How To Get from Mirissa to Ella

Mirissa to Ella

This is how to get from Mirissa to Ella.

Mirissa is a serene beach destination, while Ella is a picturesque hill town. Traveling from one of these places to another offers a transition from the coast to Sri Lanka’s lush mountains. Depending on your priorities—speed, cost, or scenic beauty—you can choose between a taxi, bus, or train.

Mirissa to Ella by Taxi

The first mode of travel option here is a taxi. If you prioritize comfort and convenience, taking a taxi is your best option. It is the fastest and most hassle-free way to travel. This journey will take around 4-5 hours for completion.

The fastest route is via the southern expressway/E01 and Wellawaya Highway/A2. The cost of this journey will be around LKR 10,000. The cost generally depends on the type of vehicle you choose. There are many advantages of choosing a taxi for reaching Ella from Mirissa.

First of all, it offers door-to-door service and reduces the time and effort for multiple transfers. During your journey, you can ask the driver to make stops at Diyaluma Falls or Ravana Falls to enjoy the journey more fully.

Secondly, traveling by taxi offers privacy and comfort, making it ideal for families, couples, or travelers with luggage. There are many best taxi providers in Sri Lanka. The drivers are well-trained and know Sri Lanka very well. They can also suggest you some less explored places and explore local food.

But if you want to try other travel options, let us discuss that as well.

Visit travel agent like Ceylon Empire Travels or Sri Lanka Tour Guides to book taxi.

Mirissa to Ella by Bus

Traveling by bus is the most budget-friendly option. However, it requires planning since there is no direct bus service between Mirissa and Ella. You will have to take a bus or tuk-tuk to reach Matara bus station first. This is a distance of just 30 minutes and will cost you less than LKR 100.

After reaching Matara, you need to board a bus that takes you to Wellawaya. Once reached, board a local bus going towards Ella. The total duration of this journey will be around 8 hours and the total cost will be approximately LKR 800.

Another route is via Colombo. Reach Matara first and then take a bus to reach Fort Station. From here, reach Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal. There are two buses a day that go to Ella from here. This will be a journey of around 9 hours, costing LKR 1200.

Traveling by bus is an economical option and offers an authentic experience of Sri Lanka’s local transport system. Please note that the buses can be crowded and you will have to follow the schedule.

Mirissa to Ella by Train

Though there is no direct train from Mirissa to Ella, incorporating a train journey into your trip is a fantastic option if you want to enjoy scenic views.

Take a taxi or tuk-tuk from Mirissa to Weligama or Matara Railway Station (15–30 minutes). Board a train from Weligama or Matara to Ella, often via Colombo or Badulla. Alternatively, take a train to Colombo and switch to a train heading to Ella.

Simply put, visit Matara Bus Station and take a bus to Fort Station. These buses are available every 20 minutes. From Fort Station, there are 4 trains a day that take you to Ella. The cost of this journey shall be around LKR 1500 and the duration will be 8–11 hours.

The stretch from Colombo or Badulla to Ella is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. You will pass tea plantations and dense forests. But book your tickets in advance. You can choose tickets from first, second, or third class. The cost may vary for each class.

Conclusion 

This is how to get from Mirissa to Ella. If you are willing to have a comfortable ride, we suggest you book a taxi. You can make a halt wherever you wish to. And you can travel at your own pace. But if you are a budget traveler, choosing a bus or train might be a good option for you.

A bus is a good choice to learn and interact with the local life of Sri Lanka. But remember that these local buses are often crowded. Train takes more time but offers the best scenic views. You can travel comfortably in a train if you book tickets in a particular class. Train tickets shall be booked in advance as they are sold out really quick and to avoid the hassle.