Sri Lanka Route Guide · Airport transfers
Colombo Airport (CMB) to Batticaloa by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
Batticaloa is a lagoon town on the east coast with relaxed beaches nearby. It is often paired with Pasikudah.
Route at a glance
- From
- Colombo Airport (CMB)
- To
- Batticaloa
- Distance
- About 330 km
- Drive time
- 7 to 8 hours
- Best for
- East coast travel.
The drive
You drive via Dambulla, Habarana and Polonnaruwa on the A11. The road is paved and quiet once you pass Habarana.
Best stops on the way
Polonnaruwa
Ruins about halfway.
Batticaloa Lagoon
Singing fish are heard here on calm moonlit nights.
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
- Break the trip with an overnight in Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa.
- The east coast is at its best from April to September.
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
- Best beaches in Sri Lanka
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Sigiriya
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Kandy
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Ella
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How long is the drive to Batticaloa?
About 7 to 8 hours.
Is it better to go via Kandy or Habarana?
Habarana and Polonnaruwa is the usual route.