anuradhapura?
About 200 km, or 4 to 4.5 hours.
Is Jaffna worth the trip?
Yes, for the food, temples and culture.