Travelling through Sri Lanka using public transport has been discouraged in some major forums but in truth it could be fun if you do it right. If you know when to avoid public transport, what mode is better, and what routes to take, you will quickly find that the best way to experience the country is to move with its people. However, if you occasionally need the experience and comfort of using private transport, you can throw a bit of that in to the mix too. Let’s take a good look at what can be done in 2026.
Trains
You can use trains easily to go on the coastal line. On your maps you can find it from Colombo Fort to Matara, (and Beliatta). Apart from long journeys, the rest could be fun even standing up. For short distances it’s ideal.
For long distances on the coastal line you can book seats easily in advance, in the AC compartment.
To Kandy it is a hard task to reserve seats but not impossible. You should note, however, that currently the Kandy line is not operational after it was destroyed by the recent cyclone Ditwah.
The popular stretch of Kandy to Ella and the shorter Nanu Oya to Ella stretches are nearly impossible to book seats on the normal trains, although you can do that on the Odyssey trains – tourist oriented trains. But do it 30 days in advance.
You can still travel in the normal trains the shorter stretches standing (or any distance if you are fit enough).
Buses
There are frequent buses on almost every road in Sri Lanka as it is the main mode of transport. It is very cheap, usually below one dollar for even 20 kms on the normal non-AC buses.
Taxis
You will find threewheeler taxis all over the country. However, be careful when you hire one in a tourist area. Always ask about the exact price. Never get in a taxi anywhere without a price agreed upon.
In many of the cities you can find app-operated taxi services. Pickme and Uber are both recommended. Install the app and get your taxi via the app. Again, if the taxi driver tries to talk you into showing some attractions at an extra price, stick to the agreed hire.
In many of the cities, especially in tourist cities, Pickme and Uber taxis are harrassed by the other taxi drivers for providing the service for a reasonable price. Therefore the driver might call you and tell you where to wait for the taxi, away from other drivers. This is normal practice.
Common facts:
1. Check what transport options you have
There are 3 major public transport options on Sri Lankan roads. State owned red colour buses (SLTB), privately owned buses, and air conditioned buses. Of these, SLTB buses are punctual, and take less time to get to the destination. AC buses take less time but they take more time to fill the bus and set off. Privately owned buses take considerably longer times to reach the destination.
2. Check out whether you have at least one other bus after the one you are planning to take. If there is a breakdown then you will still be able to get to the destination using the same ticket.
3. Sri Lanka has a warm climate. You will find the non AC buses very hot and sweaty, and crowded most of the time, especially the private buses.
4. In any private bus insist on a ticket. There are many cases where the foreigner is charged double.
