Buses — cheap and everywhere
Sri Lanka's bus network is dense, cheap, and chaotic. There is hardly a place on the island that is not accessible by bus. The ride is an experience: loud music, wild overtaking maneuvers, friendly fellow travelers, and a pinch of adrenaline.
Bus Types
| Type | Equipment | Price Level |
|---|---|---|
| CTB (state-owned) | Red, old, no AC, very cheap | € |
| Private Normal Buses | Colorfully painted, no AC, somewhat faster | € |
| Private Express Buses | Moderately modern, some with AC | €€ |
| Intercity Express (AC) | Modern, air-conditioned, reserved seats | €€€ (still cheap!) |
Important Bus Connections
| Route | Duration | Normal Bus | AC Express |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo → Kandy | 3–4h | 200 LKR (0.57 €) | 600 LKR (1.71 €) |
| Colombo → Galle | 2.5–3.5h | 250 LKR (0.71 €) | 600 LKR (1.71 €) |
| Kandy → Dambulla | 2.5h | 150 LKR (0.43 €) | — |
| Colombo → Sigiriya | 5h | 350 LKR (1.00 €) | — |
| Galle → Matara | 1.5h | 120 LKR (0.34 €) | — |
| Colombo → Jaffna | 7–8h | 500 LKR (1.43 €) | 1,500 LKR (4.28 €) |
Achtung
Sri Lanka's buses are notorious for fast driving and daring overtaking maneuvers. The accident statistics are worrying. Try not to sit in the front row and hold on tight. On mountain routes (Kandy–Nuwara Eliya), the ride can be nerve-wracking even for experienced travelers.
