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Colombo Airport to Anuradhapura by Car

about 200 to 210 km, 4.5 to 5 hours

Anuradhapura is the oldest of Sri Lanka's ancient capitals, with large stupas, a sacred Bo tree and a flat, easy road from the airport.

Distance
about 200 to 210 km
Driving time
4.5 to 5 hours
Cars from
Rs. 12,000 per day

Times are for normal traffic and exclude stops. Always allow extra time on holidays and in rain.

Routes from the airport to Anuradhapura

Via Kurunegala and Maho

Drive to Kurunegala and continue north on the main road through Maho to Anuradhapura. The road is flat and in good condition. Allow 4.5 to 5 hours.

Via Dambulla and Habarana

Reach Anuradhapura from the Cultural Triangle through Habarana. It is the choice when you combine Sigiriya, Dambulla and Anuradhapura in one trip.

Worth a stop on the way

  • Kurunegala: A stop half way, for fuel and food.
  • Sri Maha Bodhi and Ruwanwelisaya: The best-known sacred sites of Anuradhapura, close together in the old city.
  • Mihintale: A rock hill 12 km east of Anuradhapura, where Buddhism is said to have reached Sri Lanka.

Road notes

  • At the sacred sites, dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered, white clothes are customary, and shoes are taken off.
  • The old city is large: many visitors hire a bicycle or a tuk-tuk for the day, and leave the car at the hotel.
  • The heat at midday is strong; visit early or late in the day.

Which car for this drive

The road is flat, so a small hybrid car or a sedan is comfortable and cheap to run. For a family or luggage, choose a Vezel or a 7-seat van.

Daily car rental rates in Sri Lankan rupees (LKR). The rate per day falls as the rental period gets longer.
VehicleSeatsGearboxFuelPer dayPer day, 2 weeksPer day, 1 monthPer day, 3 months
SUZUKI WAGON R5AutomaticHybrid, PetrolRs. 12,000≈ $37Rs. 11,500≈ $36Rs. 10,000≈ $31Rs. 9,000≈ $28
SUZUKI WAGON R4AutomaticPetrolRs. 13,500≈ $42Rs. 12,000≈ $37Rs. 10,000≈ $31Rs. 8,500≈ $26
SUZUKI WAGON R2 cars at this rate4AutomaticHybrid, PetrolRs. 13,500≈ $42Rs. 12,000≈ $37Rs. 10,000≈ $31Rs. 8,500≈ $26
TOYOTA PRIUS5AutomaticHybridRs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,500≈ $45Rs. 12,000≈ $37Rs. 11,500≈ $36
PRIUS4AutomaticHybridRs. 17,500≈ $54Rs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,000≈ $43Rs. 13,000≈ $40
TOYOTA PRIUS5AutomaticHybridRs. 17,500≈ $54Rs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,000≈ $43Rs. 13,000≈ $40
TOYOTA PRIUS G SPORT5AutomaticHybridRs. 17,500≈ $54Rs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,000≈ $43Rs. 13,000≈ $40
TOYOTA AXIO4AutomaticHybrid, PetrolRs. 20,000≈ $62Rs. 18,500≈ $57Rs. 15,000≈ $47Rs. 13,500≈ $42
TOYOTA AXIO2 cars at this rate4AutomaticHybridRs. 20,000≈ $62Rs. 18,500≈ $57Rs. 15,000≈ $47Rs. 13,500≈ $42
TOYOTA AXIO2 cars at this rate5AutomaticHybridRs. 20,000≈ $62Rs. 18,500≈ $57Rs. 15,000≈ $47Rs. 13,500≈ $42
TOYOTA AXIO WXB5AutomaticHybridRs. 20,000≈ $62Rs. 18,500≈ $57Rs. 15,000≈ $47Rs. 13,500≈ $42
HONDA VEZEL5AutomaticHybridRs. 22,000≈ $68Rs. 20,000≈ $62Rs. 16,000≈ $50Rs. 14,000≈ $43
HONDA VEZEL5AutomaticHybridRs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87Rs. 24,000≈ $74Rs. 22,000≈ $68
HONDA VEZEL5AutomaticHybrid, PetrolRs. 35,000≈ $109Rs. 33,000≈ $102Rs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87
HONDA VEZEL2 cars at this rate5AutomaticHybridRs. 35,000≈ $109Rs. 33,000≈ $102Rs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87

Rates are read from our booking system. Fuel, expressway tolls, parking and traffic fines are paid by the hirer; the rate includes commercial rent-a-car insurance (an insurance excess applies), 24/7 breakdown support and 100 km per day. See the full price list.

More about the cars: Honda Vezel, Toyota Prius, Toyota Axio, Suzuki Wagon R.

Airport pickup and one-way hire

We can bring the car to Bandaranaike International Airport on request; see car rental at Colombo airport. You can also hire with a driver, who handles the road, the parking and the tolls. Tell us your flight, your dates and the number of travellers on WhatsApp. More about the place itself: car rental for Anuradhapura.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to drive from Colombo airport to Anuradhapura?
About 4.5 to 5 hours, for roughly 200 to 210 km, through Kurunegala.
Is Anuradhapura a day trip from Colombo?
It is possible, but it is a long day. Most guests stay one night to see the sites without hurrying.
Can I combine Anuradhapura with Sigiriya and Dambulla?
Yes. They are a day's drive apart and make a classic Cultural Triangle loop of three to four days.
Do I need an international permit to drive in Sri Lanka?
Visitors need a Sri Lankan temporary licence, which is issued with a valid foreign licence and an International Driving Permit. See our guide to driving licences for visitors.

Other routes from the airport

Plan your drive to Anuradhapura

Tell us your dates, your flight and the number of travellers, and we confirm the car and the price.

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