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The roads are improving but some are still in bad condition and most are often crowded, the trains get crowded too and are not always on time but seeing Sri Lanka by rail is infinitely more fun than by car. Sri Lankan trains are easy to use and cheap as chips. You can reach most of the major destinations by train and the journey is an experience in itself, you also get to meet real people.
If you are on a package deal a train journey is the perfect introduction to independent travel. Most of the resorts (Negombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Hikkaduwa etc) have a railway station and frequent trains. Why not try a short trip first? You can just turn up at the station and see whats going where, buy a ticket from the office and climb aboard. For example, should you find yourself in Beruwala or Bentota you can walk to Aluthgama station and take a trip down to Galle. Galle station is in the city centre and five minutes walk from the fort. The departures and arrivals are written up in English so there really isnt a problem finding your way back, Trains to the north all stop at Aluthgama. The train is likely to be busy but if you travel down mid-morning and back mid-afternoon you miss the commuter crowds.
Trains to the Hill Country have a first class section where you are guaranteed a seat and the night trains have sleepers, you will need to pre-book these but you can usually do this on the day. On the west coast most trains have only second and third, go for second. Real train buffs should read the excellent, Sri Lanka by Rail, by Royston Ellis.
Public transport gets particularly busy at weekends and public holidays and as ever, you need to watch out for touts, who are usually single males. Do not be afraid to strike up conversation with groups of travellers, you will make new friends and they will keep the touts away. Leave a Comment
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A rail trip 'up country' can be one of the highlights of your holiday, book yourself into the first-class observation car and you can do it in comparative comfort.
I like second class train travel in Sri Lanka because you get to meet real people but the novelty soon wears off if you are forced to stand in a crowded carriage (with unsanitary toilets) for hours on end. Reserving a seat in the first class observer carriage can give you the best of both worlds and its as cheap as chips.
You might be able to do a deal with the guard on the train but to be sure of a seat you really do need to book in advance, there is a special window at Colombo Fort station for first class reservations- try not to leave it too late.
Don’t expect the Orient Express (and the seats usually face the wrong way) but compared to the rest of the train the first class car is real luxury.
The excellent website (below) will help you plan your trip. Leave a Comment
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 timetables are not always easy
to read! by tommix
Just because travelling by train gives more chances to meet local people. And also because watching at beautyful landscapes mowing slowly on the other side of the window it's not unpleasant. Certainly less stressing that crowded, noisy bus with crazy driver speeding through the villages.
But if you choose the train keep in mind one thing - you cannot be in the hurry! Leave a Comment Theme: Train
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 by bijo69
The ride takes about 4 hours and we paid 80 Rupees for the 2nd class. Leave a Comment Theme: Train
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 A (non-AC) Bus in Pitigala bus
halt by Maxus
People actually queue to board an AC bus and once on board you are guaranteed a seat because passengers are not supposed to stand. There is no room to stow your baggage other than on your knee but having your bag between you and the seat in front of you like some auxiliary airbag gives you some sense of security.
AC bus drivers are all young (rather like fighter pilots) they don’t so much drive the bus as launch it into the traffic like some medieval knight riding into battle, the horn is applied continuously.
So they’re dangerous but hey, it’s cool on board, it’s quick and I’m in a hurry.
Tinted windows and curtains spoil the view and people tend to snooze rather than talk but they usually get you to where you want to be and it’s as quick as anything else on the road so if you have an important journey to make ac bus is your best option.
Ac buses are popular so at busy times you should try and get one at the point of origin otherwise they may be full. Leave a Comment Theme: Bus
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Well, we really believe it is worth to hire a private car and driver as it is much more relaxing and the driver acts as your tour guide as well!
You'll enjoy the freedom of choosing your trip before hand and also the comfortable and relaxing atmosphere at the same time! Leave a Comment Theme: Car/Motor Home
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Emirates offer really good standards - even in their tourist classes. And moreover, a stop over in Dubai is not expensive at all via them! And it's worth 2 to 3 days - that's my advise!
Sri Lancan Airways offer direct flights from Frankfurt! We cannot judge their service, as we have not gone with them, so far! Leave a Comment Theme: Airplane
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During security alerts you are likely to be stopped at checkpoints, it’s not so scary the armed forces are usually very polite and helpful. Your Sri Lankan friends will need to produce their ID but sudhhas (whites) are often waved on, although you should have have you passport with you when ever you travel.
The way to be waved through every checkport is to travel with a Buddhist Monk, travel with Tamil friends and the opposite applies. Leave a Comment Theme: Car/Motor Home
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The air is the only way to get to Sri Lanka. The famous ferry between this country and India does not exist since more then 20 years. The governements of both countries began, in 2003, talks about a new regular sea-link, but no one can tell when (and if!) there will be an agreement.
So, if you want to visit Sri Lanka, you have to take a plane. The big majority of tourist are coming with organized tours, so they don't care about the price of the ticket. But if you travel on your own, you have to compare the offers of the airlines. The differences are sometimes huges!
First of all there is no airline cheaper then anothers. The cheapest in June may become the most expensive in January. So take your time...
Airlines oparating scheduled flights to Sri Lanka are:
SriLankan, Aeroflot, Austrian, Cathay Pacific, Cyprus Airways,
Czech Airlines, Emirates, Gulf Air, Indian Airlines, Mahan Air, Kuwait Airways, LTU, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Singapore Airlines, Saudi Arabian and Thai Airways. Leave a Comment
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 on the road again! :) by tommix
But don't forget - you have always discuss the price before the trip. And don't hesitate to bagrain - tuk-tuk drivers are known for multpling usual prices in view of foreigners! if the price seems to you excessive you can always ask another driver!
Tuk-tuks are not only for short distances. Big majority of drivers are willing to go for the longer trips. Personally I made in tuk-tuk such long (several hours of jurney) trips as Dambulla-Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura-Vavunya. The advantage is that you can always ask the driver to stop if want to take a picture! Leave a Comment Theme: Other
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