Sri Lanka is an island that covers around sixty-five thousand square kilometers. While it’s a long way from being the smallest country in the world, it’s one that’s relatively easy to explore from coast to coast without too much difficulty. It’s a country with an excellent and well-maintained road network that reaches into even the most isolated locations.

There are first-class public transport services with three main train lines, operating between major cities and buses run by the Board of Transport as well as private companies serving cities and rural areas. Add to those taxis, Ubers, chauffeur driven cars, self-drive car rentals, bicycles plus the iconic tuk tuk and you’ll soon discover that getting around in Sri Lanka is not going to be a problem. The only thing you need to do is decide how you want to do it.

Buses in Sri Lanka

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) operates an extensive network of routes from their central hub located in the commercial district of Pettah in Colombo. Most of the vehicles used by the SLTB are painted a shade of bright red and so easily distinguishable from those run by private companies. There are regular departures twenty-four hours of the day on many of the SLTB services between the major cities.

Private buses are what add a touch of colorful character to travelling around in Sri Lanka. Many of the buses are decorated with individual designs which help them stand out from their competitors. The private buses run pretty much the same routes as the SLTB services though don’t tend to cover the more far-flung villages.

Buses are an economical way to travel around Sri Lanka. For example – for the four hour trip between Colombo and Kandy, the fare would cost you approximately two-hundred Sri Lankan Rupees which is the equivalent of one US dollar. Tickets can be purchased either on-board the bus or from a ticket kiosk at the bus stop. If you’re travelling with luggage you may need to pay a small amount extra to stow it.

Trains in Sri Lanka

Kandy to Ella Train Ride

The trains in Sri Lanka are operated by Sri Lanka Railways (SLR) and provide daily services from Colombo to Jaffna, Kandy and Batticaloa as well as to Nanu oya on weekends. The SLR do run some express night trains but by using those you’ll miss out on the fantastic scenery the lines pass through on the journey. The main station is the Colombo Fort Railway Station.

Train carriages are divided into three separate fare classes. First class are furnished with larger windows than normal carriages and known as observation saloons. Second class are relatively comfortable carriages and may be fitted with some type of ventilator. Third class are the most economical, but also the most uncomfortable and can be very crowded. Seat reservations can only be made for the first two categories while the third is a case of pot luck when it comes to seating arrangements. While the trains may be called express, they’re not much swifter than the bus service. An average problem-free trip from Colombo to Kandy can take around four hours at a cost of five-hundred Sri Lankan Rupees for a first-class ticket.

Tuk Tuks in Sri Lanka

Go nuts with Tuk Tuk

One of the more fun ways of getting around in Sri Lanka is by tuk tuk. The motorized, door-less three-wheeled vehicles are everywhere on the city streets and flagging one down to get from one sightseeing location to another is often the quickest way to get there. While some tuk tuks have meters installed, most don’t so the best thing to do is agree the fare with the driver before getting in the vehicle. If you find one with a meter expect to be charged about fifty Sri Lankan Rupees for the first kilometer and thirty-five for each kilometer travelled after that with additional charges if it’s a nighttime hire.

You can also rent a tuk tuk and drive it yourself. There are many reputable companies that have well-maintained vehicles for hire and will give you a preliminary lesson on how to drive it. It’s a legal requirement that anyone driving a tuk tuk must have a Sri Lankan driving permit. Getting one can take a couple of days and most good hire companies will also organise this for you.

Taxis in Sri Lanka

Taxis are a common sight on the streets of Sri Lanka’s big cities and they come in all shapes, sizes and colors. You’ll find taxi at ranks outside the airport terminal buildings and in all the commercial areas or you can ask your hotel reception to call one for you. All taxis should have a meter fitted which is used for short journeys while prices for longer trips or full-day tours by taxi should be pre-negotiated before setting out. It’s customary to tip the driver a minimum of ten percent of the total fare if you’re satisfied with the service.

Uber in Sri Lanka

Uber is available in Sri Lanka and operates a twenty-four hour on demand service for both short inner-city journeys and longer trips between the major tourist destinations. Cost is reflective of the trip length with extra charges being applied if it involves leaving the city limits or incurring toll charges. All Uber services should be booked via the Uber app.

Vehicles for hire in Sri Lanka

With so much wonderful scenery to admire, it’s unusual for visitors to Sri Lanka to drive themselves. You just miss too much while you’ve got your eyes on the road. That said, it is possible to hire self-drive vehicles of all types including open top jeeps and cars with that all important air-conditioning. Most companies charge a daily fee for the vehicle plus extra for the amount of kilometers covered during the hire period. Fully comprehensive insurance and breakdown assistance should be offered but may cost extra.

It’s far less complicated, and no more expensive to hire a car and driver for your sightseeing in Sri Lanka. The drivers know the roads, are happy to oblige if you want to change the route or make unscheduled stops and usually have a cheeky anecdote or two to tell. Taxis are happy to provide a day long service or your hotel reception may be able to organise a private car with driver for you. Prices vary, but expect to pay around ten-thousand Sri Lankan Rupees which doesn’t include fuel or the driver’s tip.



