Sri Lanka Transportation

  A treat for train buffs
by Maxus
 
  • A treat for train buffs
      A treat for train buffs
    by Maxus
  • Nallur Temple
      Nallur Temple
    by Kumeresh
  •   Transportation
    by bayerovi
  •   Transportation
    by bayerovi
  • Pinnawala
      Pinnawala
    by nisansi
 
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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Train travel ...not bad!!!

by RocknRolla

Well..I travelled by trian from Kandy to Colombo and the journey was nice...its a day time journey...its very similar to daytime express train journies in India...Its better to book tickets in advance and try to avoid 3rd class...For the 1st class, the observation class make sure the reservation is done at least two days in advance...else forget it!!!Also while travelling from Kandy to Colombo ask for a seat at the left side...I wouldnt tell what difference it will make but just try it...Trains are clean ...not that bad at all...If you have travelled in India you can skip the train journey its nothing new here!!!

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From Colombo to the Airport

by PierreZA

I took a taxi from the hotel (Galle Face) to the airport. The fare was Rs 2800, but I believe you will be able to get a fare for Rs 2000 (taxi with A/C).Important though – the trip takes at least 90 minutes, and not 60 minutes as the reception at the hotel informed me, as we left at 5pm – heavy traffic!There are also security checks along the way which can take some time.

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Car and driver

by PierreZA

I hired a car with a driver at the airport to Kandy. The total price was Rs 6800 for an A/C vehicle (December 2009). There are many different providers, but it seems that the prices are fixed. It takes about 2 and a half to three hours for the trip.This was the only time I used a car and driver. After the long flight from Southa Africa, I thought that it was the best option at time.

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Three wheeler (Tuk-Tuk)

by PierreZA

These are all over Sri Lanka. They are very useful and cheap to use. I often used a three-wheeler to explore cities or areas. I would agree to a fare for a half-day etc, and ask the driver to take me to certain sights and also some he would recommend. The drivers are often very good sources of info, especially restaurants and more local affairs. I do think it is important to agree on a fare before getting in. Ask the hotel reception what you should pay for a specific trip – it helps to some reference.

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Intercity Busses

by PierreZA

These are much better compared to the local state-run busses. They have A/C and is quite comfortable. You will have to buy an extra seat for your luggage, but is still cheap. I paid Rs 215 per seat from Galle to Colombo, and about Rs 100 from Matare to Galle. From Galle to Colombo, I paid Rs215.I also found the drivers to be less of a danger compared to the local busses.

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Busses

by PierreZA

The local red busses were the only way (other than car + driver) to get from Bandarawela to Galle. The first bus left 06h10, and luckily I got a seat. The fare is very cheap (Rs 180).The busses stop very often for passengers to get on or off. I did not feel very safe, because of the way the of driving – but we made it safely despite a burst tyre.

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Train

by PierreZA

I took the train from Kandy to Bandarawela and was looking forward to the trip. When we got onto the train, it was already packed. There were no seats available and I had to stand for the 6 or so hours to my destination. Despite this discomfort, it was an enjoyable trip – I met many locals with whom I had great conversations, I was offered many snacks etc. Some did offer their seats as well (for a couple of minutes).It was school holidays, and therefore very full. The trains are cheap, but you cannot pre-book any seats on these non-express trains for 2nd class. There were no seats available already a few days before my trip in 1st class.It was a very scenic and beautiful trip.The trip was Rs230

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Emirates

by PierreZA

I flew to Sri Lanka (Colombo) with Emirates. It is most probably my favourite airline, and was once again not disappointed.The flight from Dubai to Colombo is about 4 to 4and a half hours.www.emirates.com

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Private car & driver for reasonable rates

by linda0910

If you're considering using a local tour operator while traveling through Sri Lanka, select a qualified driver/guide with a good airconditioned vehicle. A recommended tour operator on the travel forums (VT,TT,LP) before, is always better. I was lucky to find my Srilankan tour operator and I found his team to be an extremely helpful, friendly and trustworthy team for my last two trips in 2008 & 2009(June). I visited many of the usual spots including the ancient cities, Kandy, hill country, elephants and some of the beautiful beaches. He can design your tour itinerary according to your exact requirements and always uses very good vehicles with safe drivers. His contact email is tourslk@yahoo.com Hope this information will helpful for all.Linda

Qatar Airways: You are on your own.

by Maxus

I went from Heathrow to Sri Lanka (via Doha) with Qatar Airways in December 2008 and I can honestly say that I have never had a worse service from any organisation in my entirely adult life. My expectations are not high, I fly regularly and I know luggage can go astray but mine wasn’t lost, my friends in England found it for me, it was sat at Heathrow waiting for someone from Qatar to pick it up. Despite spending the first week of my holiday doing nothing but visiting Qatar Airways office in Colombo and making literally dozens of phone calls to their offices in Colombo, at the airport, in Qatar and in London nobody from Qatar would even admit it was anything to do with them, let alone do anything about it. For a week I could not persuade anyone to telephone London (that's not my job sir) Incidentally, I went business class, god alone knows how they treat their economy customers.My...

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227 Hotels in Sri Lanka
 
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Reviews and photos of Sri Lanka attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Sri Lanka sightseeing.

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Transportation: Cities in Sri Lanka
  1. Colombo Transportation
  2. Kandy Transportation
  3. Negombo Transportation
  4. Nuwara Eliya Transportation
  5. Hikkaduwa Transportation
  6. Galle Transportation
  7. Bentota Transportation
  8. Unawatuna Transportation
  9. Anuradhapura Transportation
  10. Sri Lanka Transportation
  11. Polonnaruwa Transportation
  12. Sigiriya Transportation
  13. Trincomalee Transportation
  14. Dambulla Transportation
  15. Beruwala Transportation
  16. Jaffna Transportation
  17. Mirissa South Transportation
  18. Wadduwa Transportation
  19. Kataragama Transportation
  20. Pinnawala Transportation
  21. Kalutara Transportation
  22. Bandarawela Transportation
  23. Ella Transportation
  24. Haputale Transportation
  25. Horton Plains Transportation
  26. Aluthgama Transportation
  27. Matale Transportation
  28. Mihintale Transportation
  29. Wellawaya Transportation
  30. Pottuvil Transportation
  31. Kalmunai Transportation
  32. Ambalangoda Transportation

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Popular Regions in Sri Lanka

Western Province Transportation  Southern Province Transportation  Central Province Transportation  North Central Province Transportation  North Eastern Province Transportation  Province of Uva Transportation  Province of Sabaragamuwa Transportation  North Western Province Transportation 

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Questions and Answers

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Q:  Thinking of traveling to Sri Lanka in the end of March for 3 weeks. I will go with my 6 yr old. Will take Medical precoushns bu... 

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A: Any special reasons why you want to stay in Colombo for 3 days. Everywhere in Sri Lanka is child friendly, but as you want to end up in Trinco (and spend part of your... 

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