What are the best modes of travel in Sri Lanka? Sun, Sand, Beaches, Sights, History, Culture and Natural Riches, Sri Lanka has it all! Being a year round destination, when the south coast is off peak, the central and the east coast comes to life and vice versa. That is the beauty of Sri Lanka. It is a great time to travel, any time of the year. Know the best time to Visit Sri Lanka if you are planning your holiday. If you are looking on travelling in Sri Lanka, this guide on the best modes of travel in Sri Lanka will come to help. There are four modes of travel in Sri Lanka for to choose from- Train, Bus, tuk tuks or taxis.
TRAIN Doesn’t the picture say it all? Traveling by train is a memorable experience in Sri Lanka. The island is connected by rail and the price of train tickets is fairly cheap. Government owned Sri Lankan Railway and two private operators share routes that run across the island. It is important to note that Sri Lankan Railway only allows manual booking. If you are already there in Sri Lanka, it is easy to book tickets. There is a special counter for tourists at Colombo Fort Station. Head there and buy. However it is advisable to book seats early. You can check train routes and times at the Sri Lanka Railways website www.railway.gov.lk. Ichiqoo Tip – Local agents would help you book train tickets for a fee. If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka, get in touch with us and we will help you.
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BUS Buses are cheap and cover entire Sri Lanka. There are either government operated SLTB (Sri Lanka Transport Board) buses or privately owned buses. SLTB buses are painted in red. Private buses are similar to SLTB buses but painted in white with stickers of the company that runs them. Buses are classified according to the number of stops they have on a specific route and are referred as “semi-express”, “express” or “intercity”. There’s no concept of booking a seat in in a bus. What you need to do is to flag them down by putting your hand out. The driver will stop the bus so you can board. If you are travelling long distance, the Pettah Central Bus Depot at Colombo is the place to go to. Buses run from here to the coastal towns. They have service every 30 minutes or so. If you are keen to Visit Kandy, you will find buses leaving every 15 minutes. If you want to get out but don’t know where your destination is, ask the conductor and he will tell you when your stop is close. Ichiqoo Tip – Know where to get off? Say bahinawa to the driver or the conductor to bring the bus to a halt.
TUK TUK If you are travelling short distances, opt for a tuk tuk. This three wheeler motorized vehicle is ideal for two to three passengers. It is one of the easiest way to get around in Sri Lanka if you are travelling short distances. All you need to do is to stay by the side of the road and flag one down. Ichiqoo Tip – Always ask the driver to run the meter. This way you can avoid nasty surprises.
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TAXI Hiring a car with driver would probably be the best way to see Sri Lanka if you have less time. It’s cheaper than hiring a self-drive car and the drivers usually arrange their own accommodation and food, at a cost. Note: taxi charges are based on 100kms per day. Additional charges will be based on per km. It’s best to retain the car if you plan long distance travel. Driving is generally slow, but the distances aren’t huge. For shorter distances, tuk tuks may be your best choice. If you want to travel comfortably, it is important to choose a reliable tour company that would provide a car for you. You can get it touch with ichiqoo. We provide curated tour packages to Sri Lanka along with ground transportation in Sri Lanka. Ichiqoo Tip – Avoid taking airport taxis. Their prices are exorbitant. Pre-book your ticket with a reliable travel agent before you start your holiday. Enjoy.
20 Maxwell Road, #09-17, Singapore 069113
http://ichiqoo.com +65 9781 9464 (SG)