Country Guides
Sri Lanka
Getting Around
Getting Around
Sri Lanka
Getting Around by Air
The major domestic airport is Ratmalana at Colombo. There are daily flights to Jaffna and Trincomalee by Aero Lanka and Expo Aviation (website: www.expoavi.com). Charter flights can be arranged by plane, or by helicopter with Deccan Helicopters (we www.deccanhelicopters.com).
Departure Tax
Included in the fare.
Getting Around by Rail
Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but first-class carriages, air conditioning and dining cars are available on only a few. New fast services operate on the principal routes, including an intercity express service between Colombo and Kandy, otherwise journeys are fairly leisurely.
Note: Rail services to Jaffna, Batticaloa and Talaimannar have ceased owing to political disruptions in the north and east.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the left. Flashing lights mean that the driver is asserting right of way. Avoid remote areas and travelling at night.
Bus: An extensive network of services of reasonable quality is provided by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board (tel: (11) 258 1120; website: www.transport.gov.lk). Private bus drivers are paid according to the number of passengers and can often drive rather dangerously.
Taxi: These have yellow tops and red and white plates. In Colombo, taxis are metered but it is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Drivers expect a 10% tip.
Car hire: This is available from several international agencies. Air-conditioned minibuses are also available. Motorised rickshaws are also readily available for hire in towns and villages. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended.
Regulations: Most roads are tarred, with a 56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside towns. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.
Documentation: In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an International Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. If not, a temporary licence to drive is obtainable on presentation of a valid national driving licence. This must be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
The Central Transport Board provides intensive urban bus operations in Colombo, where there are also private buses and minibuses. Fares are generally collected by conductors. Services are often crowded.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Colombo to other major cities/towns in Sri Lanka.
Air Road Rail Matara - 4.00 4.30 Badulla - 9.30 9.00 Anuradhapura 0.45 5.30 6.00 Trincomalee 1.00 6.00 7.00
Getting Around by Air
The major domestic airport is Ratmalana at Colombo. There are daily flights to Jaffna and Trincomalee by Aero Lanka and Expo Aviation (website: www.expoavi.com). Charter flights can be arranged by plane, or by helicopter with Deccan Helicopters (we www.deccanhelicopters.com).
Departure Tax
Included in the fare.
Getting Around by Rail
Trains connect Colombo with all tourist towns, but first-class carriages, air conditioning and dining cars are available on only a few. New fast services operate on the principal routes, including an intercity express service between Colombo and Kandy, otherwise journeys are fairly leisurely.
Note: Rail services to Jaffna, Batticaloa and Talaimannar have ceased owing to political disruptions in the north and east.
Note: Rail services to Jaffna, Batticaloa and Talaimannar have ceased owing to political disruptions in the north and east.
Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the left. Flashing lights mean that the driver is asserting right of way. Avoid remote areas and travelling at night.
Bus: An extensive network of services of reasonable quality is provided by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board (tel: (11) 258 1120; website: www.transport.gov.lk). Private bus drivers are paid according to the number of passengers and can often drive rather dangerously.
Taxi: These have yellow tops and red and white plates. In Colombo, taxis are metered but it is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Drivers expect a 10% tip.
Car hire: This is available from several international agencies. Air-conditioned minibuses are also available. Motorised rickshaws are also readily available for hire in towns and villages. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended.
Regulations: Most roads are tarred, with a 56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside towns. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.
Documentation: In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an International Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. If not, a temporary licence to drive is obtainable on presentation of a valid national driving licence. This must be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo.
Bus: An extensive network of services of reasonable quality is provided by the Sri Lanka Central Transport Board (tel: (11) 258 1120; website: www.transport.gov.lk). Private bus drivers are paid according to the number of passengers and can often drive rather dangerously.
Taxi: These have yellow tops and red and white plates. In Colombo, taxis are metered but it is advisable to agree a rate before setting off. Drivers expect a 10% tip.
Car hire: This is available from several international agencies. Air-conditioned minibuses are also available. Motorised rickshaws are also readily available for hire in towns and villages. Chauffeur-driven cars are less expensive and recommended.
Regulations: Most roads are tarred, with a 56kph (35mph) speed limit in built-up areas and 75kph (45mph) outside towns. The minimum age for driving a car is 18.
Documentation: In order to avoid bureaucratic formalities in Sri Lanka, an International Driving Permit should be obtained before departure. If not, a temporary licence to drive is obtainable on presentation of a valid national driving licence. This must be endorsed at the AA office in Colombo.
Getting Around Towns and Cities
The Central Transport Board provides intensive urban bus operations in Colombo, where there are also private buses and minibuses. Fares are generally collected by conductors. Services are often crowded.
Journey Times
The following chart gives approximate journey times (in hours and minutes) from Colombo to other major cities/towns in Sri Lanka.
| Air | Road | Rail | |
| Matara | - | 4.00 | 4.30 |
| Badulla | - | 9.30 | 9.00 |
| Anuradhapura | 0.45 | 5.30 | 6.00 |
| Trincomalee | 1.00 | 6.00 | 7.00 |
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