Colombo Transport

Getting around

Contents

Bus & tram

Bus

The A–Z Street Guide contains a detailed table and a map showing bus routes in Colombo. The Central Transport Board (CTB) and private bus companies operate parallel services. A timetable is not necessary – the buses can hardly be described as running to one. Buses going down Galle Rd from Fort or Pettah include 100, 101, 102 and 400, and can be picked up at the Central Bus Station. Fares vary from Rs 4 to 25, depending on distance.

Private semiluxury and luxury buses are a recent addition to the Galle Rd service, although they are far fewer in number than the regular buses. Sometimes they have a destination sign in English in the front window. Generally they have curtains and soft seats. The fare is about twice that for ordinary buses, but still a bargain.

Train

You can use the train to get to the suburbs dotted along Galle Rd – Kollupitiya, Bambalapitiya, Wellawatta, Dehiwala and Mt Lavinia – and to avoid the smog, noise and hassle of bus travel. The Kelani Valley line could be used to get to outlying suburbs such as Narahenpita (via Cotta Rd station) from Fort. Timetables are clearly marked at the stations, though if you just turn up you shouldn’t have to wait long. If you board the train at Fort train station, double-check that it stops at all stations or you may end up speeding to Galle. Train fares are fixed and are usually marginally lower than bus fares. A taxi from Fort train station to Galle Face Hotel (a little over 2km) should cost about Rs 150 (less if a meter is used).

Local transport

Taxi

Some taxis are metered, but often the driver won’t use the meter – agree on the fare before setting off. Getting to Mt Lavinia, for example, should cost around Rs 650.

A less fraught alternative is using one of Colombo’s radio cab companies; they take anywhere from five to 20 minutes to arrive. All have air-con cars with meters and average Rs 40 to 44 per kilometre. Reliable companies include Ace Cabs (281 8818), GNTC (268 8688) and Cool Kangaroo (258 8588).