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Colombo Airport to Sigiriya by Car

about 170 to 180 km, 4 to 4.5 hours

Sigiriya is the heart of the Cultural Triangle, and the drive from the airport takes you through Kurunegala and Dambulla, where H.B.S. Rent a Car has its office.

Distance
about 170 to 180 km
Driving time
4 to 4.5 hours
Cars from
Rs. 16,500 per day

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

Routes from the airport to Sigiriya

Via Kurunegala and Dambulla (the usual road)

Leave the airport towards Negombo, take the road to Kurunegala, then follow the main Colombo-Trincomalee road (A6) through Dambulla. Sigiriya is about 20 km from Dambulla, reached by turning off the main road at Inamaluwa. Allow 4 to 4.5 hours with one stop.

Via Kandy (longer, with the Kadugannawa climb)

You can reach Sigiriya from Kandy through Matale and Dambulla. It adds time and mountain bends, so it is the choice only when you are visiting Kandy on the same trip.

Worth a stop on the way

  • Kurunegala: The half-way town, with a view from the rock at Ethagala and many cafés for a break.
  • Dambulla Cave Temple: A World Heritage site with five cave shrines and a climb of about 15 to 20 minutes; it is on the way, 20 km before Sigiriya.
  • Habarana: The starting point for elephant safaris at Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks.

Road notes

  • The A6 carries many lorries and buses: overtake only when the road ahead is clear, and keep to the speed of the traffic around you.
  • Sigiriya Rock opens early in the morning and is hottest at midday; arrive soon after opening and keep an hour for the climb.
  • Fuel stations are frequent up to Dambulla and fewer on the Sigiriya side roads; fill up in Dambulla.

Which car for this drive

A comfortable hybrid sedan or a compact SUV such as the Honda Vezel suits two to four people and long hours on the road. Groups of eight or more can take a Toyota Hiace 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
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
TOYOTA CHR4 cars at this rate5AutomaticPetrolRs. 35,000≈ $109Rs. 33,000≈ $102Rs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87
TOYOTA CHR5AutomaticHybridRs. 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, Toyota C-HR.

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 Sigiriya.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to drive from Colombo airport to Sigiriya?
About 4 to 4.5 hours in normal traffic, for roughly 170 to 180 km via Kurunegala and Dambulla.
Is it better to stay overnight near Sigiriya?
Yes. Sigiriya Rock, the Dambulla caves and a safari are all best done early or late in the day, so most guests stay one or two nights near Sigiriya or Dambulla.
Can you collect me at the airport and drop me at Sigiriya?
Airport pickup can be arranged on request. Send your flight number and dates on WhatsApp and we confirm the car and the price.
Do you have a base near Sigiriya?
Yes. Our office is in Dambulla, about 20 km from Sigiriya, so help is close if you need it during your trip.

Other routes from the airport

Plan your drive to Sigiriya

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

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