Sri Lanka travel tips

Arrival and onward journey / traffic in Sri Lanka

Arrival and onward journey / traffic in Sri Lanka

This post was updated for you on January 29, 2025
Bus - Sri Lanka
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Colombo Airport

There are good local bus connections from the airport to both Negombo and Colombo.
Alternatively, private drivers can be booked at the cab counter. Cab apps such as Uber, Grab and Pick-Me also work in and around Colombo and often offer cheaper rides (unfortunately, these apps are not currently available in the rest of the country).

Traffic in general

The traffic in Sri Lanka can be described as an "orderly chaos" typical of most Asian countries - people drive and overtake wherever there is even remotely enough space and, in addition, it is always proven that the vehicle has a horn.
The British also brought left-hand traffic to the island during the colonial era.

Hiring a car or driving yourself is therefore only recommended to a limited extent.
The flexibility gained must be weighed up against the traffic conditions and the possibly limited safety standards of the car.

Private drivers

Many Sri Lankans now offer their services as alternative drivers and drive travelers all over the island. You should make sure you arrange the stops in advance so that you are not surprised by a small "coffee run" at the end, as many drivers receive commissions for driving to jewelers, restaurants, etc. The costs start at 30 euros per day plus fuel and driver's fee.

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Rent a scooter

If you value flexibility and a feeling of freedom, renting a scooter is also an option. These are available to rent from 5 euros per day.

Tuk Tuk

Tuk tuk drivers also offer their cab services on what feels like every corner of the country.
Tuk tuks are motorized vehicles with three wheels and are particularly suitable for shorter distances.
You should definitely negotiate the price before boarding to avoid being ripped off.
The price per kilometer should generally be around 30-40 rupees. However, there are now more and more tuk tuks with taximeters, especially in larger cities.

Drive a tuk tuk yourself

If you are looking for that very special Sri Lanka If you want to be more adventurous, you can also get a "tuk tuk driver's license" in Colombo and then hire a tuk tuk to explore the island on your own.

Tuk Tuk Sri Lanka

On the road by bus

The most popular means of transportation for locals is the bus.
This is recommended for the experience alone: Loud Bollywood music usually streams from the loudspeakers, the lighting is often colorful, flashing and party-like and in every bus there is a golden Buddha statue by the driver that is not inconspicuously decorated.

However, be aware that some drivers drive as if they are on the run and that the buses are often so overcrowded that you may not be able to get a seat - this can make a bus journey very lengthy.
However, the bus network is impressive, with regular services to every little town and you can cross the entire country for just a few euros.
If you have your luggage with you, it will either be placed in front of the driver or, if available, in the luggage compartment.

If you don't want to get on at a central bus station, but at a secluded bus stop, you must hold your arm out to signal the driver to stop. However, he will not normally stop completely, but rather slow down so that you can jump on quickly.
Alternatively, there are now private express buses from various providers between cities. These are much more comfortable than the local buses and are equipped with air conditioning. Although they are slightly more expensive than the local buses, they are still inexpensive. A trip from Colombo to Matara, for example, costs around 500 rupees, or about 2.50 euros.

The express buses run regularly, but rarely according to a specific departure schedule, as they usually leave when all the seats are occupied.

Bus - Sri Lanka

By train through Sri Lanka

You should not miss out on traveling by train through Sri Lankaas these turquoise-blue trains with their open doors have a very special charm and are often the highlight of the journey.
Numerous vendors offer chai and snacks at low prices during the journey. The route network was built by the British during their colonial period and is largely the same as it was in the 19th century.

There are three main routes:
The coastal stretch from Puttalam in the north the West coast down via Colombo to Matara, from Colombo through the central Highlands via Kandy to Badulla and from Colombo to the north via Anuradhapura to Vavuniya.

The route from Kandy through the highlands to Ella runs through the middle of mountain slopes lined with tea plantations and is one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. Train travel in Sri Lanka is incredibly cheap and, given the driving style of many drivers, safer than bus travel.
However, you should bring a little more time with you, as the trains are slower than buses and are often delayed.
Depending on the section of the route, you may also be unlucky here and have to stop.
Train tickets are usually only sold at the ticket counter on the day of departure, so it's worth getting there early.

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3 Comments
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Juergen Lehmann

Many thanks for the valuable information

Tabea Neufeld

Hello,

We are planning a round trip through Sri Lanka. We are traveling from Colombo to Wilpattu National Park - Sigirya - Kandy - Ella - Deniyaya - Mirissa - Unawatuna to Negombo. We have noticed that we cannot find a bus connection for every place, for example from Colombo to Wilpattu National Park.

In your blog you write:
"However, the bus network is impressive, with regular services to every town, no matter how small"
and would be very happy to receive tips and help.

We would be very pleased to receive your feedback.

Kind regards
Tabea

Admin
Reply to  Tabea Neufeld

Hello Tabea,

There is no direct connection from Colombo to Willpattu.
From Colombo you would first have to go to Puttalam, then to Anuradhapura and then on to Wilpattu.

Please do NOT take the bus from Columbo directly to Anuradhapura as it takes a different route.

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