Sri Lanka Route Guide · Safari, east coast and north
Trincomalee to Jaffna by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
A long day across the northern plains to the Jaffna peninsula.
Route at a glance
- From
- Trincomalee
- To
- Jaffna
- Distance
- About 240 km
- Drive time
- 5.5 to 6.5 hours
- Best for
- Linking the east coast and the north.
The drive
You drive via Vavuniya on the A9 or via Mullaitivu on the coast road. The A9 is the main road.
Best stops on the way
Anuradhapura
Optional stop.
Elephant Pass
Entrance to the peninsula.
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 early, since the days are long.
- Dress modestly in temples.
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
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Best places to travel 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 does it take from Trincomalee to Jaffna?
About 5.5 to 6.5 hours.
Can I do it in a day?
Yes, but start early.