How to get from Ella to Galle
There is no direct train from Ella to Galle. A private car or taxi takes about 4–5 h via Wellawaya and the southern coast or the Southern Expressway, while public buses need one or two changes and take about 6–7 h.
Best option: Taxi. A private driver is door to door and several hours faster than buses with changes.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| taxi Private car with driver from Ella via Wellawaya to the south coast, then west to Galle, using the Southern Expressway for part of the way | about 4–5 h | on demand | about LKR 25,000–40,000 per car | Book through your guesthouse or a reputable company; stops at Udawalawe or the beaches can be arranged. |
| bus Local buses from Ella to Wellawaya, then a bus to Matara or Tissamaharama, then a bus along the coast to Galle | about 6–7 h | frequent buses on each leg in daytime | about LKR 1,000–2,000 in total | Buses are crowded and luggage space is limited; start early to make all connections in daylight. |
| car Self-drive via Wellawaya and the south coast or the Southern Expressway (about 200 km) | about 4–5 h | fuel plus expressway tolls | Foreigners need a Sri Lankan driving permit as well as their licence; most visitors hire a driver instead. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
Open the route in Google Maps →
Book the trip
Partner links: TonyPlan may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Tips
- The famous Ella train goes north to Kandy and Colombo, not to the south coast.
- A stop at Udawalawe National Park for an elephant safari fits on this route.
- Agree what the driver's price includes (tolls, waiting time, stops) before leaving.
- Roads from Ella down to Wellawaya are winding; take something for motion sickness if needed.
Common questions
Is there a train from Ella to Galle?
No direct one. Ella is on the Main Line to Kandy and Colombo, while Galle is on the Coastal Line from Colombo. Going by train would mean travelling to Colombo and back down the coast, taking well over 12 hours. Use a private car or the bus route via Wellawaya and Matara instead.
How long is the drive from Ella to Galle?
About 4–5 h for about 200 km. The road descends from Ella to Wellawaya, then runs south to the coast. Using part of the Southern Expressway can save time. Traffic and stops can add more, so many travellers make a day of it with a safari or a beach stop on the way.
How much is a taxi from Ella to Galle?
About LKR 25,000–40,000 for the whole car with driver, depending on the vehicle, the season and the stops. Ask your guesthouse for a recommended driver and agree whether tolls and stops are included. Splitting the cost between several people makes it reasonable value.
Can I take the bus from Ella to Galle?
Yes, with one or two changes. Take a bus to Wellawaya, then one to Matara or Tissamaharama, and then a coastal bus to Galle. It takes about 6–7 h and costs very little, but buses are crowded and have little room for luggage. Start in the morning to arrive before dark.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.