258 km (quickest trip, 45minutes by plane)

By Air

With a flight time of around 45minutes, air travel is by far the most scenic and quickest way to travel from Colombo. The cheapest option is via Helitours, run by the Sri Lankan Airforce, costing just 4,650 LKR (roughly $25 USD). The commercial operators include Cinnamon Air and Fitsair and range between $100 - $250 USD

By car

There is currently no direct highway to Trincomalee, so if you have some spare time (approximately 6 hours) on your hands, you can enjoy the scenery change as you literally traverse the island. Private drivers can usually be organized by all accommodation providers. Additionally, the apps Uber and Pickme offer country-wide services departing from Colombo

By Bus

All buses leave from Colombo’s main bus station Pettah, and arrive at Trincomalee’s main bus station in the middle of town. For the budget conscious, the cheapest way is via the public bus, costing just 462 LKR (roughly $2,50 USD), with a duration of around 6 hours. For a more comfortable experience, the Superline bus travels overnight, offers AC and a guaranteed seat upon reservation. This costs 1220 LKR (roughly $6.70 USD)

By Train

Train travel in Sri Lanka is extremely affordable. Tickets for Intercity and other Express Train Services to Trincomalee can be bought from Maradana Railway Station or Colombo Fort. First class, second class and third class are all available, which cost under 1000 lkr ($5.50 LKR). Travel duration is approximately 7.5 hours.

180 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Dambulla, Habarana, Kanthale and Trincomalee. If you're staying at someplace in Trincomalee, they often have vans running from the Kandy, call them and ask.

By Bus

Only Transit Bus Service is oprating from Kandy to Trincomalee. Therefore, it is required to book the Buses in the sequence of Kandy - Dambulla - Trincomalee. Please Liaise

By Train

The sequence of transportation by train shall be as Kandy Station - Polgahawela Station - Trincomalee Station. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

258 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Kandy, Dambulla, Habarana, Kanthale and Trincomalee. If you're staying at someplace in Trincomalee, they often have vans running from the Nuwara Eliya, call them and ask.

By Bus

Direct Public Bus Service is currently not available from Nuwara Eliya to Trincomalee. Therefore, the sequence of Bus Service will be Nuwara Eliya - Kandy - Dambulla - Trincomalee.

By Train

Passengers are required to travel from Nuwara Eliya Station - Kandy Station - Polgahawela Station - Trincomalee Station. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

80 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Kanthale, Trincomalee. If you're staying at someplace in Trincomalee, they often have vans running from the Habarana, call them and ask.

By Bus

Direct Public Bus Service is currently available from Habarana to Trincomalee. Please Liaise

By Train

The sequence of Train Service arrangement will be Habarana Station - Dambulla Station - Trincomalee Station. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

100 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Habarana, Kanthale, Trincomalee. If you're staying at someplace in Trincomalee, they often have vans running from the Habarana, call them and ask.

By Bus

Direct Public Bus Service is currently not available from Sigiriya to Trincomalee. Therefore, the most convenient way is to travel from Sigiriyata to Dambulla via regular bus service and using the Express Bus service from Dambulla to Trincolamee. Please Liaise

By Train

Train Service is currently not available from Sigiriya to Trincomalee. Therefore, the most convenient way is to travel from Sigiriya to Habarana via a taxi service and using the train from Habarana to Trincolamee. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

320 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Kurunegala, Dambulla, Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Kalkudah and Batticaloa. If you're staying at someplace in Batticaloa, they often have vans running from the Colombo, call them and ask.

By Bus

The Express Bus Service is now available from Colombo Fort to Batticaloa, which is a ride of nearly 8 hours (on an average) with several stops for refreshments. Please Liaise

By Train

Intercity and other Express Train Services are available from Colombo to Batticaloa. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

By Air

Domestic flights are available from Katunayaka, Colombo to Batticaloa, with a long stopover in Dambulla. Kindly liaise with domestic flight operators for more information. Book Tickets

230 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Mahiyanganaya, Mahaoya, Batticaloa. If you're staying at someplace in Batticaloa, they often have vans running from the Kandy, call them and ask.

By Bus

Direct Express Bus Service is not available from Kandy to Batticaloa. Therefore, it will be required to travel by a regular bus service from Kandy to Ambepussa and connect to the Express Bus Service from Ambepussa to Batticaloa. Please Liaise

By Train

The sequence of transportation by train shall be as Kandy Station - Polgahawela Station - Trincomalee Station. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

By Air

The closest Domestic flights available is from Sigiriya to Batticaloa. Therefore, it is required to travel from Kandy to Sigiriya by land and connect to the domestic flight from Sigiriya, which is a very costly and time-consuming approach. Book Tickets

200 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Walapane, Mahiyanganaya, Mahaoya, Batticaloa. If you're staying at someplace in Batticaloa, they often have vans running from the Nuwara Eliya, call them and ask.

By Bus

Direct Express Bus Service is not available from Nuwara Eliya to Batticaloa. Therefore, it will be required to travel by two regular bus services from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy and from Kandy to Ambepussa, which will be connecting to the Express Bus Service from Ambepussa to Batticaloa.

By Train

Intercity and other Express Train Services are currently not available from Nuwara Eliya to Batticaloa. Therefore, it is recommended to travel my regular bus service from Nuwara Eliya to Polgahawela via Kandy and connect to Intercity and other Express Train Services from Polgahawela to Batticaloa. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

By Air

The closest Domestic flights available is from Sigiriya to Batticaloa. Therefore, it is required to travel from Nuwara Eliya to Sigiriya by land and connect to the domestic flight from Sigiriya, which is a very costly and time-consuming approach. Book Tickets

135 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Polonnaruwa, Kalkudah, Batticaloa. If you're staying at someplace in Batticaloa, they often have vans running from the Habarana, call them and ask.

By Bus

Direct Public Bus Service is currently available from Habarana to Batticaloa. Please Liaise

By Train

Train Services operates from Habarana to Batticaloa. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

By Air

The closest Domestic flights available is from Sigiriya to Batticaloa. Therefore, it is required to travel from Habarana to Sigiriya by land and connect to the domestic flight from Sigiriya. Book Tickets

135 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Kalkudah, Batticaloa. If you're staying at someplace in Batticaloa, they often have vans running from the Sigiriya, call them and ask.

By Bus

Direct Public Bus Service is currently available from Sigiriya to Batticaloa. Please Liaise

By Train

Train Services operates from Habarana to Batticaloa. Therefore, it is required to travel from Sigiriya to Habarana, which will be connecting to the Express Train Service. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

By Air

Domestic flights available is from Sigiriya to Batticaloa. Book Tickets

300 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Kurunegala, Dambulla, Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Pasikudah. If you're staying at someplace in Pasikudah, they often have vans running from the Colombo, call them and ask.

By Bus

The Express Bus Service is now available from Colombo Fort to Batticaloa and travellers must be required to proceed with regular bus service from Batticaloa to Pasikudah, which is a ride of nearly 8 hours (on an average) with several stops for refreshments. Please Liaise

By Train

The tourists can use the Intercity and other Express Train Services are available from Colombo to Valachchena and from valachchena to pasikuda via a taxi, which is a 10 mins drive. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

By Air

Domestic flights are available from Katunayaka, Colombo to Batticaloa, with a long stopover in Dambulla. Subsequently, the passengers will be required to use local modes of transportation such as taxi, public buses to reach pasikudah, which is a drive of 45 mins. Kindly liaise with domestic flight operators for more information. Book Tickets

200 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Mahiyanganaya, Mahaoya, Chenkaladi, Pasikudah. If you're staying at someplace in Pasikudah, they often have vans running from the Kandy, call them and ask.

By Bus

Direct Express Bus Service is not available from Kandy to pasikudah. Therefore, it will be required to travel by a regular bus service from Kandy to Ambepussa and connect to the Express Bus Service from Ambepussa to Batticaloa. Subsequently, the passengers will be required to use local modes of transportation such as taxi, public buses to reach pasikudah, which is a drive of 45 mins. Please Liaise

By Train

Intercity and other Express Train Services are currently not available from Kandy to Pasikudah. Therefore, it is recommended to travel my regular bus service from Kandy to Polgahawela and connect to Intercity and other Express Train Services from Polgahawela to Batticaloa. And then the passengers will be required to use local modes of transportation such as taxi, public buses to reach pasikudah, which is a drive of 45 mins. The sequence of transportation by train shall be as Kandy Station - Polgahawela Station - Trincomalee Station. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

By Air

The closest Domestic flights available is from Sigiriya to Batticaloa. Therefore, it is required to travel from Kandy to Sigiriya by land and connect to the domestic flight from Sigiriya to Batticaloa and later from Batticaloa to Pasikudah, which is a very costly and time-consuming approach. Book Tickets

200 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Walapane, Mahiyanganaya, Mahaoya, Chenkaladi, Pasikudah. If you're staying at someplace in Pasikudah, they often have vans running from the Nuwara Eliya, call them and ask.

By Bus

Direct Express Bus Service is not available from Nuwara Eliya to Pasikudah. Therefore, it will be required to travel by two regular bus services from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy and from Kandy to Ambepussa, which will be connecting to the Express Bus Service from Ambepussa to Batticaloa and regular bus from Batticaloa to Pasikudah. Please Liaise

By Train

Intercity and other Express Train Services are currently not available from Nuwara Eliya to Pasikudah. Therefore, it is recommended to travel my regular bus service from Nuwara Eliya to Polgahawela via Kandy and connect to Intercity and other Express Train Services from Polgahawela to Batticaloa. And local transportation from Batticaloa to Pasikudah. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

By Air

The closest Domestic flights available is from Sigiriya to Batticaloa. Therefore, it is required to travel from Nuwara Eliya to Sigiriya by land and connect to the domestic flight from Sigiriya to Batticaloa and by bus from Batticaloa to Pasikudah , which is a very costly and time-consuming approach. Book Tickets

135 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Polonnaruwa, Pasikudah. If you're staying at someplace in Pasikudah, they often have vans running from the Habarana, call them and ask.

By Bus

Direct Public Bus Service is currently available from Habarana to Pasikudah. Please Liaise

By Train

Train Services operates from Habarana to Pasikudah. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

By Air

The closest Domestic flights available is from Sigiriya to Pasikudah. Therefore, it is required to travel from Habarana to Sigiriya by land and connect to the domestic flight from Sigiriya. Book Tickets

125 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Pasikuda. If you're staying at someplace in Pasikuda, they often have vans running from the Sigiriya, call them and ask.

By Bus

Direct Public Bus Service is currently available from Sigiriya to Pasikuda. Please Liaise

By Train

Train Services operates from Habarana to Batticaloa. Therefore, it is required to travel from Sigiriya to Habarana, which will be connecting to the Express Train Service. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

By Air

Domestic flights available is from Sigiriya to Batticaloa. Book Tickets

330 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Panadura, Ratnapura, Balangoda, Wellawaya, Siyabalanduwa and Arugambay. If you're staying at someplace in Arugam Bay, they often have vans running from the Colombo, call them and ask.

By Bus

The Express Bus Service is available from Colombo Fort only up to Badulla. However, Passengers can reach Arugam Bay from Badulla, by local modes of transportation, such as buses, taxis, etc… which is nearly a 3 hours drive. Please Liaise

By Train

Intercity and other Express Train Services will be available from Colombo only up to Elle. Upon reaching Elle, the passengers are required to use local modes of transportations such as regular busses, taxis, etc… which is nearly a three hours drive. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

By Air

Domestic flights available is from Colombo to Arugam Bay. The passengers will be required to arrive at Batticaloa or Hambantota by air and reach Arugam Bay via land transport. Book Tickets

214 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Digana, Mahiyanganaya, Bibile, Damabgalla, Siyabalanduwa and Arugambay. If you're staying at someplace in Arugam Bay, they often have vans running from the Kandy, call them and ask.

By Bus

Regular Bus Service available from Kandy to Arugam Bay, consisting several transits.

By Train

The train services will be available from Kandy only up to Badulla. The remaining journey from Badulla to Arugam Bay shall be continued via local transportations modes. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

185 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Welimada, Badulla, Maligathenna, Monaragala, Siyabalanduwa and Arugambay. If you're staying at someplace in Arugam Bay, they often have vans running from the Nuwara Eliya, call them and ask.

By Bus

Regular Bus Service available from Nuwara to Arugam Bay, consisting several transits. Please Liaise

256 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Polonnaruwa, Kalkudah, Batticaloa, Kalmunai, Akkaraipattu and Arugambay. If you're staying at someplace in Arugam Bay, they often have vans running from the Habarana, call them and ask.

By Bus

Express Bus Service available from Habarana to Batticaloa. And the remaining journey has to be continued with regular Bus Service available from Batticaloa to Arugam Bay, consisting several transits. Please Liaise

By Train

Regular Train Service operates between Habarana and Batticaloa. And the remaining journey has to be continued with regular Bus Service available from Batticaloa to Arugam Bay, consisting several transits. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

266 km

By Car

If you're have a car or motorbike that's best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from rent a car service. Easiest route is to touch Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Kalkudah, Batticaloa, Kalmunai, Akkaraipattu and Arugambay. If you're staying at someplace in Arugam Bay, they often have vans running from the Sigiriya, call them and ask.

By Bus

It is recommended to travel from Sigiriya to Habarana via Taxi as Express Bus Service available from Habarana to Batticaloa. And the remaining journey has to be continued with regular Bus Service available from Batticaloa to Arugam Bay, consisting several transits. Please Liaise

By Train

Regular Train Service operates between Sigiriya and Batticaloa. And the remaining journey has to be continued with regular Bus Service available from Batticaloa to Arugam Bay, consisting several transits. All train timings, prices and seat reservations details are available at View Details

342 km

By Car

There is currently no direct highway to Ampara, so if you have some spare time (approximately 8 hours) on your hands, you can enjoy the scenery change as you literally traverse the island. The shortest route will fall through the historic city of Kandy, Victoria Sanctuary and Gal Oya National Park. Private drivers can usually be organized by all accommodation providers. Additionally, the apps Uber and Pickme offer country-wide services departing from Colombo.

By Bus

All buses leave from Colombo’s main bus station Pettah, and arrive at Ampara’s main bus station in the middle of town. For the budget conscious, the cheapest way is via the public bus, costing just 565 LKR (roughly $3.13 USD), with a duration of around 8 hours. For a more comfortable experience, the private bus services travels overnight, offers AC and a guaranteed seat upon reservation. This costs 1000 LKR (roughly $5.55 USD)

By Train

Train travel in Sri Lanka is extremely affordable. However, the closest railway station is available at Batticaloa and by taxi from Batticaloa to Ampara.

By Air

Scheduled Flights are available from Colombo to Pasikudak, Batticaloa, with a flight time of around 50 minutes, and then by a taxi from Batticaloa to Ampara, which is a 90 minutes drive. However, Cinnamon Air, also provides Charter flight services from Colombo to Ampara, which is slightly costlier than the scheduled flights. Air travel is by far the most scenic and quickest way to travel from Colombo.

192 km

By Car

There is currently no direct highway to Ampara, so if you have some spare time (approximately 4 hours) on your hands, you can enjoy the scenery change as you literally traverse the island. The shortest route will fall through Victoria Sanctuary and Gal Oya National Park. Private drivers can usually be organized by all accommodation providers. Additionally, the apps Uber and Pickme offer country-wide services departing from Kandy.

By Bus

Public Buses are available from Kandy to Ampara, through Mahiyangana and Padiyathalawa, with a total travel time of 5 hours.

By Train

Train travel in Sri Lanka is extremely affordable. However, the closest railway service is from Peradeniya to Badulla and by taxi/bus from Badulla to Ampara.

By Air

Scheduled Flights are available from Kandy to Pasikudak, Batticaloa, with a flight time of around 30 minutes, and then by a taxi from Batticaloa to Ampara, which is a 90 minutes drive. However, Cinnamon Air, also provides Charter flight services from Kandy to Ampara, which is slightly costlier than the scheduled flights. Air travel is by far the most scenic and quickest way to travel from Kandy.

187 km

By Car

There is currently no direct highway to Ampara, so if you have some spare time (approximately 4 hours) on your hands, you can enjoy the scenery change as you literally traverse the island. The shortest route will fall through Victoria Sanctuary and Gal Oya National Park. Private drivers can usually be organized by all accommodation providers. Additionally, the apps Uber and Pickme offer country-wide services departing from Nuwara Eliya.

By Bus

No Public Buses are available from Nuwara Eliya to Ampara. However, the most convenient, way to travel is to reach Kandy by local bus service to Kandy and get the Intercity Bus Service from Kandy to Ampara, through Mahiyangana and Padiyathalawa, with a total travel time of 7 hours.

By Train

Train travel in Sri Lanka is extremely affordable. However, the closest railway service is from Peradeniya to Badulla and by taxi/bus from Badulla to Ampara. Peradeniya is located 75km away from Nuwara Eliya and 2.30 hour drive.

By Air

Cinnamon Air, provides Charter flight services from Nuwara Eliya to Ampara, which is slightly costlier than the scheduled flights. Air travel is by far the most scenic and quickest way to travel from Nuwara Eliya.

179 km

By Car

There is currently no direct highway to Ampara, so if you have some spare time (approximately 4 hours) on your hands, you can enjoy the scenery change as you literally traverse the island. The shortest route will fall through Flood Plains National Park and Maduru Oya National Park. Private drivers can usually be organized by all accommodation providers. Additionally, the apps Uber and Pickme offer country-wide services departing from Habarana.

By Bus

No Public Buses are available from Habarana to Ampara. However, the most convenient, way to travel is to reach Dambulla by local bus service to Dambulla and get the Intercity Bus Service from Dambulla to Ampara, through Mahiyangana, with a total travel time of 4 hours.

By Air

the Closest Charter flight services available is from Sigiriya to Ampara. Therefore, it is required to get a taxi from Habarana to Sigiriya, which is a very short drive.

189 km

By Car

There is currently no direct highway to Ampara, so if you have some spare time (approximately 4 hours) on your hands, you can enjoy the scenery change as you literally traverse the island. The shortest route will fall through Flood Plains National Park and Maduru Oya National Park. Private drivers can usually be organized by all accommodation providers. Additionally, the apps Uber and Pickme offer country-wide services departing from Sigiriya.

By Bus

No Public Buses are available from Sigiriya to Ampara. However, the most convenient, way to travel is to reach Dambulla by local bus service to Kandy and get the Intercity Bus Service from Dambulla to Ampara, through Mahiyangana, with a total travel time of 4 hours.

By Air

Charter flight services available is from Sigiriya to Ampara, from Cinnamon Air.

THINGS TO DO

View our top of things to do and see in Trincomalee, Pasikuda, Batticaloa, Ampara and Arugam Bay

ABOUT EAST

Information about when is the best time to visit, water temperature, prime whale watching season and more

HOW TO GET HERE

Find out how you can get to the East via car, train, bus or by air from main cities around the country

TRAIN TIMES

Check out the Sri Lankan Railways official website for train times connecting the Eastern Province to the rest of the island

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WEATHER

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