The short answer
- Sigiriya
- About US$35
- Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura
- About US$30 each
- Yala safari fees
- About US$45 plus the jeep
- Free
- Nine Arches Bridge, Galle Fort ramparts
Sri Lanka charges foreign visitors much more than locals at its main sights, and the fees are some of the highest in Asia. They are quoted in US dollars but usually paid in rupees at the day's rate.
Use the calculator to add up the sights on your plan. Every price is listed beside its checkbox, so the full list doubles as a reference.
Add up your entry fees
Your entry fees
US$126
per person, 7 sights
Group total: US$252
Foreign adult prices, rounded. Most sites price in US dollars but take rupees at the day's rate. Jeeps for safaris cost about US$40 to 70 per vehicle for half a day. Checked October 2026.
Ways to save
- Climb Pidurangala instead of, or as well as, Sigiriya: It costs about US$3 and has the classic view of Sigiriya Rock itself. See our Sigiriya guide.
- Share a safari jeep: Jeep hire is per vehicle, so sharing with others halves the cost.
- Choose one ancient city: Polonnaruwa is more compact and easier to see by bike than Anuradhapura, and many visitors find one is enough.
- Ask about combined tickets: A round ticket covering several Cultural Triangle sites has been sold at times; availability changes, so ask at the counter.
Good to know
- Children usually pay about half; South Asian (SAARC) visitors pay reduced rates.
- Temples ask for covered shoulders and knees, and shoes off. Carry a sarong or scarf.
- Safari fees include park entry, service charges and tax; the jeep and driver are paid separately unless included in your tour.
Rather have a trip to Sri Lanka made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Sigiriya entrance fee?
About US$35 for foreign adults in 2026, paid in rupees at the gate. Children pay about half.
Why are entrance fees so high in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka charges foreigners far more than locals to fund conservation and site maintenance. Fees are set in US dollars.
Are entrance fees included in tours?
Often, but not always. Check whether Sigiriya, the temples and safari jeeps are included, as they can add US$100 to US$200 per person.
Sources we checked
Sri Lanka month by month
More Sri Lanka guides
Best time to visit Sri Lanka: the two monsoons explained
Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so somewhere is always dry. December to March is best for the south and west coasts and the hill country; May to September for the east coast and the north.
Updated 15 October 2026Sri Lanka itineraries for 7, 10 and 14 days
Seven days covers Sigiriya, Kandy and Ella. Ten adds Yala and the south coast, and fourteen slows the pace with Nuwara Eliya, Galle and more beach time. From May to September, swap the south coast for the east.
Updated 15 October 2026Kandy to Ella train: what is running now, tickets and seats
Since Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025 the hill country line has reopened in stages. Nanu Oya to Ella is running again, but trains cannot yet run from Kandy. Here is what is open, and how to still ride the best part.
Updated 15 October 2026Getting around Sri Lanka: driver, train, bus or tour?
Most visitors hire a car with a driver, which costs about US$50 to 70 a day for a car and covers fuel and the driver's food and lodging. Trains are scenic but slow; buses are cheap and crowded.
Updated 15 October 2026