Travel Around Sri Lanka: A Friendly Guide to Taxis, Buses, Trains, Seaplanes & More
Sri Lanka is full of adventure from golden beaches and misty mountains to ancient temples and bustling markets. But how do you actually get around this beautiful island? Whether you’re heading to a tea plantation in Ella or exploring the historic streets of Galle, there are plenty of transport options for every kind of traveler.
Here’s your no-stress, easy guide to getting around Sri Lanka like a pro whether you’re hopping in a tuk-tuk, boarding a scenic train, flying over paradise in a seaplane, or simply strolling through charming towns.
01. Taxis: Comfort & Convenience at Your Fingertips
Taxis are a great option if you’re looking for a hassle-free and comfortable ride especially when you’re just
arriving in Sri Lanka or need to get to your hotel fast.
- Airport Transfers: Most travelers land at Bandaranaike International Airport, and a pre-booked taxi is the easiest way to reach your hotel. At Hopscotch Travel, we can arrange reliable airport pickups for you!
- App-based Taxis: PickMe and Uber in cities like Colombo, Kandy, Negombo and Matara.
- Private Car & Driver: For longer journeys or multi-day tours, hiring a car with a driver is popular. It’s
affordable, safe, and gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. - Hopscotch Travels Taxi Service: Travel with fully insured vehicles, licensed drivers, and experienced guides for a safe, smooth ride. We cover island-wide transport, ensuring comfort and peace of mind for every traveler.
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- Price Range: Airport transfer to Colombo: ~LKR 4,000 – 7,000 ($13-23); City rides: LKR 600-1,200 ($2-4)
- Duration: Airport to Colombo: ~45 mins; City rides: 10-30 mins
- Availability: Widely available in major cities; limited in rural areas
- Luggage & Comfort: Sedans and vans available for larger groups/luggage
- Booking: PickMe, Uber, Kangaroo Cabs
Tips: Tipping isn’t mandatory, but a small LKR 200-500 for good service is always appreciated.
02. Tuk-Tuks: The Fun Way to Explore Like a Local
These three-wheeled scooters are everywhere – colorful, noisy, and full of character! Tuk-tuks are perfect for
short rides, especially in smaller towns or when navigating narrow streets.
• Negotiate the fare or use PickMe/Uber to book metered tuk-tuks in bigger cities.
• Want to be adventurous? In places like Ella and Mirissa, you can even rent a tuk-tuk and drive yourself
with a temporary license!
- Price Range: LKR 200–500 ($0.60–$1.50) for short distances
- Duration: Most rides take 5-15 minutes
- Availability: Available island-wide, especially in tourist areas
- Luggage & Comfort: Limited space; ideal for 1–2 passengers
- Booking: PickMe, Uber on-the-street hailing
- Instagram-worthy moments guaranteed!
Tip: Always agree on the price before starting, or use an app-based ride for transparency.
03. Trains: The Scenic Soul of Sri Lanka
Taking the train in Sri Lanka isn’t just a way to travel – it’s a journey in itself.
• The Kandy to Ella route is world-famous for its breathtaking views – think lush tea plantations, misty
hills, and stone bridges.
• Trains are affordable and charming, but they can get crowded. Booking early is a good idea, especially
for reserved seats.
- Price Range: 2nd class reserved ~LKR 600 ($2), 1st class observation ~LKR 1,500 ($5)
- Duration: Colombo to Kandy: 3- 4 hrs; Kandy to Ella: 6-7 hrs
- Availability: Covers major routes (Colombo, Kandy, Ella, Galle, Jaffna)
- Luggage & Comfort: Overhead racks available; large bags can be tricky in crowded coaches
- Booking: Seatreservation.railway.gov.lk
- Hopscotch Tip: We recommend taking the morning train to Ella for the best views.
➡️ Planning to book train tickets? Read our dedicated guide:
👉 How to Book Train Tickets in Sri Lanka: A Complete Guide for Tourists
04. Buses: Budget-Friendly (and a Bit Wild!)
If you’re up for an authentic local experience, hop on a public bus. They’re cheap and go almost everywhere – but brace yourself, it’s often fast and loud!
• Red SLTB buses are government-run and generally more reliable.
• Private buses are faster and sometimes play music like it’s a party on wheels
• For longer trips, look for intercity A/C buses or luxury coaches.
Price Range: City bus: LKR 50-100 ($0.15-$0.30); Intercity A/C: LKR 500-1,500 ($2-$5)
Duration: Colombo to Galle: 2.5 hrs (express); Colombo to Ella: By Train 9-10 hours (scenic route), By Bus/Car 6–8 hours (via Ratnapura or Kandy)
Availability: Extensive island-wide coverage
Luggage & Comfort: Luggage racks in some buses; A/C only in premium options
Booking: sltb.eseat.lk for A/C intercity buses
Watch your stop – there are no announcements!
05. Domestic flies: Fly Over Paradise
Short on time or just love a good aerial view? Seaplanes are a fast, thrilling, and scenic way to travel between
top destinations in Sri Lanka.
• Operated by Cinnamon Air and DP Aviation these small planes take off from water and land on lakes or
lagoons.
• Cinnamon Air provides scheduled and charter seaplane services, covering most major tourist destinations across the island.
• Ideal for getting from Colombo to destinations like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, or the South Coast in under an
hour.
Price Range: Varies based on scheduled vs. charter flights, Approximately $150-$200 (LKR 45,000-60,000) per person for sheduled flights
- Duration: Colombo to Kandy: 30-40 mins
- Availability: Limited to major tourist destinations
- Luggage & Comfort: Light luggage only; 15-23 kg limit per passenger
- Booking: Cinnamon Air website, DP Aviation
- Hopscotch Travels can help you book seaplane journeys if you’re looking to save time and see the island
from above!
06. Walking: The Best Way to Soak It All In
Walking is one of the best ways to explore most towns in Sri Lanka. You’ll find hidden cafes, smiling locals, and
little shops you’d otherwise miss.
Pro Tip: Wear comfy shoes, stay hydrated, and always cross roads with care-traffic can be a little
unpredictable!
Luggage & Comfort: Ideal when you’re not carrying much
Quick Comparison: Pros & Cons
| Mode | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Taxis | Comfortable, door-to-door | Pricier than other options |
| Tuk-tuks | Fun, local feel, cheap | Noisy, limited luggage space |
| Trains | Scenic, affordable | Crowded, can be slow |
| Buses | Cheap, widespread | Can be hectic, no A/C on regular |
| Seaplanes | Fast, stunning views | Expensive, limited routes |
| Walking | Free, immersive | Not ideal with luggage or long distances |
Sample Travel Itinerary: Colombo to Galle
Option 1 (Comfort)
Need a relaxing ride? Book a taxi via PickMe (~LKR 8,000 / $25)
🕒 Duration: ~2.5 hrs
Option 2 (Budget + Local Flavour)
If you’re traveling on a budget, a bus from Colombo Fort to Galle is a great choice (LKR 300–600 / $1–2)
🕒 Duration: ~2.5 hrs
Option 3 (Scenic)
Prefer a scenic route? Hop on the train from Colombo Fort to Galle (LKR 180–1,000 / $0.50–$3 depending on class)
🕒 Duration: ~2.5–3 hrs
Handy Apps & Websites for Travelers
• PickMe / Uber: For taxis and tuk-tuks in cities
• sltb.eseat.lk: Book intercity bus tickets
• Cinnamon Air/ DP Aviation: For seaplane bookings
• seatreservation.railway.gov.lk: Train schedules
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Way to Travel?
It really depends on your vibe:
• Want flexibility? Go for a private driver.
• Love slow travel? Take the train.
• Exploring a city? Use PickMe taxis or tuk-tuks.
• Watching your budget? Try the bus.
• Short on time? Hop on a seaplane!
No matter how you get around, Sri Lanka’s charm is in the journey as much as the destination. And hey, if you
ever need help planning routes, booking tickets, or arranging a ride, the Hopscotch Travel team is always
happy to help. Just drop us a message – we’ve got you!
Written with love by Hopscotch Travel – making your Sri Lankan adventure smooth, scenic, and stress-free!
📞 +94 717 87 87 87
