Sri Lanka Route Guide · Safari, east coast and north
Mattala Airport (HRI) to Yala National Park by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
Mattala Airport is the closest airport to Yala. Flights are limited, but when you use it the transfer is short.
Route at a glance
- From
- Mattala Airport (HRI)
- To
- Yala National Park
- Distance
- About 50 km
- Drive time
- 1 to 1.5 hours
- Best for
- Safari arrivals via Mattala.
The drive
You drive south on a short, quiet road via Tissamaharama. The road is flat and straight.
Best stops on the way
Tissamaharama
Lake and temple.
Kirinda
Coastal temple.
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
- Confirm your flight schedule, since services are limited.
- Book your safari jeep in advance.
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
- 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
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Arugam Bay
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Trincomalee
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How far is Mattala from Yala?
About 50 km, or 1 to 1.5 hours.
Do many flights land at Mattala?
Services are limited, so check the schedule.