Sri Lanka Travel Tips · Tickets & hours
Sigiriya Ticket Price 2026, Opening Hours & What’s Included
The Sigiriya ticket is the single biggest entrance fee on most Sri Lanka itineraries, so it is worth knowing exactly what you pay and what you get. Here is the current price for foreign visitors, opening hours and how to make the most of your ticket.
Sigiriya ticket price for foreigners
In 2026 the Sigiriya entrance fee for foreign adults is about US$35 per person, paid in Sri Lankan rupees at the official exchange rate. Children aged 6 to 12 pay about US$20, and children under 6 enter free. Visitors from SAARC countries pay a reduced rate, and Sri Lankan citizens pay a small local fee.
| Visitor | Approximate price |
|---|---|
| Foreign adult | US$35 |
| Foreign child (6–12) | US$20 |
| Child under 6 | Free |
| SAARC nationals | Reduced rate (about half) |
Prices are set by the Central Cultural Fund and can change with little notice, so treat these figures as a guide. When you book a Sigiriya day tour from Colombo with us, we confirm the latest price before you travel.
What the ticket includes
One ticket covers the whole Sigiriya site for a single visit on the day:
- The royal water gardens, fountain gardens and boulder gardens.
- The climb to the frescoes of the painted maidens and the Mirror Wall.
- The Lion Terrace with its giant stone paws.
- The palace ruins on the summit.
- The Sigiriya Museum near the ticket office.
The ticket does not cover nearby Pidurangala Rock (about LKR 1,000, paid at the temple), the Dambulla Cave Temple or a jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park. These are paid separately.
Sigiriya opening hours
The site is open every day of the year. The ticket office usually opens at about 7:00 am and stops selling tickets late in the afternoon, and the rock closes at around 5:30 pm. Since the climb takes two to three hours, aim to buy your ticket by 2:30 pm at the latest.
Wondering which month is best? Read our article on the best time to visit Sigiriya.
How to buy your ticket
Tickets are sold at the official counter near the western entrance, next to the museum. Card payments are normally accepted, but it is wise to carry enough cash in rupees in case the card machine is down. Keep your ticket with you: it is checked at the entrance gate and again on the way up.
On our Sigiriya tour, your driver drops you right at the ticket office, waits with your bags and picks you up at the exit, so you can climb with just water and a camera.
Is the Sigiriya ticket worth the price?
Yes. For most travellers Sigiriya is the highlight of the Cultural Triangle: a fifth-century palace on top of a 200-metre rock, ancient frescoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of the finest views in Sri Lanka. If the budget is tight, nearby Pidurangala gives a beautiful view of Lion Rock for far less, but you miss the gardens, the frescoes and the summit palace. Our Sigiriya or Pidurangala article helps you choose.
Tips to save time and money
- Combine sights: Dambulla Cave Temple is 30 minutes away and fits easily into a Sigiriya and Dambulla day.
- Bring water: there are few places to buy drinks once you start climbing.
- Dress comfortably: light clothes and good shoes. Sigiriya is not a temple, so there is no strict dress code.
- Watch the wasps: on rare windy days the summit closes briefly because of hornets. Stay calm and follow staff instructions.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Sigiriya ticket for foreigners?
In 2026 the Sigiriya ticket price for foreign adults is about US$35 per person, paid in rupees. Children aged 6 to 12 pay about US$20 and children under 6 are free.
Does the Sigiriya ticket include the museum?
Yes. The ticket includes the Sigiriya Museum, the gardens, the frescoes, the Lion Terrace and the summit palace.
What time does Sigiriya open and close?
Sigiriya opens at about 7:00 am and closes at around 5:30 pm every day. Buy your ticket by about 2:30 pm to have enough time to climb.
Can I pay for Sigiriya tickets by card?
Card payments are usually accepted at the ticket office, but carry rupees as a backup in case the machine is not working.
Are entrance tickets included in your Sigiriya day tour?
No. Our Sigiriya day tour from Colombo covers private transport, hotel pickup and an English-speaking driver. Entrance tickets are paid at the gate so you only pay for the sights you visit.
