Hi Reader,

We've seen this question pop up a lot recently. So, we wanted to answer these questions, to help you navigate Sri Lanka with ease and without the stress.

There're a few options, such as catching the bus or train, hiring a private driver, to driving the crazy Sri Lankan roads yourself. We’ve travelled around Sri Lanka on public transport; and we’ve hired a driver.

From our experience, we are going to share our pros and cons for each method, so you can make an informed decision, on how you will get around Sri Lanka.

Train travel

Sri Lanka’s train network was built by the British, so most of the lines will connect with the capital. The best routes we would recommend are down south and into the hill country of Ella and Nuwara Eliya. Although longer routes can take you out to the east of the country and north to Jaffna.

The trains are slow, but you’ll be rewarded with views across tea plantations, mountain views, tiny villages, and coastal views.

Pros

• Budget-friendly — tickets cost just a few pounds.
• Unforgettable views you can’t get any other way.
• A relaxed, local experience (great for people-watching!).

Cons

• Tickets for popular routes like Kandy–Ella sell out fast. You can book them in advance online, or at the station up to 30 days ahead.
• Expect delays — Sri Lankan trains run on “island time.”
• Keep your valuables close and be patient with the crowds.

If you love slow travel and scenery, this one is for you.

Bus

Buses are everywhere. They’re great for connecting between towns and areas that the train line doesn’t cover.

There’re a few different buses. From buses with no A/C, and smaller A/C buses, known as intercity buses.

Non-A/C buses that are red are perfect for short distances. Intercity A/C buses and ideal for longer distances.

We took an A/C bus to Galle for a day trip from Colombo and recently an intercity bus from Colombo to Dambulla.

You can hail a bus from anywhere along the route, just stick your hand out and the bus will slow down, but won’t stop completely.

Jump on and find a seat.

Pros

• Very cheap — usually less than £1 for a few hours’ journey.
• You’ll get a true local experience.
• Frequent departures (just flag one down!).

Cons

• Crowded, sometimes chaotic rides.
• No air-conditioning (unless you take the intercity or “luxury” options).
• Drivers who love to honk!

Pro tip: If you’re nervous about figuring out routes, ask your guesthouse for advice.

Tuk-tuk

You’ll see these everywhere and will take you to most places that buses and trains won’t cover.

They are a great way to get around for short distances. They are quick and convenient.

We use a tuk-tuk frequently to get us around Colombo, or local towns.

Pros

• Affordable and easy to find anywhere.
• Great for short trips — like heading to dinner or the beach.
• Flexible and fun — you can even stop for photos along the way.

Cons

• Always agree on the price before getting in (unless using PickMe).
• Some drivers will overcharge tourists — the PickMe app helps avoid that.
• Not ideal for long journeys or big luggage.

Insider tip: In some towns like Ella or Mirissa, you can even rent a tuk-tuk to drive yourself. Companies like Tuktuk Rental offer training and insurance. It’s a great way to travel if you’re confident on the roads!

Hiring a private driver

If you want convenience, flexibility, and peace of mind, then hiring a private driver is the easiest option.

We’ve hired a driver when we go on trips with friends and family. We love how flexible they are and, on many occasions, turned into personal tour guides, sharing their local knowledge with us, to show us some of the best spots we didn’t even know about.

Pros

• Door-to-door comfort — no worrying about timetables.
• Great for couples, families, or those on limited time.
• Many drivers double as guides with insider tips.

Cons

• Prices range from around £70-£90 per day, including fuel and drivers' accommodation.
• Always agree on the itinerary and cost before setting off.
• Choose drivers with good reviews — check that they are verified.

Driving yourself (only for the brave)

Driving in Sri Lanka, is an experience to say the least. Between the tuk-tuks, motorbikes, buses, cars and cows on the road, it can get very chaotic, especially in Colombo.

But it is doable if you’re confident enough.

We have talked about hiring a vehicle and driving ourselves, but a little scared, as the road rules are so different to back home.

If you feel confident enough to drive yourself, then you could hire a vehicle, tuk-tuk or motorbike. Just be mindful of any baggage you have.

Pros

• Ultimate freedom — go where you want, when you want.
• Great for exploring off-the-beaten-path places.
• Rental cars are fairly affordable.

Cons

• Traffic rules are, let’s just say, “flexible.”
• Roads can be narrow and winding in rural areas.

Our advice: If it’s your first trip, skip driving and hire a driver instead. Once you’ve got a feel for the roads, maybe try self-driving on a return visit.

Our opinion

Coming from a couple who has visited Sri Lanka on multiple occasions, then there isn’t a one size fits all when it comes to getting around Sri Lanka. It really depends on your comfort, budget, and travel style.

If you are a first-time visitor to Sri Lanka, then a mix of train public transport for the scenery and private driver for the longer routes, is the sweet spot. It keeps things simple, affordable, and still gives you freedom.

If you are a more seasoned visitor, then you may favour hiring a vehicle and self-driving around this beautiful island.

If you would like a full breakdown, including booking links, routes, and insider tips, then check out our guide on how to get around Sri Lanka with ease.

Over to you

Which way would you love to travel around Sri Lanka? Scenic trains, tuk-tuks, or a private driver? Hit reply and tell us your style, we’d love to hear how you’d explore this incredible island.

Happy travelling

Bev & Shams

P.S. Check out our latest video on how we climbed Pidurangala Rock.

Email: bev@bevandshams.com

Website: www.bevandshams.com​

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