Sri Lanka Route Guide · Safari, east coast and north
Kandy to Yala National Park by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
Kandy to Yala is a long transfer, so most travellers break it in Nuwara Eliya or Ella and arrive in time for an afternoon safari. A private driver keeps the day comfortable and lets you stop for tea country views.
Route at a glance
- From
- Kandy
- To
- Yala National Park
- Distance
- About 235 km
- Drive time
- 6 to 7 hours
- Best for
- Linking Kandy and the hill country with a safari.
The drive
You climb through tea country to Nuwara Eliya, descend via Ella and Wellawaya, then cross the flat dry zone to Tissamaharama. The mountain stretches are slow and winding; the last section is straight and fast.
Best stops on the way
Nuwara Eliya
Tea estates and cool-climate views, a natural coffee stop.
Ella
Nine Arch Bridge and viewpoints, a good place to break the journey.
Ravana Falls
Roadside waterfall on the descent from Ella.
Tissamaharama
Base for Yala with lodges and jeep operators.
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 Kandy by 7am for an afternoon safari, or split the trip with a night in Ella.
- Book your jeep for the following dawn and check Yala's annual block closure (about mid-September to mid-October).
- Distances vary by route; ask your driver whether to go via Nuwara Eliya or Wellawaya.
Book a driver
Keep reading
- Yala National Park guide: how to get there and book
- Best safari in Sri Lanka
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Ella to Yala National Park
- Kandy to Ella
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Yala National Park
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How far is Kandy from Yala?
About 235 km, which takes roughly 6 to 7 hours of driving plus stops.
Is it better to stop in Ella?
Yes. Many travellers split the trip with a night in Ella, which also lets you do an early Yala drive.