Travelling in Sri Lanka

There are several options for travelling in Sri Lanka that you can choose from. These include local buses, trains, rickshaws or even hiring a car with a personal driver. They all cover an extensive route of the country and are inexpensive options. However, not all public transport will get you to your desired destination and you may have to take a few detours along the way. We would therefore recommend combining various modes of transport. Some would be via car with a driver, to make it easier to get from one destination to another. But we also suggest including a few train rides and bus journeys as well. For an approximate budget of transportation in this country, take a look at our guide to cost of travel in Sri Lanka. 

The picture perfect, palm fringed coastline of Sri Lanka.

Car and driver

We would suggest hiring a car with a driver for segments of your trip as this is the easiest way to get around, especially as not all trains will reach all destinations. You can also decide what time you arrive to destinations without always being restricted to train or bus times (and often delays!) Plus we would organise this for you so you don’t have to worry about finding a reliable driver. Many drivers have a basic to good understanding of English and can provide you with a cultural insight you otherwise wouldn’t have. They can also suggest some great restaurants and attractions for you to visit.

Expect to pay between LKR 8,000-11,000 (EUR 40-60) a day which will cover fuel, lodgings and food for the driver, and any extra road tolls. You should tip the driver at least 10% at the end of the trip.

Hiring a car in Sri Lanka to travel across the island & especially driving along the gorgeous south coast is one the highlights in Sri Lanka.

Travelling in Sri Lanka by Bus

Sri Lanka has an extensive bus route that covers 80% of the country and will take you to all the major cities and towns you wish to visit. Travelling this way is also very inexpensive though tickets cannot be booked in advance and will have to be bought locally on the day. These are easy to buy and we will offer you guidance on where you should go to do this.

You should bear in mind that there won’t be air-con on local buses but they are usually of a reasonable quality. If you are backpacking it might be advisable to buy an extra seat for somewhere to store your bag as there will not be luggage space provided, though because tickets are so cheap that this is a great option you should take advantage of for more comfort. There is also the option to take intercity and private buses which will cost you more but also provide air-con and a comfortable drive.

Travelling in Sri Lanka via local busses, from one city to another, is affordable but adventurous.

Inter-city transport via Train

The railway system is Sri Lanka is quite extensive though you will not be able to reach everywhere by train. For example a train will not take you directly to Sigiriya, you may have to get off at Habarana and take a tuk tuk or local bus from there. So bear in mind you might need to make a few detours along the way. On longer journeys vendors will walk through carriages selling fresh fruits, drinks and tasty street food.

It is also the most scenic route you can take. We recommend catching the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, one of the most picturesque journeys in the world going pass workers in the plantation fields, mountains and waterfalls. Also consider the coastal route from Galle to Colombo to observe Sri Lanka’s paradise beaches along the way. We can organise both these train rides for you.

First class tickets can be booked in advance to reserve a seat and are equipped with air-con and observation carriages. However, second class is sometimes preferable. Although these only have fans and aren’t as comfortable, you get a far more local experience and also a prime position to take photos out of the open windows and doors, unlike in first class. They are also cheaper but must be bought on the day of departure.

Inter city travelling in Sri Lanka via trains – an epitome of colonial influence that takes you back in time.

Intra-city commute via Rickshaw

Rickshaws, (otherwise known as tuk tuks), are a famous attraction for every tourist to ride and take photos in. They are cheap, fast, easy to locate, and it’s amazing how they can squeeze in and out of traffic. Outside of Colombo these will not be metered so you have to use your best bargaining skills to decide on a price. It should cost you an average of LKR 50 per km.

For those travellers who want to drive, but don’t have the budget for a car, you can also hire your own rickshaw to tour the island! This is a great option for backpackers looking for a thrilling experience to tick off their bucket list.

Rickshaws are the most convenient mode of intra-city commute in Sri Lanka. Commonly referred to as tuk tuks, you can also hire these for self drive for travelling in Sri Lanka.

Travelling in Sri Lanka by Flight

There are domestic flights within Sri Lanka that you can take. But as the island is small, they are often limited and can be expensive. However, you might want to consider flying, if you’re travelling to northern areas from the south. If necessary, then Sri Lankan Airlines is a popular choice, that flies from Bandaranaike International Airport to several domestic airports such as Anuradhapura and Jaffna.

Sri Lankan Airlines.

If you’re planning to visit Sri Lanka, we can help make all your transport arrangements. From train tickets and flights to buses as well as private cabs. Curious about how much travelling within the country costs? Or, confused regarding the currency? Get in touch with us and we’ll help plan a customised trip to Sri Lanka catering to your travel style and requirements. Be rest assured that we’ll be with you every step of the way.