Private Transfer
Ella → Bandaranaike Airport (BIA)
Door-to-door private transfer · Experienced English-speaking driver
Distance
335 km
Duration
4.5 – 5 hours
Starting from
$168
Trip type
One-way
Ella to Bandaranaike Airport (BIA) Transfer
The journey from Ella back to the airport begins with a morning climb out of the valley, passing through Nuwara Eliya and the tea highlands before descending to Colombo and the coast. Plan 4.5 to 5 hours and start early for morning flights.
What the Drive Is Like
Roads
Take the A1 south from the airport through Colombo, then the A7 inland through Kandy and up into the highlands via Nuwara Eliya, finishing on the A23 descent to Ella. Alternatively, take the Southern Expressway to Ratnapura and approach from the south. The highland roads include steep curves and can be slow.
Scenery
Low-country paddy and rubber south of Colombo, then tea estates and misty highland passes through Nuwara Eliya, with Ella's dramatic ridge and valley landscape at the finish.
★ Travel Tips
- The Nuwara Eliya–Ella road includes tight curves, allow extra time and avoid overtaking on blind bends
- Fuel in Nuwara Eliya before the final descent to Ella
- Consider the Ratnapura route via Expressway as an alternative if you prefer flatter roads to Wellawaya
$ Pricing Breakdown
Tolls, parking & waiting charges extra. Price per vehicle, not per person.
This is a standard estimate based on distance
For your real, current best price with any ongoing offers and discounts applied, send us a quick enquiry below or message us on WhatsApp. We reply within 2 hours with a firm quote.
✓ Included
- Private A/C vehicle
- English-speaking driver
- Fuel
- Door-to-door service
- Meet & greet (airports)
× Not included
- Toll charges
- Parking fees
- Waiting charges
- Driver accommodation (overnight trips)
Towns Along the Way
Your driver can stop at points of interest along the way, just ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Ella to Bandaranaike Airport (BIA) transfer cost?+
Private transfers start from $168 per vehicle (one-way). The rate is $0.5 per km with a minimum fare of $50. Tolls, parking & waiting charges extra.
How long is the Ella to Bandaranaike Airport (BIA) drive?+
Approximately 335 km — around 4.5 – 5 hours. Times vary with traffic and any stops.
Can I book a return trip?+
Yes. Return transfers are quoted separately. Mention your return date in the notes when enquiring.
Get a Quote
Ella → Bandaranaike Airport (BIA)
335 km · From $168
Fleet Options
Recommended Vehicles for This Route
All vehicles include an experienced English-speaking driver.
Honda Fit Shuttle
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Toyota Axio
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Toyota Prius
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Toyota Allion / Premio
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Plan Your Visit
Top Places to Visit in Bandaranaike Airport (BIA)
Make the most of your trip — these attractions are in and around Bandaranaike Airport (BIA).
5 kmNegombo Fish Market (Lellama)
Sri Lanka's busiest wholesale fish auction, held at Lellama harbour from 6am daily, processing hundreds of tonnes of fresh catch.
Explore →
Negombo Beach (Lewis Place)
A long sandy beach in Negombo town, 35km north of Colombo, fronted by a strip of hotels and beach bars popular with international package tourists.
Explore →
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
One of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, 11km north of Colombo, believed to have been visited by the Buddha himself in 500 BCE.
Explore →
Colombo Fort Area & Lighthouse
The historic colonial waterfront district of Colombo, anchored by the old red-and-white striped lighthouse built by the British in 1952.
Explore →
28 kmOld Parliament Building & President's House
Colombo Fort's twin colonial landmarks: the 1930 Parliament building (now Presidential Secretariat) and the 18th-century President's House.
Explore →
Pettah Market
Colombo's oldest and busiest bazaar district, where each street specialises in a single trade, from textiles to electronics to spices.
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Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct
A 400-year-old Dutch colonial hospital in Colombo Fort, restored into a precinct of upscale restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.
Explore →
Galle Face Green
A 500-metre oceanfront promenade in central Colombo, the largest open urban space in the city and a popular spot for kite flying and street food.
Explore →
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