Getting around Sri Lanka: trains, buses, tuk-tuks and drivers

Sri Lanka is small, but journeys take longer than the distances suggest: roads are busy and winding, especially in the hills. Most visitors mix trains for scenery, tuk-tuks for short hops and a private driver or ride app for longer legs. Here's how each option works.

Quick answers

• Most scenic: the train from Kandy to Ella and Badulla. See our Scenic train journeys guide.
• Cheapest: public buses, though they're crowded and fast-driven.
• Easiest for families or tight schedules: a private car and driver.
• Short trips in towns: tuk-tuks or ride apps.

Getting away from the airport

• Airport taxi representatives in the arrivals hall often quote high fares at first. If you use one, agree the price before you set off.
• Ride apps such as Uber and PickMe (Sri Lanka's local app) are usually cheaper and show the fare upfront. Install them before you travel; Uber works with your home phone number as soon as you land. Pick-up is in a signposted area.
• Pre-booked transfers from your hotel or tour company are the easiest option after a long flight, especially at night.
• Baggage helpers may offer to help, or start helping without being asked, and then expect payment. Say clearly if you don't want help, and agree the fee first if you do.
• Public buses run from the airport, but you may need to change at a larger bus station depending on where you're going and the time of day.

Trains

Trains are cheap, slow and often spectacular. Seats in reserved classes can be booked online up to 30 days ahead on Sri Lanka Railways' official site (seatreservation.railway.gov.lk), and you'll need each passenger's passport number. Unreserved tickets are sold at the station on the day.

Buses

State (SLTB) and private buses run almost everywhere, from basic local buses to air-conditioned 'luxury' and expressway services. Fares are set by the National Transport Commission and were last revised in July 2026. Have small notes ready, and keep bags on your lap.

Tuk-tuks and ride apps

• Agree the fare before you set off, or choose a tuk-tuk with a working meter.
• Ride apps such as PickMe and Uber operate in Colombo and other areas, show the price upfront and keep a record of the trip.
• At night, especially if travelling alone, a booked app ride is the safer choice.

Private car and driver

Many visitors hire a car with a driver for several days. It's comfortable, flexible and lets you stop on the way. Agree the daily rate, what it includes (fuel, the driver's meals and room, parking) and the route in writing before you start.

Driving yourself

To drive a hire vehicle you need an International Driving Permit (1949 convention) and a Sri Lankan recognition permit, issued by the Automobile Association of Ceylon in Colombo. Get the IDP in your home country before you travel. Hire companies can usually help with the recognition permit. Roads can be challenging, particularly at night.