Sri Lanka Route Guide · Safari, east coast and north
Udawalawe to Yala National Park by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
Udawalawe and Yala make a classic safari pair: reliable elephants first, then a chance at leopards. The drive between them is short and easy.
Route at a glance
- From
- Udawalawe
- To
- Yala National Park
- Distance
- About 90 km
- Drive time
- 2 to 2.5 hours
- Best for
- Two safaris in two days.
The drive
You travel south-east via Thanamalwila and Tissamaharama on flat, straight roads through the dry zone.
Best stops on the way
Elephant Transit Home
Orphaned elephant calves at feeding time, close to the Udawalawe gate.
Tissamaharama
The main base for Yala, with restaurants 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
- Do an early morning Udawalawe drive, then travel to Yala in time for the afternoon drive.
- Check the Yala closure dates: Blocks 1 and 2 close for about a month in September and October.
Book a driver
Keep reading
- Udawalawe National Park safari guide
- Yala National Park guide: how to get there and book
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Ella to Udawalawe
- Ella to Yala National Park
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Yala National Park
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How far is Udawalawe from Yala?
About 90 km, or 2 to 2.5 hours by road.
Should I do Udawalawe or Yala first?
Udawalawe first if you are coming down from Ella or Nuwara Eliya, then Yala on the way to the south coast.