Best Ways to Travel Around Sri Lanka: A Complete Guide
Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary blend of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, and travelling around the island is as much an adventure as the destination itself. Whether you’re here for the golden beaches, or ancient cities, or an exciting mix of adventure and relaxation, there are several ways to get around that will suit different budgets and preferences. This guide will help you navigate the best ways to travel around Sri Lanka, from public transport to renting a car.
Public Transport in Sri Lanka
Public transport in Sri Lanka is an affordable and accessible way to get around, especially if you’re looking for an authentic experience. The local bus and train services cover almost every corner of the island, making it possible to visit both popular tourist spots and remote villages.
Travel by Bus in Sri Lanka
Buses are the most common form of local transport in Sri Lanka. You’ll find them everywhere, and they are extremely budget-friendly. The network of intercity buses in Sri Lanka connects most major cities and towns, offering both normal and luxury buses for long-distance travel. The bus ticket price in Sri Lanka is generally very low, with local journeys costing as little as a few rupees.
Luxury buses, or highway bus in Sri Lanka, offer air-conditioned comfort and a smoother ride. The highway bus price in Sri Lanka is slightly higher but still very affordable, travelling on the country’s expressways to cut travel time significantly.
When planning a trip, it’s a good idea to check the bus schedule in Sri Lanka, as departures are frequent but not always reliable.
Tourists can also take advantage of tourist buses in Sri Lanka, which are designed to cater to travellers, offering more comfort and direct routes to popular destinations. You can often make bus ticket bookings at major bus stations as well as online bus booking sites like busseat.lk and sltb.eseat.lk, making it easier to plan ahead.
Travel by Train in Sri Lanka
Travelling by train in Sri Lanka is a truly unforgettable experience. The train journeys in Sri Lanka are world-famous for its scenic routes, particularly the journey from Kandy to Ella, which passes through tea plantations, forests, and misty mountains. Trains are slower than buses but offer a unique perspective of the countryside that you can’t get from the road.
The trains in Sri Lanka are divided into classes, and bookings can be made at major stations or online. First-class tickets offer reserved seating and air conditioning, while second and third-class tickets are more economical. The train network is extensive and covers all major cities, so you can easily hop on a train to most parts of the island.
Tuk-Tuks in Sri Lanka
The famous three-wheeled tuk-tuks are a popular and affordable way to get around Sri Lanka, especially for short distances within cities or towns. They’re widely available and can navigate through traffic quickly. In most areas outside cities, tuk-tuks don’t have metres, so it’s important to agree on a fare before starting your trip, or use ride-hailing apps like PickMe and Uber.
For a unique experience, some travellers rent tuk-tuks for a few days to explore independently, though this requires caution on Sri Lankan roads. Tuk-tuks are a convenient, fun, and quintessential part of local travel in Sri Lanka.
Taxis in Sri Lanka
If you’re looking for a more private, luggage-friendly way to get around, taxis are widely available and reasonably priced for short journeys. Taxis can be hailed on the street, booked via ride-hailing apps, or hired for longer trips.
Taxis also offer flexibility for visiting multiple destinations in one day. For longer journeys, it may be possible to negotiate a fixed rate for the entire trip, which can sometimes be cheaper than using a metered taxi for longer distances.
How to Rent a Car in Sri Lanka
For ultimate freedom and flexibility, many travellers choose to rent a car in Sri Lanka. This is a fantastic option if you’re planning a road trip around Sri Lanka, as it allows you to explore remote areas and travel at your own pace.
If you prefer to rent a car in Sri Lanka without driver, ensure you have an international driving permit, as it is required in Sri Lanka. While the roads are generally good, driving in the cities can be challenging due to traffic and local driving habits. For those who would rather sit back and relax, many companies offer the option to rent a car in Sri Lanka with a driver, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar roads.
No matter your style of travel, Sri Lanka has a variety of options to suit your needs. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, plan ahead and consider your transport preferences.
Ready to hit the road? Visit Kings Rent A Car to book your rental car today and start your Sri Lankan adventure on your own terms!