Colombo to Ella by shared van
Book a seat on a van going from Colombo to Ella with a verified local driver. You share the ride with other travellers, so you pay for your seat, not the whole vehicle.
- Distanceabout 200 km by road
- By vanabout 5½ to 7 hours with stops
- Best forNine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, Ella Rock, tea country
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Van, bus or train to Ella?
The train through the hill country is famous for the views but sells out early and takes longest. Buses are cheapest but slow, with changes on the way. A shared van picks you up in Colombo, stops for meals and viewpoints, and drops you in Ella, at a price per seat. Hiring a whole van only makes sense for a full group.
Trains and buses run on this route every day; check Sri Lanka Railways and the bus operators for current times and fares.
What to see in Ella
- Nine Arch Bridge at train time
- Little Adam's Peak at sunrise
- Ella Rock and Ravana Falls
- Tea estates and Lipton's Seat near Haputale
How JoinTrip works
- Pick a trip and your seat.
- Pay your driver at pick-up, just before your ticket is scanned. Don't pay in advance.
- Cancel free until booking closes. If the trip doesn't run, nothing is lost.
Questions
How long is the trip from Colombo to Ella?
About 5½ to 7 hours by road, depending on traffic and stops. The train takes longer but goes through the hill country.
How much is a seat from Colombo to Ella?
Each driver sets the price per seat for their trip, shown before you book. Sharing the van costs far less than hiring the whole vehicle.
Can I book just one seat to Ella?
Yes. On JoinTrip you book one seat or a few seats for friends, and pay your driver at pick-up.