Sri Lanka Route Guide · Safari, east coast and north
Polonnaruwa to Trincomalee by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
Combine ancient ruins with a beach finish. The road crosses the dry zone to the east coast.
Route at a glance
- From
- Polonnaruwa
- To
- Trincomalee
- Distance
- About 105 km
- Drive time
- 2.5 hours
- Best for
- Culture and beach trips.
The drive
You drive east via Kantale on the A6. The road is paved with few vehicles.
Best stops on the way
Kanniya Hot Springs
Hot water wells near Trincomalee.
Koneswaram Temple
Hilltop 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
- Start after breakfast.
- The east coast is 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
- Best beaches in Sri Lanka
- Travel times between places 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 long is the drive from Polonnaruwa to Trincomalee?
About 2.5 hours.
Is the road safe?
Yes, but watch for animals at dusk.