Must visit places in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka at a glance
International dialing code
Good to know
Time zone
Spoken language
Cost to avg. transport ticket
Stories by travelers, for travelers
October 1, 2020 / Christi Sparrow
7 tips for enjoying long train or ferry rides with your kids
7 practical and essential tips that will help you prepare for a fun, memorable family journey with your kids.
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August 13, 2019 / Ashley Katzeff
6 essentials to pack for a long bus ride
Not sure what to pack for the long bus ride you have coming up? Here’s with a short list of things you can’t forget to take with you.
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August 13, 2019 / Rotem Taitler
The high-tech road: How technology simplifies travel planning
Planning your trip can cause a great deal of travel anxiety. Here are four technologies that can help overcome this problem.
Read moreTransportation types in Sri Lanka
Buses in Sri Lanka
When traveling in between Sri Lankan cities by bus, you'll find yourself singing all of the road trip classics, especially "The wheels on the bus go round and round... " This is because, oftentimes, country's buses are ones which resemble Western school buses. All jokes aside, it's a really fun and enchanting experience to travel through Sri Lankan scenery by a very local mode of transport. The seats are usually made of leather. Often, there's no bathrooms or air conditioners on board, rather big windows you can open and let the breeze in. This type of bus is an adventurous option for groups and individuals. If you want less of an anecdotal experience and more comfort, consider booking coach buses which run through Sri Lanka in abudance.
Trains in Sri Lanka
During high season, Sri Lankan trains may be hard to catch, as they are one of the most comfortable ways to get through the island. The outside of the trains are usually quite comfortable. The trains ride through some of the most beautiful sceneries of the land, from your window you'll be able to admire streams and lush rainforests. Oftentimes, you may find that the trains are in very high demand. It's recommended to purchase tickets more than a month in advance in order to secure your spot.
Minivans in Sri Lanka
Minivans in Sri Lanka are a guaranteed way to get you between traffic jams and confusing roads with no hassle at all. The vans are usually really comfortable, as the vehicles are all relatively new. Vans provide private transfers for seven to nine passengers. The only thing to note is that shared minivans are not so common; private vans may be very pricey (and not so environmentally friendly) for solo travellers to consider.
Cars in Sri Lanka
If you (and possibly two other people) need to get from one amazing Sri Lankan city to the next, consider booking a private car. Cars in Sri Lanka provide maximum amounts of flexibility and comfort. No need to worry about maneuvering the roads, as someone experienced and local will do it for you. Start a conversation with the driver about sights to see and they will surely tell you about all of their favorite spots. The roads in Sri Lanka are all relatively updated and smooth so you won't find yourself getting thrown around the cabin everytime the wheels hit a pothole.