The main towns and cities in Sri Lanka are incredibly well-connected by rail. Travel in Sri Lanka using trains is generally simple, practical, and environmentally friendly. Yes, there are instances when trains are delayed, but isn’t that a risk in practically any situation? We advise against heeding the advice of travel forums to avoid taking trains due to delays because you will be missing out on so much. In addition to being among the most effective, calming, and breathtaking modes of transportation in Sri Lanka, trains also help you avoid the annoying city traffic.
Table of Contents
- Travel in Sri Lanka during your Sri Lanka holiday
- Travel in Sri Lanka by train
- Travel in Sri Lanka by bus
- Travel in Sri Lanka by TUK TUK
- Travel in Sri Lanka by private vehicle
- Driving yourself is not advised.
- Weather can make driving more difficult.
- Transportation that is easily accessible in Sri Lanka
Travel in Sri Lanka during your Sri Lanka holiday
The diversity of Sri Lanka’s terrain is astounding. Sri Lanka hill country lies at its core, while spectacular coasts encircle the area, offering safari adventures. Due to its great adaptability, there are numerous ways to travel in Sri Lanka. Determining the “best” way to travel in Sri Lanka is practically impossible. Instead, it relies on your current situation, your goals, and your interests. Due to the scarcity of domestic aircraft choices, the primary modes of transportation that remain viable are trains, buses, tuk-tuks, and private vehicles. We explain all you should know about each.
Travel in Sri Lanka by train
The main towns and cities in Sri Lanka are incredibly well-connected by rail. Traveling in this manner is generally simple, practical, and environmentally friendly. Yes, there are instances when trains are delayed, but isn’t that a risk in practically any situation? We advise against heeding the advice of travel forums to avoid taking trains due to delays because you will be missing out on so much. In addition to being among the most effective, calming, and breathtaking modes of transportation in Sri Lanka, trains also help you avoid the annoying city traffic.
As the nation’s financial center, Colombo serves as a transportation hub from which trains depart all around the nation. They head east to the city of Kandy and then descend into the tea-growing town of Nuwara Eliya. Trains traveling north arrive in Jaffna and Anuradhapura.
Some train journeys are so picturesque that they qualify as a kind of tourism. The six-hour train journey from Kandy to Ella, which winds through what seems like an unending field of tea, is one of the greatest train itineraries in the world. On the other hand, a recently refurbished highway that connects Colombo with the historic city of Galle hugs the west coast and provides breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean.
The train system in Sri Lanka is divided into three classes. Beds may be available with first-class tickets; otherwise, anticipate spacious seats with lots of windows for stargazing. These tickets are available for reservation, but don’t wait to book them too long because they might sell out.
It’s important to remember that first-class rooms have air conditioning and second-class cabins typically have fans if you have trouble with the heat. Reservations for first- and second-class tickets can often be made up to 30 days in advance at train station counters. You can buy these through a nearby travel agency if you require a bit more help. Third-class seats are first come, first served; reservations are not accepted, and those who are not seated will have to stand.
Travel in Sri Lanka by bus
When there are no trains available, consider the buses. Buses in Sri Lanka connect much of the country by filling up the gaps left by the lack of rail infrastructure. There are several options for buses, both private and public.
If you have time to spare, are on a tight budget, and don’t get motion sickness, public buses—which include those run by the government-run Central Transport Board (CTB) and Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB)—are a great option. There are no extras because they are the least expensive mode of transportation in Sri Lanka. They may be quite an experience—rough, frequently with loud music playing, no air conditioning, and windows open.
Choose a private bus if you are prone to motion sickness and are ready to spend a little bit extra. Although their age and condition can vary, most of them are air-conditioned, cozy coaches or minibuses. Private buses offer more direct routes to slightly farther-off destinations.
Purchasing bus tickets: Sometimes finding the location of your bus and purchasing your tickets might be likened to a treasure hunt. Bus terminals usually have an information desk or office where staff members can direct you to the appropriate departure location. If not, check the destination signs on the front of the buses or ask a local for assistance. You typically pay the fare to the conductor or driver on board for both public and private buses. Just outside the bus, some smaller private bus operators might be selling tickets.
Travel in Sri Lanka by TUK TUK
Motorized rickshaws, or tuk-tuks, are a classic form of transportation that work well for short trips. In all of Sri Lanka’s towns and cities, tuk-tuks are available. Before you set off on your trip, discuss and settle on the fare with the driver. Then, just relax and take in the fresh air and all of the sensations that come with it, including the smells and noises that are unmatched by any other mode of transportation.
Travel in Sri Lanka by private vehicle
Think about getting a chauffeured private vehicle. By far the easiest method to travel across Sri Lanka is with a private driver. It gives you more freedom to create a personalized plan for your Sri Lanka road trip. The advantage of hiring a private driver is their familiarity with the area. In a manner that may not be possible on a longer visit, you will be able to discover more about Sri Lanka. Some drivers may even take you to more obscure or local locations while making recommendations for things to do, see, and eat. Ask your lodging for ideas on local drivers if you plan to hire a driver in advance. Additionally, travel firms have the ability to put you in touch with the right person.
Driving yourself is not advised.
If you have an international driving permit, you can rent a car or a motorcycle in Sri Lanka, though this is not a popular option for tourists. It is safer for visitors to rely on public transportation and local drivers, unless they are exceptionally skilled and confident, due to heavy traffic in cities and bad road conditions in rural and regional locations. We advise driving or renting a motorcycle in less congested places if you are considering doing so.
Weather can make driving more difficult.
The two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka are one thing to keep in mind. The southwest monsoon season runs from May to August, whereas the northeast monsoon season runs from September to March. All forms of transportation can be slowed down by heavy rain, but driving in particular is made more difficult by dirt roads, which may become washed out, puddle-filled, and dangerous to drive on. During the monsoon seasons, you’re better off depending on the trains. The only drawback is that there’s a possibility you could get a bit wet because some train windows are difficult to close.
It’s also a good idea to check whether any festivals or important days fall on the same day as your visit. There may be significant tourist influxes in some locations, which may increase traffic on the roads and drive up demand for public transportation tickets.
Transportation that is easily accessible in Sri Lanka
Although Sri Lanka is getting more accessible, there are still a lot of poorly maintained roads and sidewalks without ramps, which makes traveling there difficult for people with limited mobility. Given that buses do not offer wheelchair access and that only a very small percentage of trains do, private vehicles and vans are the most practical modes of transportation for wheelchair users. Get the free Accessible Travel Guide from Lonely Planet for more details.