How to Get Around in Sri Lanka: Tuk-Tuk, Taxis & Public Transportation

Are you planning your trip to Sri Lanka and wondering how to get around once you arrive?

Then you’re in the right place. I recently spent one month in Sri Lanka actively exploring the island and tried out every transportation method.

I traveled around by trains, buses, and hired both car and tuk tuk drivers. After some days observing the traffic, I trusted myself and rented a scooter. Finally, I rented a tuk-tuk and traveled like a local for most of the trip.

Depending on how much time you have in Sri Lanka, how active you are, and what your preferences are, this article will help you choose the best transportation method for you.

In this article, you’ll learn the pros and cons of each way of traveling around. By the end, you’ll know exactly what’s best for your trip — and exactly how to get around in Sri Lanka. Let’s start!

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Getting Around in Sri Lanka: Overview

Sri Lanka offers a surprisingly wide range of transportation options. If you prefer to self-drive, you can rent a scooter, a car, or even rent a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka.

If driving yourself doesn’t appeal to you, you can hire a driver for a day or a week, take taxis for shorter trips, or use public transportation.

Between major hubs, Sri Lanka’s train network (like the famous Kandy–Ella route) offers scenic journeys that are often less crowded than buses.
But for a truly local experience — and to save money — hopping on a public bus is a great and fun option.

Costs of Getting Around in Sri Lanka

Getting around in Sri Lanka is affordable, though prices vary depending on the type of transport and distance.

Public Transport Considerations
While public transport is cheap, it can add up in practice. To reach your homestay from a bus or train station, you often need a taxi. Plus, additional trips to nearby places can also increase costs and travel time.

Renting a Vehicle:
In the end, I think renting your own vehicle is the best option, as it saves your time and budget. It gives you full flexibility and avoids the extra costs of taxis or additional rides.

Taxi/PickMe App:
Before getting into a taxi, always agree on the fare. The PickMe app, which works like Uber in Sri Lanka, usually offers better rates than regular taxis. We used it all the time and found it very convenient!

PickMe App Pro Tip: You can use the PickMe app to check prices even if you don’t book through it. Taxis are generally more expensive, but PickMe gives you a good reference for what a fair price should be.

Self-Driving in Sri Lanka

Driving in Sri Lanka is a great idea if you want complete flexibility and want to see as much as possible of Sri Lanka.

However, if you’ve never driven outside Europe or the US, I recommend observing the traffic for 1-2 days before renting a vehicle.

Is Driving in Sri Lanka Dangerous?

Before my trip, I read countless warnings about chaotic Sri Lankan traffic. Personally, I did not experience any of that. I found driving in Sri Lanka quite normal, and I would drive there without any doubt again.

• Traffic: Outside of big cities, there is not much traffic. If you plan to visit hidden gems in Sri Lanka, you won`t have a problem with traffic jams.
• Wildlife-friendly drivers: In an entire month, I didn’t see a single animal hit by a vehicle, nor did I witness any accidents. Drivers seemed respectful to both people and wildlife.
• Road conditions: Generally good, especially on main routes.
• For active travellers: The best hiking trails in Sri Lanka are easiest to explore when you drive yourself.

Vehicle Options for Self-Driving

• Scooter – Flexible, cheap, but with less luggage space.
• Car – More comfort, AC, and luggage room, but higher rental cost.
• Tuk-tuk – My favorite option! Fun to drive, practical for small roads, and a true Sri Lankan experience.
  
  (If you’re curious, I’ve written a full guide on how to rent a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, including costs, legal requirements, and personal tips.)

Sri Lankan Driving License Requirements

To drive legally in the country, as of March 2025, you need an international driving permit (IDP), as well as a Sri Lankan driving permit.

It´s best to acquire an international driving license in your home country.

As for the Sri Lankan driving permit, many rental companies can arrange it for you. Or, you can also get it yourself at the Automobile Association of Ceylon, but plan half a day for arranging it.

Renting a Tuk Tuk

In Sri Lanka, most locals drive a tuk tuk, so to experience Sri Lanka the local way, we decided to rent a tuk tuk, too.

If you want to do the same, I recommend renting through a reputable company, which ensures you have the correct paperwork and no hassle. After reading many reviews and checking all possibilities, we decided to rent from TukTukRental.com.
Further Read: How to rent a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka (incl. Discount Code at TukTukRental.com!)

We had the best experience with the tuk-tuk and used it to drive through most of our off-the-beaten-path Sri Lanka itinerary.

Renting a Scooter

Renting a scooter is perfect for day trips, and I love the feeling of cruising around on one. The only downside is that it’s tricky to transport luggage.

With the scooter, we explored the tea plantations around Ella and visited Sri Lanka’s second-largest waterfall, Diyaluma Falls.

To rent a scooter, just ask your host to arrange it for you.

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Public Transportation in Sri Lanka

Public transportation is surprisingly great in comparison to other Asian countries within Sri Lanka. At the beginning, we relied on trains and buses and never had a bad experience.

Train

There’s a train connecting Colombo with many southern towns, like Mirissa, Galle, and Hiriketiya. Tickets are easy to buy at the stations and very affordable. Plus, locals always seem to know exactly when the next train departs.

Moreover, let`s not forget about the world-famous Ella-Kandy train, which is considered the world`s most scenic train ride.

Bus

Between smaller towns, buses are usually available. They are colorful, often play lively music, can get very crowded, and are extremely affordable. In Sri Lanka, you’ll often hear that the only vehicle to be cautious of is the bus!

They do drive fast, which means they usually reach their destination quickly.

If you want to travel by bus, ask your host for help. Somehow, our host at Rekawa Beach managed to reserve seats over the phone—I still don’t know how he did it.

Taxis in Sri Lanka

Anywhere you go, there will be a taxi driver with a car or a tuk-tuk who is ready to take you anywhere.

Don`t worry about not having a driver`s number before your arrival in Sri Lanka. Drivers are literally everywhere, and you`ll never have a problem finding a taxi.

Sri Lankan Uber: the Pickme App

The Pickme (Sri Lanka) app is like Sri Lanka’s Uber and is widely used by locals. It helps you find highly rated drivers at affordable prices.

Pro Tip: In some areas, PickMe drivers aren’t allowed. Before taking a taxi, check the prices on the PickMe app first—this gives you a solid reference for negotiation.

Hiring Drivers in Sri Lanka

If you plan to be on the move all day, it’s best to hire a driver for a full day.

We didn’t do this, but the price is usually around 15,000–18,000 LKR (50–70 EUR/USD), depending on the route and your negotiation skills.

I wouldn’t book a driver online in advance. Drivers are everywhere, and if you want one for a full week, try a few first. Once you find someone reliable, you can ask them to accompany you.

Getting Around on Foot

You can explore some places on foot, and Sigiriya is perfect for that. Walking around in Sri Lanka is easier than in many other destinations, like Bali, because there’s plenty of space for walkers on the side of the road.

You’ll often see locals walking—and even using the train tracks for that—and we did the same.

Best Way to Travel Around Sri Lanka: Final Thoughts

If you want to explore Sri Lanka fully—visiting hidden gems like Sinharaja Forest Reserve —choosing the right transport can elevate your travel experience.

When we first arrived, we used buses, trains, and taxis. Online warnings about chaotic traffic made us hesitant, but most roads were surprisingly manageable.

We started with a motorbike, but moving luggage and changing locations was tricky, exhausting, and time-consuming.

Eventually, we rented a tuk-tuk through TukTukRental, which delivered it to Ella for a small fee. It gave us freedom to travel anywhere and carry all our luggage easily. Returning it was simple too.

Of course, you don’t have to drive yourself—Sri Lanka is very easy to get around. Taxis are everywhere, and public transport is reliable. Renting a vehicle was just our personal choice. Pick the option that fits your travel style best, and if you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment!