Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura Taxi  Service & Route Maps

Traveling between Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic road trips. These two ancient cities form the heart of the Cultural Triangle, and the journey between them is approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles). For travelers seeking comfort, reliability, and local expertise, booking a dedicated Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura taxi service is the superior choice over public buses or trains.

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Advantages of Our Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura Taxi Service

  1. Door-to-Door Convenience: Pickup from your Polonnaruwa hotel or guesthouse. Drop-off at any Anuradhapura address.
  2. Fixed Pricing: No meters, no haggling. You know the cost before you start.
  3. Air-Conditioned Comfort: Escape the tropical heat (30-35°C).

Detailed Route Maps: Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura

Primary Route (Via A11 & A9 Highway)

Distance: 140 km | Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours (non-stop)

Route Map Breakdown:

  1. Start: Polonnaruwa Town Center (Sacred City entrance).
  2. East on A11: Pass through Giritale, Habana, and Hingurakgoda.
  3. Junction at Habarana: Turn North-West onto the A9 road.
  4. Via Kekirawa: A major town with restrooms and snacks.
  5. North on A9: Pass through Kahatagasdigiliya, Tambuttegama.
  6. Arrive: Anuradhapura (Sri Maha Bodhi entrance).

Google Maps Coordinates:
Polonnaruwa (7.9383° N, 81.0022° E) to Anuradhapura (8.3114° N, 80.4037° E)

Scenic Alternative Route (Via Minneriya)

Distance: 150 km | Duration: 3 – 3.5 hours

  • Why take this? Passes through Minneriya National Park boundary. Ideal during the Elephant Gathering season (July-October).
  • Route: Polonnaruwa → Minneriya → Habarana → A9 → Anuradhapura.

Must-See Stops Along the Route

Don’t just drive – explore. Our drivers are trained to suggest optimal stops.

1. Habarana Lake (10-minute stop)

  • Location: Midpoint (70 km from Polonnaruwa).
  • Why stop: Fresh king coconut, restrooms, and stunning lake views.
  • Photo op: Traditional catamarans at sunrise/sunset.

2. Giritale Tank (Ancient Reservoir)

  • Location: 15 km from Polonnaruwa.
  • Historical note: Built by King Mahinda II (12th century).
  • Activity: Feed wild elephants (sometimes present at the edge).

3. Kekirawa Fruit Market

  • Location: 100 km mark on A9.
  • What to buy: Organic mangoes, rambutan, wood apples.
  • Driver tip: Ask for “Kekirawa Mangoes” – they are famous island-wide.

4. Mihintale (Optional Detour)

  • Detour distance: +8 km from main road before Anuradhapura.
  • Why visit: Birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka (Mahinda Thero’s cave).
  • Time needed: 1 hour. Adds LKR 1,000 to fare.
  • Best for: Sunset views from the summit (1,840 steps).

5. Anuradhapura Sacred City Entrance (Main drop-off)

  • Exact address: Anuradhapura Entrance Road (near Sri Maha Bodhi).
  • Driver assistance: We help buy entrance tickets (USD 25 per person) without queueing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How far is Polonnaruwa from Anuradhapura by road?

A: Exactly 138.6 km via the A11/A9 route. Our GPS-confirmed distance ensures you are never overcharged.

Q2: Can I book a one-way taxi without return?

A: Yes. 70% of our clients book one-way. We have a driver network in Anuradhapura, so no deadhead charges apply.

Customer Testimonials (Real Reviews)

“We used srilankadriversbooking.com for Polonnaruwa to Anuradhapura. Driver Sanjay arrived 15 minutes early. He stopped at a local market for fresh mangoes. The car was spotless. Fixed price of LKR 11,000. Will book again.”
— Emma L., United Kingdom (TripAdvisor)

*”I was nervous about the long drive with my 3-year-old. They provided a baby seat and the driver kept asking if my daughter needed breaks. Highly professional.”*
— Raj K., India (Google Reviews)

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