Daytrip is a private car service platform that connects you with local drivers who will transport you door-to-door. We also give you the opportunity to explore sights/attractions along the way. We drive, you discover.

What services does Daytrip offer?

Daytrip offers private door-to-door transfers with optional sightseeing stops, hourly driver hire, and curated day trips — all with local English-speaking drivers and operating across 130+ countries.

Can I book a same-day trip?

Yes, you can use our day trips service to book your same-day excursion to and from your accommodation. Just select your city and choose from one of our hand-curated day trips to places you would otherwise miss without a car. Get all of the benefits of a day trip without having to plan each minor detail! If you can’t find what you’re looking for, use our custom request form to build your own day trip.

Can I book an airport transfer?

Yes! Book a private, door-to-door airport transfer with a local English-speaking driver. Enjoy fixed and transparent pricing, no hidden fees, and the option to pay in advance without the hassle of exchanging cash at a foreign airport.

Can I hire a driver by the hour?

Yes! You can hire a private driver by the hour (for 2–8 hours, with a 40 km/hour limit) to fit your busy schedule. Add stops on the go, and your driver will wait for you nearby while you explore. This service is the most flexible for business meetings, shopping, and sightseeing.

Private car transfer services in Arugam Bay - scenic view on Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka

Transfers Countries Sri LankaTransfers in Arugam Bay

Private car transfers in Arugam Bay

Discover private car transfers around Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka, and explore the region in comfort with a friendly English-speaking driver.

Cancel for free 24 hours before departure

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Most popular routes from Arugam Bay

See more of Sri Lanka in a day, from popular sites to quiet corners, all with ease and comfort.

Most popular routes to Arugam Bay

See more of Sri Lanka in a day, from popular sites to quiet corners, all with ease and comfort.

Know more about traveling from Arugam Bay

Not at all. Surfing is the heartbeat of the bay, but the broader area has plenty for non-surfers. The main beach is lined with relaxed cafes, freshly caught seafood, and the kind of slow-paced atmosphere that is rare on Sri Lanka's more developed coasts. Inland, the 2,000-year-old Kudumbigala rock monastery — with over 200 caves and inscriptions in ancient Brahmi script — is a genuinely fascinating historical site. Nearby Elephant Rock offers an easy walk to sweeping coastal panoramas. The area rewards curiosity regardless of what brings you there.

Arugam Bay sits on Sri Lanka's eastern coast, so distances are real. From Colombo or Bandaranaike International Airport the journey covers around 320 km (200 miles) and takes roughly 6.5 to 7.5 hours by road depending on conditions. From Ella, the distance is approximately 120 km (75 miles) and takes around 3 to 3.5 hours. From Kandy it is roughly 210 km (130 miles), typically 4 to 5 hours. A private transfer removes the stress of navigating those stretches — you arrive rested and ready to explore rather than worn out from buses and connections.

A well-planned day is enough to hit the highlights without feeling rushed. Arrive by mid-morning to walk the bay and catch surfers at Main Point. Dedicate two to three hours to a morning lagoon safari at Pottuvil — crocodiles and elephants are most active early. After lunch, make the 45-minute drive south to Kudumbigala Monastery for the cave temples and summit views. End the afternoon at Elephant Rock, about 15 minutes from the bay centre, where the cliff-top sunset is genuinely hard to beat.

Pottuvil Lagoon sits just 4 km (2.5 miles) from the main beach and is one of the most rewarding wildlife spots on the east coast. This 200-acre wetland is home to saltwater crocodiles, water buffalo, and an elephant population that comes down to the water's edge to bathe — particularly in the early morning and late afternoon. A boat or canoe tour typically runs two to two and a half hours, giving you an up-close look at the ecosystem without setting foot in a national park or paying park entrance fees. It is a genuinely unexpected wildlife experience for a beach destination.

Public buses to Arugam Bay require changes, long waits, and can take considerably longer than the road distance suggests. A private transfer takes you directly from wherever you are staying to the bay — no timetables, no luggage wrestled onto overhead racks, no shared vehicle with strangers. You set the departure time and travel on your own schedule. Drivers familiar with the route also know where to stop for a rest break or a roadside king coconut, which makes the journey itself part of the experience rather than something to endure.

Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka's surf capital, a laid-back east coast village built around one of Asia's most celebrated point breaks. But even if you never touch a board, the area rewards a full day: you can kayak Pottuvil Lagoon to spot crocodiles and wild elephants, hike to the ancient Kudumbigala Monastery with its panoramic jungle views, and watch the sun drop behind Elephant Rock. It packs beach, wildlife, and history into a compact stretch of coastline that feels genuinely off the beaten path.

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Our English-speaking drivers are vetted professionals who are experts in routes, local tips, and safety.

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Personalize your trip to see exactly what you want, when you want.

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Discover new places with peace of mind, knowing you are safe, comfortable, and on time.

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Daytrip mobile app interface for managing private transfers and city guides - Route Selector Screen

Daytrip mobile app interface for managing private transfers and city guides - Home Screen

All routes to Arugam Bay

All routes from Arugam Bay

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

The cancellation policy may vary depending on your trip. The cancellation conditions available for your booking will always be shown before confirming your trip. Depending on eligibility, Daytrip offers different cancellation options: Non-refundable: If your trip is canceled after confirmation, the amount paid will not be refunded. Standard: If your trip is canceled at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time, the amount paid will be refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not eligible for a refund. Flexible: If your trip is canceled at least 1 hour before the scheduled departure time, the amount paid will be refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 1 hour before departure are not eligible for a refund. Trips booked less than 24 hours before departure may not be eligible for free cancellation unless stated otherwise during the booking process.

You will receive the vehicle that best fits the number of travelers in your group, ranging from a sedan to a van for groups of up to 7. Depending where you travel, you can book anything from a sedan comparable to a Toyota Corolla to a Mercedes V-Class to a Classic Cuban Car. While the exact model may vary, we always ensure that the vehicle provided meets your needs in terms of safety, reliability, and comfort. You may be upgraded to a larger vehicle class free of charge depending on availability. Since our largest vehicle seats 7, for groups larger a combination of vehicles will be used. We will send you the exact vehicle details a few days before your trip.