Matara is one of the largest towns on the far south coast — a hub for shopping, banks, and onward transport, with a Dutch fort and a temple on its own little island — around 66 kilometres east of Hikkaduwa.
Matara lies about 66 kilometres from Hikkaduwa by road, beyond Galle, Weligama, and Mirissa, so the drive usually takes around an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half. Visitors come for the star-shaped Star Fort, the old Dutch rampart along the river, the Parey Dewa temple on its tiny island, and the calm, reef-sheltered water at nearby Polhena beach.
Matara is also a practical stop: well-stocked supermarkets and pharmacies, banks and money changers, the main bus stand, and a busy station on the coastal railway line. We run this route throughout the day, whether you need a one-way ride, a return trip, or a driver who waits while you sightsee or run errands. Because the fare is fixed, there is no haggling and no meter.
It is easy to turn the trip into a relaxed coastal day: stop at Galle Fort on the way, pause for a swim at Mirissa or Weligama, then continue to Matara. Just tell us your plans when you book and we will suggest timings that flow well.
- Distance
- ~66 km
- Typical time
- ≈ 1.25–1.5 hours
Highlights
- Private transfer from Hikkaduwa to Matara town
- Star Fort, Parey Dewa temple, and Polhena beach
- Drop-offs at the bus stand and railway station
- Wait-and-return option for sightseeing and errands
- Fixed pricing with no meter
Frequently Asked Questions
About 66 kilometres by road. The drive usually takes around an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half, depending on traffic and any stops along the coast.
We quote a fixed, all-inclusive fare when you book, for one-way, return, or wait-and-return trips — there is no meter and nothing extra to pay at the end.
Yes. Choose the wait-and-return option and your driver will stay with you, so you have a car ready for the trip back to Hikkaduwa.