Sri Lanka is an island nation that offers its visitors the luxury of exploring the most captivating of landscapes. And to get to these places, visitors are offered various modes of transport. You can choose the best one for you depending on your budget and your schedule! Let's take a quick look at the various modes of travel in Sri Lanka!
Taxis
Taxis are available in all of Sri Lanka's major cities and towns. Some of them might not be metered in which case you must haggle for a fare. The majority of taxi rides cost about Rs 50 per kilometre. Most hotels will schedule a taxi for you at a reasonable rate. You can also get a taxi in Colombo and even other cities in Sri Lanka using the Uber Intercity app. This is the most comfortable since you will be able to see the prices upfront and then pay via the app. Apart from Uber, you can also check out other apps like Pick Me and Taxiyak. These are reliable apps and more secure than travelling in random taxis. And remember, the hotels at which you stay can also fix transport for you. Such services are provided by luxury resorts in Sri Lanka. If you would like to stay at accommodation that offers good services and facilities, you can check out properties offered by popular hotel chains such as Heritance Hotels.
Tuk-Tuks
Tuk-tuks or three-wheelers (also referred to in Sri Lanka as autos, bajajs, or at times as autorickshaws) are very popular and can be found all over the island. Tuk-tuk drivers, particularly in Colombo, are typically very eager to pick up new passengers and will be waiting for you on pretty much any corner. While most Tuk-Tuks in Colombo are equipped with fully functional meters, you must bring your best-negotiating skills to play to secure an appropriate price before joining the tuk-tuk for a full or half-day tour. Remember, they can overcharge you for city tours, and may not go by the meter.
Using Buses in Sri Lanka
Locals in Sri Lanka use buses as their main form of transportation. Buses run across the island, including all of the cities, towns, and even villages. Bus fares are very inexpensive, but they are often overcrowded. If you have lots of baggage, it's not recommended to take a bus. Most buses do not have air conditioning and run with windows open. In Sri Lanka, trains are more spacious than buses, and they are also relatively inexpensive, with first-class tickets rarely exceeding Rs 1000. Therefore, you can consider taking the train rather than the bus.
Trains in Sri Lanka
The train is an ideal and inexpensive way to see Sri Lanka's breathtaking sceneries. The routes that take you from Kandy to Ella or Nuwara Eliya, Colombo to Kandy, and Colombo to Galle, in particular, are breathtaking and also much recommended. However, the trains are late and frequently delayed, so when you are short of time, trains should not be your best mode of transport in Sri Lanka. It is advised to combine rail travel with the hire of a private car/ driver.
Rental Cars
Hiring a rental car with a private driver is the most common and convenient way to get around Sri Lanka. You can hire a car and driver to take you from one location to another, or for the duration of your Sri Lanka tour. The drivers are generally very knowledgeable about the area and will recommend attractions, fun places to visit, things you must try, great accommodation, and splendid restaurants. Your driver would most likely be able to offer you services as both a local guide and a driver.