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Special bus/train service for holiday season - TimesOnline
News Special bus and train services will operate from today ( Dec. 24) to ease the festive travel rush. Apart from existing schedules that are already in operation, extra trips for buses and trains would be introduced to ensure better transport services for the general public, according to the Chairman of the National Transport Commission, Engineer P. A. Chandrapala. The Chairman said that the running of long-distance bus services comes under the regulation of the National Transport Commission with a focus on the terminals of Kadawatha, Kaduwela and Makumbura. Further, the running of the bus services has commenced on the expressways and the coastal highway under a new operational system. A cumulative total of 70 trips has been allocated to the Galle and Matara regions. The Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre, Colombo Bastian Mawatha, Kaduwela, and other origin stations are under continuous observation. Bus operations are also carrying out trips from Kurunegala to Colombo via Routes 5 and 6 and also from Kurunegala to Meerigama via the expressway and further to Colombo. Intermodal transport schemes are also carried out in the Central Province. The long-distance express services for places such as Badulla and Ampara are being conducted with Colombo Bastian Mawatha as the principal terminal along with special teams of staff in addition to the existing staff. In addition, express schedules originating from Kadawatha and Kaduwela have been adjusted according to passenger demand. The number of buses from the Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) operating from Colombo to other regional and nearby cities has also increased. Since there are no major problems at this time, buses now have high priority in order to travel to affected zones. The integrated transport system will run until 05 January 2026. The National Transport Commission also appeals for the co-operation of passengers in dealing with annual festive season traffic and invites passengers to report any transport problem to hotline number 1955, while keeping constant contact with the Commission. Moreover, roads which had been affected by cyclone Dithwah are now repaired, and the operations of the transport sector have returned to normalcy. Operations of the trains along the Northern Line commence from Colombo Fort to Kankesanthurai and also from Kankesanthurai to Colombo Fort. The Batticaloa train serves the public from today at 5.00 a.m. Up and down trains between Ambewela and Badulla have been introdu...
Sri Lanka Transport Guide: Trains, Buses & More (2026)
From scenic train rides to tuk-tuks and express buses, here's everything you need to know about traveling between cities in Sri Lanka in 2026.Getting Around Sri Lanka: Everything You Need to Know About Intercity Transportation Picture this: you're winding through emerald-green tea plantations on a colonial-era railway, mist curling around the hilltops, while a cup of sweet Ceylon tea warms your hands. Then, two days later, you're white-knuckling it in the front seat of an express bus barreling down the southern coast at what feels like warp speed. Welcome to intercity transportation in Sri Lanka — a wild, beautiful, and surprisingly efficient experience that becomes one of the most memorable parts of any trip. Sri Lanka may be a small island, but getting between its cities involves a fascinating mix of transport options, each with its own personality. Whether you're heading from Colombo to Kandy, Ella to Galle, or Jaffna to Trincomalee, this guide will walk you through every option so you can travel smarter, cheaper, and more comfortably in 2026. 🚂 Sri Lanka's Iconic Railway System Let's start with the star of the show. Sri Lanka Railways operates one of the most scenic and affordable rail networks in all of Asia, and it's an absolute must-experience for any traveler. Key Routes You Shouldn't Miss Colombo to Kandy — A 3-hour journey through lush lowland jungles and rolling hills. It's the perfect introduction to Sri Lankan rail travel. Kandy to Ella (via Nanu Oya) — Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. Expect tea plantations, waterfalls, the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, and jaw-dropping mountain scenery. This route takes roughly 6–7 hours. Colombo to Galle (Coastal Line) — A stunning ride hugging the southwestern coast, with ocean views practically the entire way. About 3 hours. Colombo to Jaffna (Northern Line) — Fully restored and increasingly popular, this route connects the capital to the culturally rich northern peninsula in about 5–6 hours. Train Classes Explained Sri Lankan trains offer several classes of travel: First Class — Air-conditioned, reserved seating. Available on select routes. Book well in advance, especially for the Kandy–Ella route, as seats sell out days (sometimes weeks) ahead. Second Class — Reserved and unreserved options. Comfortable enough, with open windows for fresh air and photography. Third Class — The cheapest option and a true local experience. Expect crowds, especially during peak hours...
Special New Year transport services to begin this Thursday
New Year transport services are scheduled to commence this Thursday, the 09th, according to Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) Chairman Sajeewa Kanagaratne. Approximately 1,500 additional buses are ...
Train Ticket Prices Sri Lanka - Check Fares for All Classes
Find Sri Lanka train ticket prices for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class. Check fares from Colombo to Kandy, Badulla, Ella, Matara, Anuradhapura and more. Compare prices and book online.
