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Ella is a hill-country village 131 kilometres (81 miles) inland from Colombo. It's famous for Little Adam's Peak and the tea plantations around it. The train is the cheapest way to get from Colombo to Ella at $6.40 (2,140 LKR), and it runs direct. A taxi is the quickest option at 5h 10m - 6h.
Distance from Colombo to Ella
Colombo and Ella are about 131 km (81 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 198 km by road. The quickest way to get from Colombo to Ella is by taking the taxi, which takes around 5h 10m - 6h.
3 ways to travel from Colombo to Ella
There are three ways to travel from Colombo to Ella. You can choose between the train*, bus, and taxi. The journey takes 5h 10m–8h 45m and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train* with tickets starting at $6.40 (2,140 LKR).
Reach out to our Community
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Our favourite places to stay in Ella
Here are our favourite places to stay in Ella for every budget.
Will Guest Homestay
An exceptional homestay with stunning mountain views. You will feel right at home here with the friendly and welcoming staff. Bike and car rentals are available on-site and breakfast is included with your stay.
The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. You won’t want to check out of this homestay!
- Breathtaking mountain views
- Breakfast included
- Clean and comfortable
- Extremely friendly and helpful staff
Private room starts at $23 (7,700 LKR) per night
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Colombo to Ella, roughly 131 kilometres (81 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $6.40 (2,140 LKR). The quickest trip takes 5h 10m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Colombo to Ella?
The distance from Colombo to Ella is 131 kilometres (81 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Colombo to Ella?
The fastest way to get from Colombo to Ella is by taxi and takes 5h 10m - 6h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Colombo to Ella?
The cheapest way to get from Colombo to Ella is by train with ticket costs starting from 2,140 LKR.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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