Transportation in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers a variety of transportation options for tourists, making it easy to explore this beautiful island by land, air, or water.
Land
Traveling by road is the most popular way to see the many provinces of Sri Lanka. Here’s how you can get around:
Public Transportation
Bus: Buses are the most common and affordable way to travel long or short distances across the country.
Train: Sri Lanka’s scenic train journeys, especially in the hill country, are a must-try for tourists.
Tuk-Tuk: These three-wheeled vehicles are a famous symbol of Sri Lanka and can be found everywhere, perfect for short trips.
Taxi: Metered taxis are available in Colombo and other big cities, offering a comfortable ride.
Motorbike and Scooter: For a more flexible travel experience, tourists can rent motorbikes or scooters from local shops in major cities and tourist areas.
Rental Car and Driver
If you prefer to travel independently, renting a car is a great option. Many rental companies offer vehicles with or without a driver. This is ideal if you want to explore Sri Lanka at your own pace. Most rental services can be found in Colombo, Kandy, and near the airport.
Traffic Signs
Traveling by car, motorbike, or bicycle is convenient because road signs are in both Sinhala and English, helping you navigate easily.
Water
Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Ocean and is home to many rivers and lakes, offering unique water-based travel options:
Boat Rides
Rivers and Lakes: You can enjoy boat rides on the Madu River or Beira Lake in Colombo.
Ocean: Take a boat trip for whale watching, snorkeling, or fishing off the coasts of Mirissa, Trincomalee, or Negombo.
Ferry Services: Ferries are available for travel between the Jaffna Peninsula and nearby islands.
Air
For faster travel, Sri Lanka has several domestic and international air routes:
Airports
Bandaranaike International Airport: Located near Colombo, this is the main international gateway to Sri Lanka.
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport: Situated in the south, this airport serves the Hambantota region.
Domestic Airports: Domestic flights are available from Colombo to cities like Jaffna, Batticaloa, and Koggala, making air travel quick and convenient.
Private Planes
For those seeking privacy and convenience, private planes can be chartered for travel within Sri Lanka.
SriLankan Airlines
Name: SriLankan Airlines Address: Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, Sri Lanka Telephone: +94 19733 5500
Cinnamon Air
Name: Cinnamon Air Address: Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, Sri Lanka Telephone: +94 11235 8800
Helitours
Name: Helitours Address: Air Force Headquarters, Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo 02, Sri Lanka Telephone: +94 11244 4396