Galle Getting there & around

Getting there & around

There are plenty of buses linking the towns along the coastal road. They leave from the bus station in the centre of Galle, opposite the cricket stadium. Major destinations include Colombo (regular/air-con Rs 63/130, three hours), Hikkaduwa (Rs 17, 30 minutes), Unawatuna (Rs 10, 10 minutes) and Matara (Rs 26, one hour).

There are express passenger trains to Colombo’s Maradana station (2nd/3rd class Rs 108/58, three hours) from the town’s vaguely art deco train station. Local trains serve Hikkaduwa (2nd/3rd class Rs 19/10, 30 minutes) and Matara (2nd/3rd class Rs 42/23, one to 1½ hours). There’s a daily express to Kandy (2nd/3rd class Rs 217/115, 6½ hours).

A three-wheeler between Galle and anywhere in Unawatuna costs about Rs 200 to 250.

Although you won’t need one for the Fort, a three-wheeler eases covering distances in the heat of the day, and makes it simple to navigate the town and nearby sights. At your accommodation arrange for one with an English-speaking driver or find your own (well, they’ll find you). Expect to pay Rs 350 to 400 per hour – negotiable, of course.