Before traveling to Sri Lanka, I did a little research on local transport and the best ways to move around. However, there wasn’t much information on that, so I decided to put together some tips and tricks to move around the island. If you’re planning to travel with taxis or three wheelers (Tuk tuk), don’t read further, as all my advice is directed to budget travellers.
I found Sri Lanka’s transportation being very inconveniently linked. Island is not that big but getting around with public transport is very confusing. Train lines very limited and buses don’t run long distances. South east of Lanka doesn’t have train connection at all, so bus is your best bet.
Trains found to be cheaper and faster. They’re considerably clean, with A/C in 1st and 2nd class and fans in 3rd. Also 1st and 2nd classes has reserved seating and naturally more expensive. 3rd class gets crowded but if you going from starting station, come around 30min before to get the seat. tickets can be bought at the station before departure, so really no need booking online.
You can find toilets at the stations and most of them aren’t free. They usually charged around 10Rs but every time we went in, no money was required. But have some spare change just in case.
People on trains are very friendly and would be happy to help with anything. Most of routes are running by the coast or mountains and has spectacular views.
Please note: all bus prices are for government buses, unless stated otherwise.
Matara to Kandy– no direct link. Best options:
1. Bus Matara-> Nurawa Elliya (7hours, 150Rs)-> Kandy (4hours, 120Rs). Total: 11hours, 270LRs ($2.50)
2. Train Matara-> Colombo Fort(2.5hours, 130Rs by 3rd class)-> Kandy (3.5hours, 105Rs by 3rd class). Total: 6hours, 235LRs ($1.80)
If taking train route Matara- Colombo, train direction changes at at Galle. If you were sitting facing forwards, from Galle you’ll face backwards and vice versa. It’s for those, who don’t like to ride backwards:)
Matara to Arungam Bay– no trains and no direct buses either. Best option bus route Matara-> Monaragala-> Arugam Bay. Total journey time would be around 13hours and will cost over 250LKR. Also bus to Monaragala leaves just once a day.
More info on Sri Lanka’s railways can be found here
Buses are good for short distance connections. We used them for Colombo, Galle- Matara and in-between villages. The only thing with buses is you never know the real price:) Ahungalle to Galle (50km) cost 70LKR, and Matara to Welligama (15km) cost 35LKR. Never got to understand their prices. P.S. A/C buses are much more expensive.
Colombo-> Airport. A/C bus around 130LKR (40min), government bus 55LKR (2hours), three wheeler 800-1000LKR
If you choose to take regular bus, No 187 from Colombo fort runs every 10min.
Bus timetables and routes can be found here
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