Sri Lanka Bus Service
- About
- Popular Routes
- Stations
- Reviews
- Schedule and Timetable
About Sri Lanka Bus Service
Bus is a convenient way of travel no matter whether you need to get to a neighboring town a couple of hours away or venture further afield crossing the whole country. Whatever your budget, buses have you covered. Express buses offer the most affordable ticket price for travellers who have very little money to spend. VIP options are geared toward those who do not want to compromise on comfort. Before you jump on a bus, make sure you choose the type of service which suits you best. For a long-haul trip look for a VIP or first-class coach which provides non-stop service to your destination or just call a minor number of stations along the way. Express or local buses in many cases may prove an acceptable choice for shorter trips, but longer rides are often not the best buy. Study the timetable before going as many long-haul destinations are served by night buses, and some offer wider seats or sleeper berths for such travels. Make an online reservation for your bus ticket with Sri Lanka Bus Service. Other travellers’ reviews will help you to choose the best ticket and coach class.
Sri Lanka Bus Service Popular Stations
The main stations covered by Sri Lanka Bus Service’s buses include:
- Kandy Colombo Intercity
- Wellawatte
- Jaffna Main Bus Stand
- Anuradhapura BOC ATM
- Sethsiripaya
- Pottuvil Panama Rd
- Ella Bus Stop
- Galle Bus Stand
- Peradeniya Bus Stand
- Anuradhapura New Town
- Makumbura Highway station
- Tangalle Bus Stop
- Colombo 771 Maradana Rd
- Matara Expressway Bus Stand
- Periyamulla Junction
- Kataragama
- Katunayake 18th mile post
- Hambantota Main Street
- Mount Lavinia KFC
- Makumbura
- Jaffna Bus Stand
- Anuradhapura Police Station
- US Hotel
- Wellawatte 42Ln
- Jaffna Bus Station
- Weligama
- Mirage Hotel Colombo
- Galle Cricket Club
- Kandy Bogambara Bus Stand
- Vavuniya
- Kaduwela Bus Depot
- Buttala
- Kurunegala Bus Terminal
- Tangalle
- Trincomalee Town
- Embillipitiya Bus Stand
- Monaragala Expressway
- Bandarawela Badulla Rd
- Bastian Mawatha Bus Station
- Thanamalwila Bus Station
- Kataragama Bus Stand
- Badulla Post Office Road
- Karainagar
- Wellawaya Ella Kumbalwela Hwy
- Ampara Bus Stand
- Elpitiya Urban Bus Station
- Chilaw Bus Stop
- Matara Bus Stand
- Akkaraipattu SLTB Bus Stand
- Wellawaya Bus Stand
- Wecllawatte
- Dambulla Bus Station
- Colombo Central Bus Station
- West East Bastian Mawatha
- Rattota Bus Stand
Sri Lanka Bus Service Top Destinations
Sri Lanka Bus Service buses ply a number of routes and here is the list of some of the most popular ones:
- Jaffna - Colombo
- Ella - Colombo
- Colombo - Ella
- Matara - Colombo
- Galle - Colombo
- Pottuvil - Colombo
- Colombo - Galle
- Colombo - Pottuvil
- Colombo - Matara
- Kotte - Kandy
- Tangalle - Colombo
- Galle - Negombo
- Matara - Colombo Airport
- Kandy - Kotte
- Colombo - Tangalle
- Angulana - Kandy
- Anuradhapura - Colombo
- Anuradhapura - Negombo
- Kotte - Peradeniya
- Colombo Airport - Matara
- Kataragama - Colombo
- Peradeniya - Kotte
- Kandy - Angulana
- Angulana - Peradeniya
- Anuradhapura - Colombo Airport
- Colombo - Hambantota
- Jaffna - Anuradhapura
- Badulla - Colombo
- Colombo - Embilipitiya
- Colombo - Badulla
- Jaffna - Negombo
- Peradeniya - Angulana
- Colombo - Kurunegala
- Anuradhapura - Puttalam
- Kataragama - Tissamaharama
- Vavuniya - Colombo
- Kurunegala - Matara
- Badulla - Thanamalwila
- Colombo - Thanamalwila
- Badulla - Ella
- Kurunegala - Dambulla
- Vavuniya - Chilaw
- Karainagar - Anuradhapura
- Karainagar - Colombo
- Karainagar - Jaffna
- Vavuniya - Puttalam
- Vavuniya - Negombo
- Karainagar - Colombo Airport
- Vavuniya - Colombo Airport
- Anuradhapura - Chilaw
- Karainagar - Negombo
- Karainagar - Puttalam
- Vavuniya - Anuradhapura
- Colombo - Ganewatta
- Kurunegala - Colombo Airport
- Kurunegala - Mihintale
Sri Lanka Bus Service Ticket Prices & Bus Classes
One of the best things about bus travel is that you can almost tailor-make your trip adjusting it to your requirements for privacy and comfort. Different classes and types of buses cater to the different needs of travellers. The cheapest trips are normally offered by standard-class buses. They may be called local, express or ordinary. These are a good choice for shorter trips. Sleepers or VIP coaches are good both for longer and overnight trips. They may offer berths or wide soft reclining seats, sometimes with built-in massage options, blankets, soft drinks, and snacks, or more substantial meals on board or during toilet or refuelling stops. Travelling by night buses allows you to save on a hotel room, but to ensure the most comfortable ride do choose the class of your bus wisely. Prices always depend on the distance you ride and the type of coach. For some, even shorter trips, it is worth investing some extra money and buying a seat on a VIP bus as it can save you twice as much time as you spend travelling by an ordinary bus.
Travel by Bus: Pros & Cons
Pros of Bus Travel
- Bus is the best choice to get to destinations that are not connected by rail or planes. The network of buses often covers almost the whole country, and their routes are well and long-established.
- Opposite to air travel and sometimes rail travel, taking a bus does not require arriving at the bus station much in advance. Check-in, even on international routes, does not take much time. Luggage allowances are usually very traveller-friendly, and the fee for extra luggage, if limits are set, is normally not very high.
- Bus tickets can be more affordable compared to air or fast train tickets. There is always a choice of ticket classes for all pockets. Cheaper standard options may be a bit slow and do not offer top comfort, but anyway acceptable and bring you to your destination. On longer routes, toilets or toilet stops as well as snacks, water, and sometimes toiletries and blankets are almost always included in the price.
- If you are ready to spend more, some VIP coaches offer seating comparable to business class on a plane with wide soft reclining seats, blankets, fewer passengers, and many other perks to make your trip a pleasant journey.
Cons of Bus Travel
- Newer intercity bus terminals are very often located out of the city close to bigger highways to allow buses to avoid city congestion. Unfortunately, it may create extra challenges for travellers, too. Getting to such a terminal may be a problem as in some destinations there are restrictions on vehicles allowed to enter the terminal, and you will have to use special carriers to get there. This results in higher costs as prices may be inflated. Also do calculate extra time if you are travelling during rush hours, especially if you are not familiar with the traffic situation at your starting point.
- Buses are probably the means of transport which runs out of schedule more often than trains or planes. They are heavily dependent on the road situation which sometimes can be unpredictable – accidents, road construction works, detours, etc. This is especially true for travels during weekends, high season, or national holidays. Do keep this in mind and do not plan tight connections.
- Travelling on certain routes or during the most popular periods may require advanced booking. Bear in mind that it is not always possible to show up at the bus station and hop on the next bus – tickets may well be all sold out, so organize your trip accordingly.
Sri Lanka Bus Service Stations
US HotelWellawatte 42LnKandy Colombo IntercityJaffna Bus StationWeligamaMirage Hotel ColomboWellawatteGalle Cricket ClubJaffna Main Bus StandKandy Bogambara Bus StandVavuniyaKaduwela Bus DepotAnuradhapura BOC ATMButtalaSethsiripayaPottuvil Panama RdKurunegala Bus TerminalElla Bus StopGalle Bus StandTangalleTrincomalee TownEmbillipitiya Bus StandPeradeniya Bus StandMonaragala ExpresswayAnuradhapura New TownBandarawela Badulla RdBastian Mawatha Bus StationMakumbura Highway stationTangalle Bus StopThanamalwila Bus StationColombo 771 Maradana RdKataragama Bus StandBadulla Post Office RoadKarainagarMatara Expressway Bus StandWellawaya Ella Kumbalwela HwyAmpara Bus StandElpitiya Urban Bus StationPeriyamulla JunctionChilaw Bus StopKataragamaMatara Bus StandKatunayake 18th mile postHambantota Main StreetAkkaraipattu SLTB Bus StandWellawaya Bus StandMount Lavinia KFCMakumburaWecllawatteDambulla Bus StationJaffna Bus StandColombo Central Bus StationWest East Bastian MawathaRattota Bus StandAnuradhapura Police Station
Sri Lanka Bus Service Company Reviews
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Nicholas MEasy contact, eventually. WhatsApp photo of bus a great help.
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Aug 18, 2026
歩 大
歩 大Please include details such as the bus model, color, and license plate number. It was difficult to tell which one was which because so many buses were arriving.
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Aug 16, 2026
V O
Vitalii OEverything was nice, but time of departure is not right, it goes at 20:00
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jul 26, 2026
B S
Bill SSome confusion over the bus number but it all worked out well
Great service and easy to follow instructions
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jul 24, 2026
P G
Philipp GGreat bus, good experience. Driving is wild as everywhere in Sri Lanka. The information where the bus starts could be more precise. We got a GPS location - no gate or something like that. The god location was at gate 1. The bus stopped at gate 17. We only figured that out because we spotted him before he arrived at the bus station.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jul 21, 2026
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YASUHIRO FI didn’t know I had to get off at a stop before the final destination.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jun 18, 2026
L H
Luke HVery uncomfortable bus with the most cramped seats I have ever experienced. The bus was very full and my booked seat was occupied. It turns out anyone can board the bus and pay a significantly reduced amount in cash do don't bother booking here - there is zero upside
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, May 17, 2026
C R
Cloe RI missed the first bus and the operator on WhatsApp kindly helped me get into the next one. Excellent service and reactivity, thank you very much for your help
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, May 12, 2026
A A
Angela ATime of bus was changed by one hour, and only received seat no the day before, so found this stressful not knowing if seat was booked.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, May 4, 2026
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Mark MToo many emails and steps just to buy a one way bus ticket. Process seemed convulated. Why not just send the bus ticket by email and trust tourists to find the bus. You could give that option to tourists who need it.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Mar 14, 2026
J T
Joanna TComfortable bus, ran exactly to time. 12Go were very supportive when I was trying to find the bus stop at the start. Just be sure to catch the conductor's attention when you reach your final destination as they may not automatically stop.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Mar 10, 2026
A H
Adrian HOn time. Very smooth and fast. Nothing to complain about. Just make sure to not drink or eat too much before the ride, it is non stop:-)
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Mar 8, 2026
P D
Paul DAll went very well indeed. Just was a little unsure what the process was going to be on arrival at the bus station. Then your contact met with us and it became clearer that his role was to guide us to the correct bus and pay. The bus did not go to Mirissa as requested so we had to offload before Matara and get ourselves another bus for the final 20 mins of the journey. As mentioned, all went very well though.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Mar 2, 2026
A S
Antonia SEverything went very well and I was very satisfied with the service.
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Feb 22, 2026
P G
Prabhu GYour representative did not identify himself
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Feb 15, 2026
J D
julie DVery pleasant bus trip between Anuradhapura and Colombo, quiet and comfortable air-conditioned bus, efficient driver and assistant.
Quick and friendly communication with customer service via WhatsApp, which was very helpful in finding out when the bus was arriving and where it was stopping.
I recommend it.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jan 31, 2026
S E
Simon EExcellent instructions on where to catch the bus and smooth on time journey all at a great price. Thank you 🙏
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jan 29, 2026
H W
Helmut WGood driver. Save and smooth driving style.
Good temperature on the bus, not too cold.
Fantastic handling by the staff and driver when I took the wrong bag upon arrival.
Top costumer service !
On the trip from Makumbura to Kandy the driver was going way too fast, honking the whole time, overtaking in critical spots.
This driver, from Kandy to Makumbura , was driving in a much saver way.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jan 29, 2026
H W
Helmut WThe driver managed to arrive exactly 4 hours after departure. However this time frame is way too tight!
You should allow 30 minutes more for this trip.
The driver had to speed up and keep on overtaking other cars in a very scary way.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jan 26, 2026
M B
Mehdi BReliable platform, great customer service and support.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jan 24, 2026
H H
Hanna HExcellent booking company - great communication and ensured I knew exactly where I should be incl. sending photos of the actual stand at the station and checking whether I got there and boarded the bus. Lovely bus staff as well:)
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jan 16, 2026
R S
Robin SWent perfect, bus was really fast. Going over 100 km/h without stop. Also easy to find at the bus stop. Everyone was helpful.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jan 12, 2026
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murray LWasn't meet at the arranged spot for further information as to what bus to take, so l mange on my own with just minutes to spare before departure, really thought it was a stretch someone would actually be there, I arrived early and had a plan.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jan 2, 2026
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Indra WBest I ever ride in Sri Lanka! The bus is new, clean, and comfort. The service is great and helpful. WOULD recommend this to everyone that need a ride from Colombo to Kandy
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Dec 18, 2025
M E
Marie EVery comfortable ride! Would book again
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Dec 16, 2025
M L
Michael L12go.Asia representative met at designated spot and guided me to correct bus. Easy, seamless experience. Would recommend using 12.go.asia
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Nov 28, 2025
J D
Jade DI booked on 12go a bus ride from Colombo to Jaffna, at nighttime. I booked this one specifically because it said I would arrive in Jaffna at 7am.
We arrived in Jaffna at 4am, I was alone and had to walk a long time in the dark, which was what I wanted to prevent.
Also, in the bus I had to keep my backpack with me. My seat was stuck in upright position whereas the person in front of me was lying so I had no space for my legs.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Nov 27, 2025
B S
Bastian SCrazy driver, good organization through representative
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Nov 21, 2025
T M
Thomas MThe organising of the trip was good and the coach was modern with good air con but the driver seemed to put his foot to the floor on either the accelerator or the brake. No in between. This made a very jerry trip and the horn was going the whole time.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Nov 13, 2025
E H
Erich Heverything was perfect, at the bus station in Colombo friendly staff guided to the bus and the staff in the bus were very kind and helpful. Enjoyed the trip and the booking.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Nov 11, 2025
T O
Tomer OIt was perfect, the communication was so great and they helped me make sure I could arrive on time after my plane landed on the other side of town. Such a great experience and I would 10000000% recommend to everyone.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Nov 5, 2025
M S
Miho SGood price and on time, but i was surprised.that the bus did mot reach to airport, it was outside airport far from 1km.
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Nov 4, 2025
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HIDEAKI TReservation confirmation and after-follow was excellent.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Nov 3, 2025
M S
Miho Sgood price and shirt time to reach to destination, thank you.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Nov 2, 2025
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Natalia PContact via WhatsApp was great, bus was really comfortable but during arrival and departure was such a rush that we cannot exit the bus because driver moved from the bus station before we leave! We departure on next stop the service man throw away our baggage and leave meanwhile I was questioning him where we are.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sep 24, 2025
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Colin NBus left early, I hope they checked everyone was aboard.
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sep 21, 2025
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Lea AThe bus was very new and comfortable. The bus was on time, the booking was easy. Overall I recommend taking this bus:)
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sep 9, 2025
M G
MARIE GHighly recommended.Easy to book and great service.There was a rep at the bus stand to help us.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Aug 27, 2025
J W
Jordan WYou’re given a representative to meet and then a different person arrives. Turns out they’re trying to purchase a ticket for the lowest price possible despite you having already paid. Once sat down, it became obvious there weren’t enough seats so the driver’s assistant sat on the step- this developed into encroaching into our space and leaning against us and into us.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Aug 22, 2025
B S
Bhavdeep SThe bus left on time. The journey was comfortable. We stopped on the route for tea/ coffee. Loved the vibe at the coffee place, it was buzzing!
We arrive 20 minutes late. :-) Ho Hum!
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Aug 20, 2025
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Nienke BBus ride itself was good, the times are not valid. It said we would arrive at 7 but we where already at the bus stop at 4 am
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Aug 16, 2025
M D
Miguel DThe bus was 1 delayed. The charger didn't work
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Aug 1, 2025
S A
Sueda AIt came 30 mins late, they didn’t help to put the luggage, which was sad.
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jul 28, 2025
M S
Massimiliano SGood bus, rather clean. Traffic was way too much but we still made it on time. Driver has let come up more people than seat available and then it was crowded
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jun 29, 2025
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Sabrina DClean, AC/Fresh Air was adjustable, the seats where big enough and could be pulled further away, so there was enough space to sit. Driver was very good and friendly, also the conductor. I will definitely book again.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jun 25, 2025
N J
Natalia JMy experience was extremely perfect! We felt very confortable. The service was excellent, thank you very much
Bus Super Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jun 22, 2025
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Marc NEstimated arrival was 7am. Bus was in Colombo at 3:45h and the driver was reckless and driving at highest risk. I really think this guy should not be able to transport tourist, at least not if they are not aware of the risk they take.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jun 19, 2025
S C
Salina CI booked ticket and have my confirmation next day. Is good for booking one day in advance and not immediate.
Good response with email
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jun 16, 2025
N S
Nishant SIt was great. 12go local staff here in Srilanka was in constant touch and provided all the necessary details on time. On top of that they helped me with recommendations as well on how to move further. Best decision to choose 12Go Asia
Bus Super Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jun 2, 2025
C Y
Clark YGreat bus ride. Super comfortable. I had my surfboard bag and the bus was able to take it for an extra 1000LKR. The local 12go partner (Stef Lanka) was incredibly helpful and communicative via Whatsapp. Really a smooth experience.
Bus Super Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jun 1, 2025