Getting around
How to Travel Around Sri Lanka: Car, Train, Bus or Plane
Getting around Sri Lanka: why most visitors hire a car with a driver, when to take the train, and what to expect from distances and roads.
By the Paradise Travels teamPublished 5 October 2026Last checked: 5 October 2026
Car with driver — the most popular option
Driving is on the left and roads can be busy and slow, so most visitors hire a car with a driver rather than self-driving. It is flexible, comfortable and lets you stop wherever you like. Every tour we plan includes a private car and driver.
The train — for the views
The hill-country line between Kandy and Ella is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. It is slow, and reserved seats sell out, so book ahead. A popular approach: take the train for this section while your driver takes the luggage by road. Read more on scenic train journeys.
Distances take longer than they look
Sri Lanka is small, but average speeds are low outside the expressways. Plan for roughly 3–4 hours of driving on most days of a round trip.
Arriving
The main airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at Katunayake, roughly 30–35 km north of Colombo. Negombo is the closest beach town.
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