Getting Around · 11 of the best in Sri Lanka
The back story
Distances in Sri Lanka are short, but roads are slow outside the expressways, so it helps to know the real travel times. These are typical times; traffic, weather and train delays can add to them.
Bandaranaike International Airport is at Katunayake, about 10 km from Negombo (around 20–30 minutes by car) and about 30–35 km from central Colombo (around 45 minutes to an hour on the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway, longer in traffic). Taxis and ride-hailing apps work from the airport.
By road, the Southern Expressway gets you from Colombo to Galle in about an hour and a half to two hours. The coastal train from Colombo Fort to Galle takes about two and a half to three and a half hours, running right along the sea through Bentota and Hikkaduwa; sit on the right-hand side heading south for the ocean views.
Plan on about 40 km an hour off the expressways, and you will rarely be late.
From Colombo Fort, trains currently run as far as Peradeniya, near Kandy; the final stretch into Kandy and the line from Kandy to Nanu Oya are closed for repairs after Cyclone Ditwah (expected to reopen around the end of 2026 or early 2027). Travel from Kandy to Nanu Oya by road (about 2.5–3 hours), then take the train from Nanu Oya to Ella, about three hours. Book reserved seats on the official Sri Lanka Railways website, from 30 days ahead.
From Colombo, Dambulla is about four hours by road. Sigiriya is about 30 minutes from Dambulla, Polonnaruwa about an hour and a half from Sigiriya, and Anuradhapura about two hours. From Dambulla to Kandy is about two to two and a half hours, which makes a natural loop: Colombo or Negombo, Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, then Kandy.
A car with a driver is the easiest way to link the towns. Allow more time than the map suggests, avoid driving after dark where you can, and keep long days to one per two or three days of travel.
Our advice: fly into Negombo, loop through the Cultural Triangle, drive from Kandy to Nanu Oya and ride the train to Ella, then finish on the south coast and return to the airport by the Southern Expressway.
Why it's on our list
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The main routes around Sri Lanka, with travel times before you go.
Typical travel times; allow extra for traffic and train delays.
About 20 min to 1 hour
From Bandaranaike International Airport to the beach at Negombo or the city.
About 1.5 to 3.5 hours
By the Southern Expressway or the coastal train.
About 3 hours by train
In late 2026, reach Nanu Oya by road from Kandy, then take the scenic train to Ella. Book reserved seats up to 30 days ahead.
3 to 4 days
Ancient capitals, cave temples and the rock fortress.