Why rent a motorbike in Ella
Ella is one of the most beautiful towns in Sri Lanka’s hill country, surrounded by misty peaks, tea estates, and deep valleys. Renting a motorbike in Ella gives you the power to ride beyond the town and see the real beauty of the highlands.
Scooters are fine for short rides, but motorbikes make longer trips smoother and faster. You can ride to Haputale, Diyaluma Falls, or even start a coast-to-highland adventure. With more engine strength and stability, a motorbike hire in Ella offers the right mix of comfort, speed, and freedom for travelers who love the road.
NOHA Motorbike Rent in Ella
At NOHA TUK TUK, we make motorbike rental simple and reliable.
Motorbikes from 110cc to 250cc – perfect for hill climbs and long trips
Unlimited kilometers – explore wherever you like
Full insurance coverage for peace of mind
Two helmets included for both rider and passenger
Island-wide pickup and return service
24-hour roadside assistance for any issue
Rates: Starting from USD 12 to 15 per day. (See our latest prices online.)
Do you need a license to rent a motorbike in Ella
Yes, you need a valid motorcycle license from your home country to rent and ride a motorbike in Sri Lanka. There are two easy ways to get your local Sri Lankan permit.
Airport Collection (recommended)
When you land at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you can get your Sri Lankan driving permit using your home license if it is in English. The permit is valid for scooters, motorbikes, and cars.
Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC)
If you prefer, we can help you arrange your permit through the Automobile Association of Ceylon. For this process, you need your home license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Extra services with your motorbike rental
When you rent a motorbike in Ella with NOHA, we make sure your experience is comfortable from start to finish.
- Delivery to Ella Railway Station so your bike is ready when you arrive
- Luggage transfers between towns so you can ride light
- Airport pickups and drop-offs from Colombo or Matara
- Private guided tours for those who want one day of relaxed travel and one day of self-riding
Best motorbike routes from Ella
Ella to Diyaluma Falls
About 40 kilometers from Ella, this ride takes around one to one and a half hours. The road is smooth and full of curves, perfect for a motorbike. Diyaluma Falls is the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and the pools at the top are amazing for a swim. Ride early in the morning for clear views and a peaceful climb.
Ella to Haputale and Lipton’s Seat
This 30-kilometer route passes through Bandarawela and climbs up to Haputale. The ride is cool and full of tea fields. At the top, Lipton’s Seat gives you a panoramic view across the highlands. Stop at Dambatenne Tea Factory on your way back to learn about Ceylon tea.
Ella to Buduruwagala Temple
Ride about 37 kilometers south toward Wellawaya. The temple sits hidden in the forest and has ancient rock carvings, including a 15-meter-tall Buddha. The ride is peaceful, with open roads and quiet rural views.
Ella to Arugam Bay (Extended Trip)
For experienced riders, this is one of the best long rides in Sri Lanka. It’s about 130 kilometers to the east and takes around four hours. The route passes through villages, farmlands, and lagoons before reaching the coast. With the power of a motorbike, it’s a comfortable and scenic journey from the hills to the ocean.
Motorbike vs scooter rental in Ella
A motorbike rental in Ella is best for long-distance rides, hill climbs, and experienced riders who want more power.
A scooter rental is great for short rides around town or easy sightseeing trips. Both are available through scooter and motorbike hire Ella with NOHA.
How to book your motorbike in Ella
- Choose your travel dates
- Send us your license details
- Airport option: home license in English
- AAC option: home license plus IDP
- Choose delivery at your hotel or pickup at Ella Railway Station
- Start exploring the mountains and valleys of Sri Lanka
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Rent a motorbike in Ella
Is it safe to ride a motorbike in Ella?
Yes, it is safe, but you need to be careful. The roads around Ella are beautiful—lots of curves and hills—but you should ride slowly and defensively.
🔹 Watch for: Big buses, tuk-tuks stopping suddenly, and stray animals (especially outside the main town).
🔹 The roads are generally paved, but watch out for unexpected potholes, especially after rain.
🔹 Always wear your helmet, and avoid riding at night on rural roads, as the lighting can be poor.
What kind of motorbike is best for the Ella hills?
You should pick a bike with an engine size of 150cc or more.
Scooters (100cc to 125cc) are fine for flat areas, but the hills around Ella (like the ride up to Lipton’s Seat or the road to Diyaluma Falls) are steep. A proper motorbike gives you the power and stability you need for a comfortable trip. That’s why we offer bikes from 110cc up to 250cc for your motorbike hire Ella.
Do I need a special license for a motorbike rental in Ella?
You need a full motorcycle license from your home country.
On top of that, you need a Sri Lankan Temporary Driving Permit for any rent a motorcycle Sri Lanka trip. We make this easy by helping you get your permit at the airport when you arrive. You just send us your documents when you book.
Is unlimited mileage really included?
Yes. Every motorbike rental through NOHA Tuktuk comes with unlimited kilometers. You can explore the entire island and ride as far as you like. There is no extra fee for distance.
What happens if the motorbike breaks down far from Ella?
Don’t worry about that. We offer 24-hour island-wide roadside assistance. If you have an issue, just call our support line. We will either fix the problem on the spot or arrange a replacement bike for you, no matter where you are in Sri Lanka.
Can I drop the motorbike off in a different city?
Yes. We offer island-wide pickup and return service. You can start your trip with your motorbike rental in Ella and drop it off in Colombo, Kandy, or on the Southern Coast when you are done. There is a small fee for this service, but it saves you time.
You can see a video about an incredible long-distance trip on a scooter in Sri Lanka here: Travel to ELLA by SCOOTER from Hiriketiya | Sri Lanka 2022 Travel guide.
