Transportation
Schedules and fares are subject to change.
Airport to City Access
Train, bus, taxi, and other options to the city center
The main gateway is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), about an hour north of Colombo. From CMB, taxis and ride-hailing apps like PickMe and Uber are the easiest way into the city, and airport buses are a cheaper option. A direct rail link is limited, so most travellers use road transport.
- Airport
- Bandaranaike Intl (CMB)
- To city
- Taxi, PickMe, Uber, airport bus
- Rail
- Direct link is limited
- Taxis and PickMe/Uber are the easiest option from CMB
Public Transportation
Metro, bus, tram, and how to use them
Sri Lanka has a well-developed rail network, with the coastal line and the scenic hill-country route between Kandy and Ella especially popular for their views. Long-distance and local buses are cheap and extensive, reaching towns trains do not serve, while tuk-tuks (three-wheelers) handle short hops in town. Together they form an affordable backbone for travel.
- Rail
- Coastal line, Kandy-Ella hills
- Bus
- Cheap, extensive network
- Short hops
- Tuk-tuks in town
- The Kandy to Ella hill route is famous for scenery
- Buses reach places trains do not
IC Cards & Travel Passes
Discount passes and rechargeable transit cards
A unified transit IC card like those in some countries is not common in Sri Lanka. Train tickets are bought with cash at station counters, and bus fares are usually paid in cash to the conductor. Keep small notes and coins handy. For popular tourist trains, reserved seats can be booked in advance at counters or through booking services.
- IC card
- Not commonly used
- Trains
- Cash at station counters
- Buses
- Cash to the conductor
- Keep small notes and coins for tickets and fares
Car Rental & Driving
License requirements and traffic rules
Sri Lanka drives on the left (left-hand traffic). Visitors who rent a car and drive may need an International Driving Permit plus a local recognition permit; requirements can change, so please confirm current rules before you travel. Road conditions and driving styles can be challenging, so many travellers hire a car with a driver instead.
- Traffic
- Left-hand (drive on the left)
- Permit
- IDP + recognition may apply
- Tip
- Car with driver is popular
- Please confirm current permit rules before travelling
Intercity Travel
Long-distance buses, trains, and ferries
Between cities you can choose intercity trains linking Colombo, Kandy, Galle and beyond, or long-distance buses (ordinary or air-conditioned). The scenic Kandy to Ella hill route is a highlight, so reserve seats early. Buses are frequent and cheap; journey times vary with traffic, so allow extra time.
- Train
- Colombo, Kandy, Galle routes
- Bus
- Ordinary or AC coaches
- Timing
- Varies with traffic
- Reserve early for the scenic Kandy-Ella hill route
Domestic Flights
Budget airlines and booking tips
Domestic flights and seaplane services link Colombo with some resorts and regional strips, offering a fast alternative to long road journeys. Routes and schedules can be limited and seasonal, so book ahead. Main hubs of interest include Colombo, Kandy and Galle; most international flights use Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).
- Domestic
- Regional flights, seaplanes
- Use
- Fast alternative to road
- Booking
- Limited routes, book ahead
- Seaplanes offer a fast alternative to road travel
Transportation Tips
Advice for safe and efficient travel
For tuk-tuks, use PickMe or Uber for metered fares, or agree the price before you ride. Avoid peak commuting hours in Colombo when roads and trains are busiest. When visiting temples, dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes and hats as required.
- Fares
- App or agree price first
- Timing
- Avoid rush hour
- Temples
- Cover shoulders and knees
- Remove shoes and hats at temples