Sri Lanka's bus network is the backbone of local transport—extensive, affordable, and reaching every corner of the island. From the iconic red CTB government buses to colorful private coaches and air-conditioned express services, here's your complete guide to bus travel including fares, routes, timetables, and insider tips.
Types Of Buses In Sri Lanka
CTB / SLTB Government Buses (Red Buses)
The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB), formerly Ceylon Transport Board (CTB), operates the iconic red government buses. At its peak in the 1970s, CTB was the largest bus company in the world with 7,000 buses and 50,000 employees. Today, these buses are:
- Cheapest option — Often 20-30% less than private buses
- Most stops — Stops frequently along routes
- Older vehicles — Usually TATA buses, can be rattly
- Rural coverage — Only option on unprofitable rural routes
Private Buses
Private buses are the colorful, decorated coaches that make Sri Lanka's roads so photogenic. They're typically white or multi-colored with elaborate decorations, lights, and loud music. Faster than CTB buses, they dominate most routes.
Air-Conditioned (A/C) Buses
Premium service with comfortable seating, curtains, and cool air. About 30-50% more expensive than regular buses but worth it for longer journeys, especially in the heat. Usually have numbered seats.
Highway Express (Ex1, Ex2, Ex5)
Fast expressway buses between major cities using the Southern Expressway and other highways. Air-conditioned with reserved seating. Significantly faster—Colombo to Galle in under 2 hours vs 4 hours on normal roads.
Complete Fare Guide By Route
Southern Coast Routes
Hill Country Routes
Northern & Eastern Routes
Major Bus Stations
Colombo Stations
Bastian Mawatha (Pettah Central)
Main bus station. Routes to Galle, Matara, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Jaffna. Chaotic but well-connected. Platform numbers displayed on boards.
Maharagama Highway Station
Expressway buses to Galle and southern coast. Modern facility with scheduled departures. Take bus 138 from Fort to reach here.
Colombo Fort Bus Stand
Local buses and some intercity routes. Near Fort Railway Station.
Gunasinghepura (Saunders Place)
Buses to Negombo and airport area.
Other Major Stations
Kandy - Goods Shed Bus Stand
Central hub for hill country. Buses every 30 mins to Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Colombo, Dambulla, Sigiriya.
Galle Bus Station
Near the fort. Routes to Colombo, Matara, Unawatuna, Mirissa, Tangalle.
Matara Bus Station
Southern terminus. Connections to Tangalle, Hambantota, Yala area.
Nuwara Eliya Bus Station
Hill country hub. Routes to Kandy, Ella, Colombo, Horton Plains (via Ohiya).
Anuradhapura New Bus Stand
Cultural triangle hub. Routes to Colombo, Jaffna, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla.
Bus Timetables By Route
Colombo to Galle / Matara (Route 2/32)
Normal buses (Route 2): Every 10-15 minutes, 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
A/C buses: Every 30 minutes, 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Highway Express (Ex1): Every 20-30 minutes, 5:30 AM - 8:30 PM from Maharagama
Last bus: Around 9:00-9:30 PM (normal), 8:30 PM (express)
Colombo to Kandy (Route 1)
Normal buses: Every 15-20 minutes, 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
A/C Intercity: Every 30 minutes, 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Route: Via Kegalle (scenic) or via Kadugannawa
Night service: Limited buses until 10:00 PM
Kandy to Ella
Direct buses: 6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM
Via Nuwara Eliya: Change at N.Eliya (buses every 30 mins from Kandy)
Duration: 4-5 hours direct, 5-6 hours via N.Eliya
Tip: Bus is faster than train but less scenic
Kandy to Dambulla / Sigiriya
To Dambulla: Every 30 minutes, 5:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Route 570)
To Sigiriya: Direct buses 6:00 AM, 8:00 AM, or change at Dambulla
Dambulla → Sigiriya: Frequent local buses (20 mins, LKR 50)
Essential Tips For Bus Travel
Money & Tickets
- Carry small notes: Rs. 50, 100, 500 — conductors often don't have change for Rs. 1000+
- No advance booking: Just show up and pay the conductor on board
- Keep your ticket: Inspectors may check mid-journey
Comfort Tips
- Sit on the left: Better shade on coastal routes heading south
- Front seats: Less bumpy, but near the loud speakers
- Avoid back seats: Very bumpy on Sri Lankan roads
- Bring water: Non-A/C buses get hot
Timing
- Arrive early: 15-30 minutes before for popular routes
- Avoid rush hours: 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM in Colombo
- Last buses: Most routes stop by 8-9 PM
- Sunday service: Reduced frequency on Sundays/Poya days
Useful Apps And Resources
NextBus.lk — 400+ verified routes with real-time updates and schedules
NTC Official (ntc.gov.lk) — Government timetables and official fare information
PickMe / Uber — For when you miss the last bus or need door-to-door
Google Maps — Shows some bus routes with approximate times (not always accurate)
Conclusion
Buses are the most affordable and authentic way to travel Sri Lanka. For less than $5, you can reach almost any destination while experiencing local life up close. Yes, they can be crowded, loud, and unpredictable—but that's part of the adventure. For longer journeys or when you need comfort, opt for A/C or highway express services. Either way, Sri Lanka's buses will get you where you need to go.
