Sigiriya ticket prices 2026 at a glance
Foreign adults pay $35 for the Full Ticket. The Half Ticket costs $20. The price list of 14 October 2026 converts these amounts at 336 rupees to the dollar, which gives LKR 11,760 and LKR 6,720. Prices include 18 percent VAT, so nothing is added on top of the listed amount.
Ticket prices are quoted in US dollars and paid in rupees at the rate of the day. The rupee figures are a snapshot of that list, not a guaranteed rate for your visit. The ticket gives one entry on the day you buy it for.
You buy at the ticket counter next to the museum at the western entrance, or in advance through the online e-ticket service of the Central Cultural Fund. This is an independent guide and does not sell tickets.
Who pays full price, who pays less
Concession rules published on 6 October 2026, effective from 1 July 2026. Bring a passport or other proof.
| Visitor | Price 2026 | Proof at the counter |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign adults | $35 (LKR 11,760) | Passport |
| Foreign children aged 6 to 12 | Half Ticket, $20 (LKR 6,720) | Passport or proof of age |
| Foreign children under 6 | Free | Proof of age |
| SAARC passport holders | Reduced rate, see below | Valid SAARC passport |
| ISIC card holders | Reduced rate, see below | Valid ISIC card |
| Sri Lankan children under 18 | Free | Proof of age |
| Sigiriya Museum only | $6 (LKR 2,016) | Passport |
The rule describes the SAARC and ISIC rate as half-rated. The Half Ticket is listed at $20, and the counter decides the exact amount, so ask before you pay. A 12-year-old sits on the border between the child and adult bands. Bring the passport and ask at the counter.
Sigiriya tours with ticket help
Guided walks, day trips from Colombo and Kandy, and safaris, with live prices and availability.
What the ticket covers
One ticket, one entry, and a few things it does not include.
The rock, the gardens and the museum
The ticket covers the grounds, the water gardens, the climb and the Sigiriya Museum. The museum can also be entered on its own for $6, but that is a separate product, not an add-on to the rock ticket.
Not a guide, not a safari
The ticket does not include a guide. Many tours list the Sigiriya ticket as an extra and quote $35 for it, so check whether your tour includes it. Safari park fees for Minneriya and the other parks are separate.
Tours compared →One entry on the day
You cannot leave and come back on a later day with the same ticket. Plan the gardens, the museum and the climb for one visit.
Opening hours →Drones and film
Filming, including drone footage, needs written permission from the Central Cultural Fund before the visit. A normal ticket does not cover it.
How to buy
At the counter or online.
At the counter
The counter is next to the museum at the western entrance and works from 07:00 to 17:00. Bring your passport and enough rupees. Because the price is set in dollars, the rupee amount follows the day's rate.
Online e-ticket
An online order is valid for 90 days. You collect the paper ticket at the site against your receipt number. It is good for a single entry on the day you use it, and a paid order is not refundable. For relief tickets, bring a valid passport.
Do you need to book ahead?
Online ordering is an option, not a rule. If you arrive on a busy morning, allow extra time at the counter before you start the climb.
Other tickets in the region
Prices for foreign adults as of 2026. Each site has its own ticket.
| Site | Full Ticket | Half Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Sigiriya | $35 (LKR 11,760) | $20 (LKR 6,720) |
| Polonnaruwa | $30 (LKR 10,080) | $15 (LKR 5,040) |
| Anuradhapura | $30 (LKR 10,080) | $15 (LKR 5,040) |
| Dambulla museum only | $3 | $1.50 |
| Pidurangala Rock | About LKR 1,000, paid in cash | – |
| Temple of the Tooth, Kandy | LKR 3,000 (LKR 2,500 for SAARC, Thailand and Myanmar) | – |
The Dambulla row is the museum, not the cave temple. Cave temple prices vary, so ask at the ticket office near the Golden Temple. A Cultural Triangle round ticket is valid for two months from first use. Ask for its current price before you assume it saves money. See the Cultural Triangle page, the Dambulla page and the Pidurangala page.
Plan the rest of your visit
What to read next.
Sigiriya tickets: frequently asked questions
How much is a Sigiriya ticket for foreigners?
$35 for adults and $20 for the Half Ticket in October 2026. The price list of 14 October 2026 shows LKR 11,760 and LKR 6,720 at 336 rupees to the dollar. Older guides that mention a flat $25 are out of date.
Do children need a ticket?
Foreign children under 6 enter free with proof of age. Children aged 6 to 12 qualify for the Half Ticket. Bring the passport, because the counter asks for proof.
Is the museum included?
Yes. The Sigiriya Museum is covered by the rock ticket. If you only want the museum, a separate ticket costs $6. The museum opens at 08:00.
Can I pay by card?
Bring cash in rupees to be safe. Which cards the counter accepts is something to check on the day.
Can I get a refund if I cannot go?
An online order that has been paid is not refundable under the e-ticket terms, and the ticket is valid for one entry on the day of use. Order online only when your plans are fixed.
Is this site selling Sigiriya tickets?
No. This is an independent guide. Tickets are sold at the site or through the online service of the Central Cultural Fund.