WHERE IS YALA NATIONAL PARK, AND HOW TO GET TO THERE

Yala is located in the southeast region of Sri Lanka, between the powerful Indian Ocean on one side and thick jungle on the other.

Whether you’re coming from Colombo’s chaotic sprawl, the surf towns of the south, or the tea-clad hills of the highlands, there are a few good ways to reach Sri Lanka’s wild southeast corner.

FROM COLOMBO

It’s highly unlikely you’d take a direct route from Colombo to Yala, given there’s so much to see and do between the two. We’d suggest breaking up the route by stopping in Galle, along the southern coast (Mirissa or Hiriketiya), and moving on to Yala from there.

But if you do decide to hail mary from Colombo, below is the best way to to do it.

BUS | The local bus from Colombo to Tissamaharama (the main gateway town for Yala) takes around 6–7 hours, depending on traffic and weather.

From Tissa, it’s a quick 20-minute tuk-tuk ride to the Palatupana Gate.

CAR OR PRIVATE DRIVER | If you’d prefer something smoother, hire a private driver and make the 5–6 hour trip at your own pace. You can stop at markets, viewpoints, or coconut vendors along the way, but be prepapared to pay $$$

TRAIN | There’s no direct train to Yala, but you can ride the southern coastal line to Matara, then continue by bus or taxi to Tissamaharama

FROM THE SOUTHERN COAST (MIRISSA, HIRIKETIYA) TO TISSAMAHARAMA

BUS | Take the cost effective Mirissa – Matara – Tissamaharama bus (which stop near Dickwella/Hiriketiya), which will take around 3.5 hours

CAR OR PRIVATE DRIVER | There are plenty of Ubers and private drivers who’ll happily drive you to Tissa/Yala. Air-conditioned comfort and the ability to stop anywhere is underrated, but the 3 hour journey will still cost above $50 USD (2025)

TRAIN | As per above, there’s no direct train to Yala, but you can ride the southern coastal line to Matara, then continue by bus or taxi to Tissamaharama

FROM ELLA TO TISSAMAHARAMA

BUS |Regular services link Ella to Tissamaharama via Wellawaya, which will take over 4.5 hours. Although we can’t fact check it, there’s apparently also a bus service from Bandarawela to Kataragama, which passes through Ella and Tissamaharama. Again, this will be the longest, but most affordable mode of transport

CAR OR PRIVATE DRIVER | Ubers and private drivers will service the Ella to Tissa/Yala route, which will take around 2.5 hours. Expect to pay around $50 USD (2025)

TRAIN | No train services this route

OUR RECOMMENDATION | For independent travellers, we suggest taking the local bus to Tissa. They’re affordable, relatively quick (Sri Lankan buses are no joke) and a wonderful experience. Families, we suggest a private transfer or Uber.