Ella to Pinnawala Taxi & Private Driver
Skip the crowded buses: a private car handles the 115 km from Ella to Pinnawala in about 2.5 hours, on your schedule. You'll pass Nuwara Eliya and Kandy along the way — your driver will happily break the trip wherever you fancy a photo, a temple or a bite to eat. Home to the famous elephant orphanage — an easy half-day stop between Colombo and Kandy.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned car & driver
- Fuel and highway tolls
- Meet-and-greet with a name board
- Flight tracking — no charge for delays
- Free bottled water & Wi-Fi on board
Stops along the way
This route passes close to some of the island's best-known spots — ask your driver to break the journey at any of them.
Pricing by vehicle
All fares are fixed — no meter, no hidden charges. Choose the vehicle that fits your group.
| Vehicle | Passengers | One-way | Return trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| SedanToyota Prius / Axio | 1–3 passengers | $64 | $116 |
| SUVMitsubishi Montero | 1–4 passengers | $75 | $135 |
| VanToyota KDH | 4–8 passengers | $98 | $177 |
| Luxury VanMercedes V-Class | 1–6 passengers | $115 | $207 |
Travelling the other way? Pinnawala to Ella
Adding more stops? Map the full route on the Sri Lanka distance calculator to see driving distances between every city.
Explore the destinations
- Ella travel guide — things to do, sights and tips
More routes from Ella
Ella to Pinnawala FAQs
How long is the drive from Ella to Pinnawala?
About 2.5 hours by private car for the 115 km journey. Sri Lankan roads are slower than the distance implies, so allow a little extra if you plan to stop.
How much does a private driver from Ella to Pinnawala cost?
A private air-conditioned car starts at $64 one-way — fixed and all-inclusive of fuel, tolls and your driver. A return trip is $116, and larger SUVs or vans are available for bigger groups.
Is the price per vehicle or per person?
Per vehicle. The fare covers the whole car, so a group of four pays the same as a solo traveller — split between you it's often cheaper than the train or bus once you add taxis at each end.
Can we stop at places along the way from Ella to Pinnawala?
Absolutely — Nuwara Eliya and Kandy are right on this route, and reasonable detours are no extra charge. Just tell your driver what you'd like to see.
Which vehicle should I choose for Ella to Pinnawala?
A sedan suits 1–3 travellers with light luggage. For 4 people or extra bags choose an SUV, and for 5–6 or lots of suitcases a minivan is the comfortable option — all at fixed prices shown above.
Can I do Ella to Pinnawala as a day trip?
At 115 km and about 2.5 hours each way it's doable as a long day, but most travellers prefer to stay over so they aren't rushing. Your driver can wait and bring you back the same day if you'd rather.
Ella → Pinnawala
Book this transfer Ask on WhatsAppPay the driver on arrival · Free cancellation