Sri Lanka has
a very comprehensive road and highway system, which is continuously expanding.
Road conditions are extremely good with tarred surfaces as well as prominent
traffic signs and name signs. Speed limits are applicable both within city
limits and rural areas
The Colombo Fort, Central Bus Stand provides easy access to all parts of
the island to the traveller at the lowest rates available. If a destination
cannot be reached directly, buses to connecting points or hubs within the
island will be available. Normal services tend to become overcrowded and
fairly slower while express service buses are faster, passengers boarded
on seat availability basis only and most often are air-conditioned but is
slightly more expensive.
Information
is readily available from the information kiosks located at the central
bus stand. Services operate between 5.00 am to 12.00 midnight.
| Taxi
Services & Three-wheelers
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There are several taxi services which operate within Colombo and suburbs
offering very competitive rates and in most cases will be driven by English
speaking chauffeurs and include meters as well. Vehicles range from cars
to vans and even coaches if required.
The Three-wheeler
is as its name implies a smallish vehicle supported on three wheels, giving
it the ability to navigate through heavy traffic easily. These could be
found all over the island and tend to be very inexpensive in comparison
to taxi’s. Rates should be discussed prior to boarding and agreed
upon. It is the Sri Lankan equivalent to the London Taxicab and can be
flagged down almost anywhere.
Sri Lanka’s national rail service operates trains to many places of
interest such as Kandy, Anuradhapura, Avissawella, Polonnaruwa, Galle, Hikkaduwa,
Bentota, Matara, Nanu- Oya, Negombo, Bandarawela, Haputale, Diyatalawa,
Talawakelle and many points in between. Rail is also a very inexpensive
way to travel and offers several classes to select from. Departing from
Colombo, the Inter city express service to Kandy or Bandarawela offers a
picturesque tour of the Hill country for those who wish to experience the
wonders of this region. A typical journey from Colombo to Trincomalee a
distance of about 250 km's will take on average about 6 hours.
Rail guides are available from the Fort Main Railway station as well as
other railway stations. Information desks are also available to handle inquiries.
Srilankan Airlines (UL) is the national carrier of Sri Lanka and operates
to 29 cities in 20 countries in the world.
Over 30 international airline offices are also represented in Sri Lanka.
Several domestic air service providers operate within the Island as well.
International
ports include Colobo, Talaimannar, Trincomalee and Galle. Passenger services
to Sri Lanka are operated by Holland, America, P&O, Royal Viking,
Cit and Cunard.
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