Ella to Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is 133 km from Ella by Google’s route, about three hours by car: down from the hills, then east across the plains to the coast.

• 133 km by road from Ella
• about 3 h driving time (Google)
• from $74.86 one way, City car
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup

Fares from Ella to Arugam Bay

Of this ride, 50 km come with the starting price and 83 km are charged at the vehicle’s rate per km. Coming back up from the coast to Ella, the fare is about the same.

VehicleSeatsBagsOne wayReturn

City carSuzuki Wagon R or similar2 seats2 bags$74.86one way$149.72 returnBook Station wagonHonda Shuttle or similar3 seats5 bags$77.86one way$155.72 returnBook Economy carToyota Prius or similar3 seats3 bags$84.02one way$168.04 returnBook Standard carToyota Premio or similar3 seats3 bags$93.17one way$186.34 returnBook SUVSsangYong Kyron or similar4 seats6 bags$97.33one way$194.66 returnBook Luxury SUVToyota Prado or similar4 seats6 bags$217.14one way$434.28 returnBook Mini vanToyota Hiace or similar7 seats10 bags$101.48one way$202.96 returnBook Mini busToyota Hiace High Roof or similar14 seats14 bags$123.95one way$247.90 returnBook 20-seat coachToyota Coaster or similar20 seats20 bags$143.10one way$286.20 returnBook 37-seat coach37 seats37 bags$277.75one way$555.50 returnBook 45-seat coach45 seats45 bags$329.30one way$658.60 returnBook 51-seat coach51 seats51 bags$390.85one way$781.70 returnBook

Fares from the centre of Ella to Arugam Bay, 133.1 km by Google’s route, as the booking form works them out. Your hotels may be a little nearer or further: enter both addresses in the form for their own fare.

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The drive

From Ella the road winds down to Wellawaya, where the car turns east on the A4. It passes Monaragala and Siyambalanduwa and crosses the Lahugala forest, where wild elephants are often seen near the road, especially towards evening, before reaching the coast at Pottuvil, a few kilometres north of the bay.

Arriving in Arugam Bay

The ride from Ella is the usual way to the east coast after the hills, and in the surf season, from about May, the bay fills up with surfers. Further south along the coast lie the lagoons around Panama and Kumana National Park, known for its birds.

Other routes between towns