Sri Lanka Route Guide · Airport transfers
Colombo Airport (CMB) to Wilpattu National Park by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
Wilpattu is Sri Lanka's largest national park and has fewer crowds than Yala. It is known for leopards and natural lakes.
Route at a glance
- From
- Colombo Airport (CMB)
- To
- Wilpattu National Park
- Distance
- About 170 km
- Drive time
- 3.5 to 4 hours
- Best for
- Quiet safaris.
The drive
You drive north through Puttalam and Anuradhapura road to Hunuwilagama. The roads are quiet and flat.
Best stops on the way
Puttalam
Lagoon and a fuel stop.
Hunuwilagama
Main entrance with jeeps and trackers.
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
- Safaris leave at dawn and mid-afternoon.
- Combine with Anuradhapura on a longer loop.
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
- Wilpattu or Yala: which is better?
- Best safari 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 far is Wilpattu from the airport?
About 170 km, or 3.5 to 4 hours.
Is Wilpattu better than Yala?
It is quieter and greener; Yala has more leopard sightings.