Taxi in Tissamaharama (Yala), private transfers at a fixed price

Taxi from Tissamaharama (Yala) from $32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000) per vehicle, not per person

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All-inclusive priceFree cancellation up to 24h before pickupBooked direct, no agency commission

Tissamaharama, universally shortened to Tissa, is the town everyone stays in to visit Yala. It sits around a large ancient tank, has a white dagoba dating from the second century BC, and exists in its modern form almost entirely to service the safari trade at the park gate twenty minutes away. That is not a criticism: it means the town knows exactly what visitors need, and a 04:30 departure for the morning game drive is an entirely normal event here rather than an imposition.

Fixed price, no surprises
Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Only 50% now, the rest to your driver
Secure card payment by Stripe

Taxi from Tissamaharama (Yala) at a glance

A private taxi from Tissamaharama (Yala) costs from $32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000) for the whole vehicle, with the driver, fuel, expressway tolls and parking included.

Tissamaharama (Yala) → Mirissa: 100 km, about 2 h, from $50€44CHF 42AED 190Rs 16,000₹4,800¥340₽4,300 (Rs 16,000).
Tissamaharama (Yala) → Ella: 110 km, about 2 h 30, from $55€48CHF 46AED 210Rs 17,500₹5,300¥370₽4,700 (Rs 17,500).
Tissamaharama (Yala) → Colombo Airport (CMB): 265 km, about 4 h 30, from $145€130CHF 120AED 530Rs 46,000₹13,800¥970₽12,100 (Rs 46,000).

Book online with a 50% deposit, the balance is paid to your driver on the day. Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup, deposit refunded in full.

Popular transfers from Tissamaharama (Yala)

Fixed price for the whole vehicle: driver, fuel and tolls included. Each one books in two minutes.

Destination	Distance	Driving time	Economy sedan3 people · 3 bags	Comfort sedan4 people · 4 bags	Comfort van6 people · 6 bags	8-seat van8 people · 8 bags	from	Book
Mirissa100 km · 2 h	100 km	2 h	$50€44CHF 42AED 190Rs 16,000₹4,800¥340₽4,300 (Rs 16,000)	$58€51CHF 48AED 220Rs 18,500₹5,600¥390₽4,900 (Rs 18,500)	$70€59CHF 56AED 250Rs 21,500₹6,500¥460₽5,700 (Rs 21,500)	$85€75CHF 70AED 300Rs 26,000₹7,800¥550₽6,900 (Rs 26,000)	$50€44CHF 42AED 190Rs 16,000₹4,800¥340₽4,300 (Rs 16,000)Book	Book
Ella110 km · 2 h 30	110 km	2 h 30	$55€48CHF 46AED 210Rs 17,500₹5,300¥370₽4,700 (Rs 17,500)	$65€55CHF 52AED 230Rs 20,000₹6,000¥420₽5,300 (Rs 20,000)	$75€65CHF 60AED 270Rs 23,000₹6,900¥490₽6,100 (Rs 23,000)	$90€80CHF 75AED 320Rs 27,500₹8,300¥580₽7,300 (Rs 27,500)	$55€48CHF 46AED 210Rs 17,500₹5,300¥370₽4,700 (Rs 17,500)Book	Book
Colombo Airport (CMB)265 km · 4 h 30	265 km	4 h 30	$145€130CHF 120AED 530Rs 46,000₹13,800¥970₽12,100 (Rs 46,000)	$170€150CHF 140AED 610Rs 53,000₹15,900¥1,110₽14,000 (Rs 53,000)	$195€170CHF 160AED 700Rs 61,000₹18,300¥1,280₽16,100 (Rs 61,000)	$230€200CHF 190AED 840Rs 73,000₹21,900¥1,530₽19,200 (Rs 73,000)	$145€130CHF 120AED 530Rs 46,000₹13,800¥970₽12,100 (Rs 46,000)Book	Book
Kataragama20 km · 30 min	20 km	30 min	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)	$36€32CHF 30AED 140Rs 11,500₹3,500¥250₽3,100 (Rs 11,500)	$41€36CHF 34AED 150Rs 13,000₹3,900¥280₽3,500 (Rs 13,000)	$49€43CHF 41AED 180Rs 15,500₹4,700¥330₽4,100 (Rs 15,500)	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)Book	Book
Mattala Airport (MRI)30 km · 40 min	30 km	40 min	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)	$36€32CHF 30AED 140Rs 11,500₹3,500¥250₽3,100 (Rs 11,500)	$41€36CHF 34AED 150Rs 13,000₹3,900¥280₽3,500 (Rs 13,000)	$49€43CHF 41AED 180Rs 15,500₹4,700¥330₽4,100 (Rs 15,500)	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)Book	Book
Udawalawe60 km · 1 h 10	60 km	1 h 10	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)	$36€32CHF 30AED 140Rs 11,500₹3,500¥250₽3,100 (Rs 11,500)	$41€36CHF 34AED 150Rs 13,000₹3,900¥280₽3,500 (Rs 13,000)	$49€43CHF 41AED 180Rs 15,500₹4,700¥330₽4,100 (Rs 15,500)	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)Book	Book
Tangalle75 km · 1 h 25	75 km	1 h 25	$38€33CHF 32AED 140Rs 12,000₹3,600¥260₽3,200 (Rs 12,000)	$44€39CHF 37AED 170Rs 14,000₹4,200¥300₽3,700 (Rs 14,000)	$50€44CHF 42AED 190Rs 16,000₹4,800¥340₽4,300 (Rs 16,000)	$60€52CHF 50AED 220Rs 19,000₹5,700¥400₽5,000 (Rs 19,000)	$38€33CHF 32AED 140Rs 12,000₹3,600¥260₽3,200 (Rs 12,000)Book	Book
Dickwella90 km · 1 h 40	90 km	1 h 40	$46€40CHF 38AED 170Rs 14,500₹4,400¥310₽3,900 (Rs 14,500)	$52€46CHF 43AED 190Rs 16,500₹5,000¥350₽4,400 (Rs 16,500)	$60€52CHF 50AED 220Rs 19,000₹5,700¥400₽5,000 (Rs 19,000)	$75€65CHF 60AED 270Rs 23,000₹6,900¥490₽6,100 (Rs 23,000)	$46€40CHF 38AED 170Rs 14,500₹4,400¥310₽3,900 (Rs 14,500)Book	Book
Haputale105 km · 2 h 40	105 km	2 h 40	$52€46CHF 43AED 190Rs 16,500₹5,000¥350₽4,400 (Rs 16,500)	$60€52CHF 50AED 220Rs 19,000₹5,700¥400₽5,000 (Rs 19,000)	$70€65CHF 57AED 260Rs 22,000₹6,600¥470₽5,800 (Rs 22,000)	$85€75CHF 70AED 310Rs 26,500₹8,000¥560₽7,000 (Rs 26,500)	$52€46CHF 43AED 190Rs 16,500₹5,000¥350₽4,400 (Rs 16,500)Book	Book
Horton Plains (World’s End)130 km · 3 h 15	130 km	3 h 15	$65€57CHF 53AED 240Rs 20,500₹6,200¥430₽5,400 (Rs 20,500)	$75€65CHF 65AED 270Rs 23,500₹7,100¥500₽6,200 (Rs 23,500)	$85€75CHF 70AED 310Rs 27,000₹8,100¥570₽7,200 (Rs 27,000)	$105€90CHF 85AED 380Rs 32,500₹9,800¥690₽8,600 (Rs 32,500)	$65€57CHF 53AED 240Rs 20,500₹6,200¥430₽5,400 (Rs 20,500)Book	Book
Arugam Bay135 km · 3 h	135 km	3 h	$70€59CHF 56AED 250Rs 21,500₹6,500¥460₽5,700 (Rs 21,500)	$80€70CHF 65AED 290Rs 24,500₹7,400¥520₽6,500 (Rs 24,500)	$90€80CHF 75AED 330Rs 28,000₹8,400¥590₽7,400 (Rs 28,000)	$105€95CHF 90AED 390Rs 33,500₹10,100¥710₽8,900 (Rs 33,500)	$70€59CHF 56AED 250Rs 21,500₹6,500¥460₽5,700 (Rs 21,500)Book	Book

City to city: choose your hotel from the start

The price covers the journey between the two towns. Pick your hotel, guesthouse or beach directly in the pickup and drop-off search, or send the exact address on WhatsApp after booking. Anywhere inside the towns shown, the price stays the same.

Only the 50% deposit is paid to book — securely, by card — and the rest goes to your driver on the day. The price above is fixed and does not change.

Going somewhere else? We drive from Tissamaharama (Yala) to every town we serve — choose yours on the next screen.

Book a transfer from Tissamaharama (Yala)

How booking works

1.Choose your transfer
Pick the destination and the vehicle. The price you see is the price you pay, for the whole car, whatever your exact address in town.
2.Pay the 50% deposit
Securely by card. It locks your driver and your price; the balance goes to the driver on the day, in cash or by card on board.
3.Meet your driver
You receive your driver’s name and phone number on WhatsApp 48 hours before pickup. Free cancellation up to 24 h before, deposit refunded.

What every price includes

What's included

Fuel and all mileage
Professional driver
Expressway tolls (E01 / E03)
Parking fees
All taxes
Air conditioning
Bottled water
15 minutes free waiting elsewhere

What's not included

Driver tips (appreciated, never required)
Entrance tickets to sites and parks
Meals and drinks along the way
Driver accommodation on multi-day hires
Extra stops not agreed in advance

Transfers to Tissamaharama (Yala)

Coming to Tissamaharama (Yala) from elsewhere? Same fixed prices, the other way round.

From	Distance	Driving time	Economy sedan3 people · 3 bags	Comfort sedan4 people · 4 bags	Comfort van6 people · 6 bags	8-seat van8 people · 8 bags	from	Book
Mirissa100 km · 2 h	100 km	2 h	$50€44CHF 42AED 190Rs 16,000₹4,800¥340₽4,300 (Rs 16,000)	$58€51CHF 48AED 220Rs 18,500₹5,600¥390₽4,900 (Rs 18,500)	$70€59CHF 56AED 250Rs 21,500₹6,500¥460₽5,700 (Rs 21,500)	$85€75CHF 70AED 300Rs 26,000₹7,800¥550₽6,900 (Rs 26,000)	$50€44CHF 42AED 190Rs 16,000₹4,800¥340₽4,300 (Rs 16,000)Book	Book
Ella110 km · 2 h 30	110 km	2 h 30	$55€48CHF 46AED 210Rs 17,500₹5,300¥370₽4,700 (Rs 17,500)	$65€55CHF 52AED 230Rs 20,000₹6,000¥420₽5,300 (Rs 20,000)	$75€65CHF 60AED 270Rs 23,000₹6,900¥490₽6,100 (Rs 23,000)	$90€80CHF 75AED 320Rs 27,500₹8,300¥580₽7,300 (Rs 27,500)	$55€48CHF 46AED 210Rs 17,500₹5,300¥370₽4,700 (Rs 17,500)Book	Book
Colombo Airport (CMB)265 km · 4 h 30	265 km	4 h 30	$145€130CHF 120AED 530Rs 46,000₹13,800¥970₽12,100 (Rs 46,000)	$170€150CHF 140AED 610Rs 53,000₹15,900¥1,110₽14,000 (Rs 53,000)	$195€170CHF 160AED 700Rs 61,000₹18,300¥1,280₽16,100 (Rs 61,000)	$230€200CHF 190AED 840Rs 73,000₹21,900¥1,530₽19,200 (Rs 73,000)	$145€130CHF 120AED 530Rs 46,000₹13,800¥970₽12,100 (Rs 46,000)Book	Book
Kataragama20 km · 30 min	20 km	30 min	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)	$36€32CHF 30AED 140Rs 11,500₹3,500¥250₽3,100 (Rs 11,500)	$41€36CHF 34AED 150Rs 13,000₹3,900¥280₽3,500 (Rs 13,000)	$49€43CHF 41AED 180Rs 15,500₹4,700¥330₽4,100 (Rs 15,500)	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)Book	Book
Mattala Airport (MRI)30 km · 40 min	30 km	40 min	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)	$36€32CHF 30AED 140Rs 11,500₹3,500¥250₽3,100 (Rs 11,500)	$41€36CHF 34AED 150Rs 13,000₹3,900¥280₽3,500 (Rs 13,000)	$49€43CHF 41AED 180Rs 15,500₹4,700¥330₽4,100 (Rs 15,500)	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)Book	Book
Udawalawe60 km · 1 h 10	60 km	1 h 10	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)	$36€32CHF 30AED 140Rs 11,500₹3,500¥250₽3,100 (Rs 11,500)	$41€36CHF 34AED 150Rs 13,000₹3,900¥280₽3,500 (Rs 13,000)	$49€43CHF 41AED 180Rs 15,500₹4,700¥330₽4,100 (Rs 15,500)	$32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000)Book	Book
Tangalle75 km · 1 h 25	75 km	1 h 25	$38€33CHF 32AED 140Rs 12,000₹3,600¥260₽3,200 (Rs 12,000)	$44€39CHF 37AED 170Rs 14,000₹4,200¥300₽3,700 (Rs 14,000)	$50€44CHF 42AED 190Rs 16,000₹4,800¥340₽4,300 (Rs 16,000)	$60€52CHF 50AED 220Rs 19,000₹5,700¥400₽5,000 (Rs 19,000)	$38€33CHF 32AED 140Rs 12,000₹3,600¥260₽3,200 (Rs 12,000)Book	Book
Dickwella90 km · 1 h 40	90 km	1 h 40	$46€40CHF 38AED 170Rs 14,500₹4,400¥310₽3,900 (Rs 14,500)	$52€46CHF 43AED 190Rs 16,500₹5,000¥350₽4,400 (Rs 16,500)	$60€52CHF 50AED 220Rs 19,000₹5,700¥400₽5,000 (Rs 19,000)	$75€65CHF 60AED 270Rs 23,000₹6,900¥490₽6,100 (Rs 23,000)	$46€40CHF 38AED 170Rs 14,500₹4,400¥310₽3,900 (Rs 14,500)Book	Book
Haputale105 km · 2 h 40	105 km	2 h 40	$52€46CHF 43AED 190Rs 16,500₹5,000¥350₽4,400 (Rs 16,500)	$60€52CHF 50AED 220Rs 19,000₹5,700¥400₽5,000 (Rs 19,000)	$70€65CHF 57AED 260Rs 22,000₹6,600¥470₽5,800 (Rs 22,000)	$85€75CHF 70AED 310Rs 26,500₹8,000¥560₽7,000 (Rs 26,500)	$52€46CHF 43AED 190Rs 16,500₹5,000¥350₽4,400 (Rs 16,500)Book	Book
Horton Plains (World’s End)130 km · 3 h 15	130 km	3 h 15	$65€57CHF 53AED 240Rs 20,500₹6,200¥430₽5,400 (Rs 20,500)	$75€65CHF 65AED 270Rs 23,500₹7,100¥500₽6,200 (Rs 23,500)	$85€75CHF 70AED 310Rs 27,000₹8,100¥570₽7,200 (Rs 27,000)	$105€90CHF 85AED 380Rs 32,500₹9,800¥690₽8,600 (Rs 32,500)	$65€57CHF 53AED 240Rs 20,500₹6,200¥430₽5,400 (Rs 20,500)Book	Book
Arugam Bay135 km · 3 h	135 km	3 h	$70€59CHF 56AED 250Rs 21,500₹6,500¥460₽5,700 (Rs 21,500)	$80€70CHF 65AED 290Rs 24,500₹7,400¥520₽6,500 (Rs 24,500)	$90€80CHF 75AED 330Rs 28,000₹8,400¥590₽7,400 (Rs 28,000)	$105€95CHF 90AED 390Rs 33,500₹10,100¥710₽8,900 (Rs 33,500)	$70€59CHF 56AED 250Rs 21,500₹6,500¥460₽5,700 (Rs 21,500)Book	Book

Book a transfer to Tissamaharama (Yala)

Where we pick up in Tissamaharama (Yala)

We collect from hotels and guesthouses throughout Tissamaharama, Kataragama and Kirinda, and from the lodges strung along the road towards the Yala entrance at Palatupana. If your safari operator is collecting you at 04:30, tell us your onward transfer time when you book: we routinely schedule departure transfers around a morning game drive so that you are not paying for a jeep and a car to wait for each other.

Getting to and from Tissamaharama (Yala)

From Colombo airport it is about four and a half hours via the E01 expressway to Matara and then the A2 east: the longest of the standard south-coast transfers, and one where the driver's route choice genuinely matters. From Ella it is two and a half hours down through the hill country, a spectacular descent that most people underestimate. Within Tissa everything is close, and safari jeeps collect from your accommodation, so a car is only needed for the arrival and departure legs.

Travel tips for Tissamaharama (Yala)

The dry season, roughly May to September, is the best game viewing because animals concentrate at water, which is the opposite of the south coast beach season. Yala Block 1 usually closes for maintenance in September and October: check before you build an itinerary around it. Book the safari with the accommodation rather than at the gate, and take the 05:00 slot over the afternoon one: the light is better and the park is quieter for the first hour.

About Tissamaharama (Yala)

Yala Block 1 has the highest leopard density recorded anywhere and also the highest jeep density in Sri Lanka; going at first light, or choosing Block 5, changes the experience considerably. Bundala, forty minutes west, is a wetland park and much better for birds. Kataragama, fifteen minutes north, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites on the island for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims alike, and the evening puja is genuinely worth staying for. Tissa's own tank is full of birds at dawn and costs nothing.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the transfer from Colombo airport to Tissamaharama?

About four and a half hours via the E01 expressway to Matara, then the A2 east. It is the longest standard transfer on the south coast.

How far is Tissa from the Yala entrance?

About twenty minutes to the main Palatupana gate, which is why almost everyone visiting Yala sleeps here.

Can you collect us after an early morning safari?

Yes, and it is a common request. Tell us your game drive time at booking and we schedule the onward transfer around it.

When is Yala best for wildlife?

The dry months, roughly May to September, when animals concentrate around the remaining water. Block 1 usually closes in September and October for maintenance.

Staying more than a day?

Keep the same car and the same driver for the whole trip. 250 km a day included, and his room and meals are on us.

$80€70CHF 70AED 300Rs 25,500₹7,700¥540₽6,800 (Rs 25,500)a day

See private driver prices

Book your taxi from Tissamaharama (Yala)

from $32€28CHF 26AED 116Rs 10,000₹3,000¥210₽2,700 (Rs 10,000) per vehicle, not per person

Book a transfer from Tissamaharama (Yala)Chat on WhatsApp

A stop on the way, a wait, a child seat, a multi-day trip: ask us on WhatsApp and we reply with a firm price.