best ways to get around in sri lanka
Are you planning to spend your next holiday in Sri Lanka? Then getting around in Sri Lanka is a topic you should research thoroughly – so you can plan your transfers in Sri Lanka without any hassle.
In Sri Lanka, there are couple of transportation methods that you can use to get around. The island’s roads and transportation systems are in a good condition, so you can easily travel even from one end to the other end of the island without any complications.
However, when selecting best methods to travel around, you will have to consider your budget, luggage, number of people you are travelling with…etc.
Below are the main ways to travel around Sri Lanka.
Buses
Buses are the most common mode of transportation in Sri Lanka. Buses are available in almost all the areas of the country. So if you are travelling to rural areas, buses are the best option for you. Fare starts from LKR 12 and can go up to LKR 1,000 and more depending on the distance you are travelling.
You will find A/C and non-A/C buses in Sri Lanka. So, if the heat is bothering you, you might want to travel in an A/C bus. However, A/C buses are available for long-distance travels only.
Trains
Your tour in Sri Lanka is not complete without a train ride. Trains are another very popular mode of transportation in Sri Lanka, and many regions of the country have train routes. It’s cheap, and on top of all, the experience you will get by travelling by a train is priceless. Vendors passing by selling many snacks and drinks, regular locals singing songs and the busy local life around will add one of a kind travel adventure to your Sri Lankan holiday.
Train route from Colombo to Ella is considered as one of the best in the world with picturesque sceneries throughout the journey.
You can reserve your train tickets using this link.
Three-wheelers or Tuk Tuks
Tuk-tuks or three-wheelers are popular in many Asian countries, so is in Sri Lanka. The ride is fun and will let you enjoy the breeze throughout your journey as the vehicle is quite open. Three-wheelers is best for travelling short distances.
When you are travelling in a tuk tuks be aware of scams and unfair prices as it’s a common issue in Sri Lanka. Always make sure to hire a metered Tuk tuk and if not, discuss the price for the distance before you get in and don’t be afraid to negotiate if you think the price is too high.
Rent a car services
If you want your privacy and comfort, travelling in a rented car is best for you. You can rent vehicles in Sri Lanka with or without drivers. Usually, such services will charge for the number of kilometers or per day. Make sure to compare rates before you make your booking so you could find the best deal. Also, make sure the service providers are reliable and experienced in handling tourists.
Ride Share Services
Another best way to get around Sri Lanka is to book your rides with a car ride service such as PickMe and Uber. These services ensure you fast and hassle-free booking from your mobile phone. Plus, you don’t have to worry about being overcharged.
PickMe
PickMe is the local version of Uber in Sri Lanka, that is used by many locals as well as tourists to get around. Offering you a range of vehicle options including Tuk-tuks, Cars (Sedans), Minivans and Luxury (VIP) cars. The service is available to many areas of the island. You can simply download their app for free from Google Play store and Apple App store for free and enjoy your ride without a hassle.
Uber
Although Uber offers their service to many countries across the world, you can only find their service here in Sri Lanka, in Colombo, Colombo suburbs and Gampaha areas at the moment. Uber also offer you a range of vehicle options such as Tuk-tuks, budget cars and Luxury cars.