Last Updated: May 28, 2023
Sri Lanka is one of our favourite countries we’ve visited as a family. With each region having such different characteristics, it is well worth moving around this wonderful country.
Being a small island it would seem like an easy place to get about. But it’s probably less straight forward then some might think, but the travelling can also be an adventure in itself!
Families should embrace the various methods of transport as this can all be part of the learning experience for both adults and kids alike.
National Transport
You’ll probably mix things up a bit getting about Sri Lanka, as there are a few modes of transport depending on the region you are in. So choosing different styles for different journeys is worth while. It also gives you a richer experience of the country and it’s infrastructure.
Train
Train is definitely the most pleasant way of travelling and is very cheap. There are a few different classes so your cost will depend on this, but none of them are going to break the bank. With even the longer routes at the highest class generally being under 1,000 LKR ($5) per person with half price discounts for kids under 12 and kids under 3 being free (but on your lap).
The trains are particularly slow and often delayed so don’t expect a quick efficient trip when travelling by train. But once you accept this and just put a day aside for this mode of travel you will really enjoy it.
Third class is the cheapest, but can get a bit busy as there is usually no reservation process and they tend to just pile on. So maybe not the best choice with kids.
Second class is probably your best bet as you can reserve seats. There are also unreserved tickets, which you can get on the day, but this may mean you need to stand, but it’s likely to be less busy than third class.
There are first class options that offer air conditioning seats and sleeper carts if you wish. And there is sometimes a special observation cart on some trains that offers large windowed view. But as the windows don’t open in first class some say the views you can get from the open windows and doors in second class are actually better.
Whatever class you decide to travel by, the scenery when travelling by train is staggering!
You will be coasting through thick, lush jungle one minute, only for it to clear suddenly and you will be overlooking a cliff edge on either side! And in second class you can get great views hanging out the windows or even the doors if you’re brave enough!
You can pre-book trains up 30 days in advance. You can either head down to the train station to do this. Or you can use an agency online such as 12Go Asia.
Using the an agent will cost more, but if you’re looking to book it before you get to Sri Lanka or will struggle to get to a train station in advance of the journey, this will be your best bet.
Reserved seats often sell out so best to do this as much in advance as possible if you want a seat.
Bus
Whilst trains were our preferred method of transport they do have some limits on reach and logistics. So when not travelling by train the other economical method is bus.
The buses are dirt cheap. You can travel from one end of the county to the other for just a few 100 rupees. Because of this ensure you have small notes when getting the bus, you usually pay on the bus or sometimes at a booth.
They are in huge supply and easy to get. You can stand at the road side on most main routes and rarely have to wait long before one turns up. But be prepared to get on quick from the roadside as they don’t like stopping for long, if at all!
The stations have a constant flow of buses in and out. Finding the right bus can sometimes be a bit confusing, but most buses have an English sign on the front for it’s destination. If in doubt just ask a local and just tell them your destination and they are usually happy to help and even take you to the right bus.
The buses are not as pleasant as the trains, can get very busy, cramped and are damn right scary at times!
Many of the drivers seem to drive like they have a death wish, rushing from stop to stop in competition with the other privately owned companies. This can make for some pretty hell raising journeys and is not for the faint hearted.
The good news is as they are so cheap and regular if you are particlarly uncomfortable with a driver you can jst get off and get the next one in the hope they may be a calmer driver.
There are some alternative ‘tourist buses’. These again can be booked online with 12Go Asia and usually have air conditioning and direct routes so maybe a better option in some cases, but are more expensive.
Car
Another way of getting from place to place is a private driver. This is the least economical, but can be a good alternative to buses to fill the gaps between trains.
You can hire a driver for their whole duration and you will then have a guide as well with you throughout your journey.
It’s also pretty easy to find drivers for a day or long journey. Your accommodation can often sort them out. So if you want to stay flexible this might be an option and this is also usually cheaper than having a driver for your whole trip.
A private driver will usually charge either by the day or by km and can vary drastically. But you’re usually looking at below 10,000LKR ($40) for a day or long journey.
Car hire is also possible, although not usually advised. Traffic can be pretty hairy to say the least, so better to get a local qualified driver to get you about.
Local Transport
There are local buses in various places, which essentially use the same methods as the buses that do long journeys. Cash when getting on is the payment of choice again.
But your bet bets for short journeys will be taxis or tuk-tuks. They are pretty much everywhere and you will rarely have to go looking for one.
Only some use a metre so it’s usually a case of haggling a price up front, but they are extremely cheap. They usually cost as little as 50LKR per km.
There are also some taxis in vast supply and ridesharing apps as well you can use such as PickMe if you prefer that method.
A lot of the smaller towns are also walkable. And cycling can be an option in some areas.
The roads are a bit of a free for all so better to stay off them when cycling. But some of the more rural towns are great for cycling around such as Polonnaruwa in the Cultural Triangle.
If you have gone for the private driver route, they will also usually drive you round the local areas when they are still in your employment and will often have some great knowledge of various areas so and added bonus if you have a good driver.