Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya Taxi & Private Driver
Travelling from Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya? It's roughly 35 km and about an hour by private car with your own driver. The 5th-century Lion Rock fortress — Sri Lanka's single most iconic climb, best at dawn before the heat and crowds. It's a fairly direct run, and being a private hire you set the pace — stop for viewpoints, roadside stalls or a long lunch whenever you like.
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
About the Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya drive
Two Cultural Triangle giants linked by a short dry-zone drive — from Sigiriya's rock fortress to the medieval ruins of Polonnaruwa.
When to go: August–September for Minneriya's 'Gathering' of elephants.
- Rent bikes to explore the Polonnaruwa ruins.
- Add an afternoon Minneriya safari in season.
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 | $30 | $54 |
| SUVMitsubishi Montero | 1–4 passengers | $35 | $63 |
| VanToyota KDH | 4–8 passengers | $45 | $81 |
| Luxury VanMercedes V-Class | 1–6 passengers | $60 | $108 |
Travelling the other way? Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa
Adding more stops? Map the full route on the Sri Lanka distance calculator to see driving distances between every city.
Explore the destinations
- Sigiriya travel guide — things to do, sights and tips
Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya FAQs
How long is the drive from Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya?
About an hour by private car for the 35 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 Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya cost?
A private air-conditioned car starts at $30 one-way — fixed and all-inclusive of fuel, tolls and your driver. A return trip is $54, 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 Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya?
Yes. It's a private hire, so you set the stops — viewpoints, temples, waterfalls or a lunch spot. Reasonable detours along the way are no extra charge.
Which vehicle should I choose for Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya?
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.
Is the road from Polonnaruwa to Sigiriya in good condition?
Yes — it's a well-travelled route. Some stretches are fast highway and others are slower, winding roads, which is why the 35 km takes about an hour rather than what the distance alone suggests.
Polonnaruwa → Sigiriya
Book this transfer Ask on WhatsAppPay the driver on arrival · Free cancellation