Sri Lanka Bus Service
- About
- Popular Routes
- Stations
- Reviews
About Sri Lanka Bus Service
Buses are the most affordable means of transport with a large number of terminals across the country and convenient timetables to help you plan your trip. Buses is a convenient option both for those who travel on a shoestring budget and those who do not want to compromise on comfort. Sri Lanka Bus Service offers bus service with an online reservation available. Before booking your ticket, read other travellers’ reviews to choose the best option.
What are the Main Stations of Sri Lanka Bus Service?
Sri Lanka Bus Service operates buses to and from the following stations:
- US Hotel
- Wellawatte 42Ln
- Kandy Colombo Intercity
- Jaffna Bus Station
- Weligama
- Mirage Hotel Colombo
- Wellawatte
- Galle Cricket Club
- Jaffna Main Bus Stand
- Kandy Bogambara Bus Stand
- Vavuniya
- Kaduwela Bus Depot
- Buttala
- Sethsiripaya
- Pottuvil Panama Rd
- Ella Bus Stop
- Galle Bus Stand
- Tangalle
- Trincomalee Town
- Embillipitiya Bus Stand
- Peradeniya Bus Stand
- Monaragala Expressway
- Anuradhapura New Town
- Bandarawela Badulla Rd
- Bastian Mawatha Bus Station
- Makumbura Highway station
- Tangalle Bus Stop
- Thanamalwila Bus Station
- Colombo 771 Maradana Rd
- Kataragama Bus Stand
- Badulla Post Office Road
- Karainagar
- Matara Expressway Bus Stand
- Elpitiya Urban Bus Station
- Chilaw Bus Stop
- Kataragama
- Matara Bus Stand
- Katunayake 18th mile post
- Hambantota Main Street
- Akkaraipattu SLTB Bus Stand
- Wellawaya Bus Stand
- Makumbura
- Wecllawatte
- Colombo Central Bus Station
- West East Bastian Mawatha
- Rattota Bus Stand
- Anuradhapura Police Station
- Ampara Bus Stand
- Wellawaya Ella Kumbalwela Hwy
- Jaffna Bus Stand
- Dambulla Bus Station
- Kurunegala Bus Terminal
- Periyamulla Junction
- Anuradhapura BOC ATM
- Mount Lavinia KFC
What are the Most Popular Routes of Sri Lanka Bus Service?
The most popular destinations of Sri Lanka Bus Service are:
- Jaffna - Colombo
- Ella - Colombo
- Matara - Colombo
- Colombo - Ella
- 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 - Negombo
- Anuradhapura - Colombo
- Kotte - Peradeniya
- Colombo Airport - Matara
- Peradeniya - Kotte
- Kataragama - Colombo
- Kandy - Angulana
- Angulana - Peradeniya
- Anuradhapura - Colombo Airport
- Colombo - Hambantota
- Jaffna - Anuradhapura
- Badulla - Colombo
- Colombo - Embilipitiya
- Jaffna - Negombo
- Colombo - Badulla
- 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
What are the Bus Classes & Prices of Sri Lanka Bus Service?
The price of your bus trip will depend both on the destination and the class of your ticket. Note that not all ticket classes are available on certain routes yet for longer trips there is almost always a good choice of options. Opt for a sleeper coach for the most convenient overnight trip. Sleeper buses are usually equipped with berths or soft reclining seats, feature an onboard toilet and your ticket may also include other perks like snacks or even a lunch. Taking a night bus is also a good idea if you want to save on your hotel room. During the day an express service is often the best value for money as it makes less stops than an ordinary or standard class bus and travels faster. On some routes it may be crucial to choose the right class as, say, an ordinary or second class bus may need some 6 hours to cover the distance the first class or express bus travels in two hours!
Pros & Cons of Bus Travel
Pros of Bus Travel
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Buses usually boast the widest network of destinations covered. They travel to the places you cannot get to by plane or even by train
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Travelling by bus is easy – there is no need to arrive to the bus terminal much in advance, and the check-in is usually a very fast formality opposite to air travel
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Bus tickets are very affordable. Yes, there are costly first class or VIP options but is you are on a budget, bus is the first means of transportation you have to think about
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At the same time, there are different classes of service to suit any budget. If you are after a higher level of comfort, buses get you covered, too.
Cons of Bus Travel
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Intercity bus terminals can be located outside the city centre in the outskirts. It means you will need to calculate extra time and money to get there. In certain destinations getting from the bus terminal can cost you more than you would expect because only a limited number of transportation companies is allowed to serve the route – and prices may be inflated.
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During busy weekends or high season buses serving some tourist destinations may run out of schedule and require advanced booking.
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While buses are not as weather dependent as ferries, bus trips can also be delayed or cancelled due to bad weather or road conditions – keep it in mind if travelling during certain seasons or to certain destinations.
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
N L
Natalie LBus on time, nice temperature with AC, clean and comfortable. Driver was accommodating regarding stops.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sep 28, 2026
C D
Catharina DThe bus trip was good but I had to wait to long before I received my confirmation and my tickets and the contact with the helpdesk was really bad. They didn't respond at my mails so I had a lot of stress and frustrations. So specially the helpdesk did really a bad job. And now I don't dair to book again with your company and that is really sad because I booked a lot of trips with you before.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sep 28, 2026
D H
David HCo gettinguld have been better the bus was 15mins lateKandy's pick up bus stop
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sep 22, 2026
S M
Sarah MThe operator was nice and helpful! But the bus was too cold and they dropped me off on the middle of the road. I had to walk to the airport
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sep 22, 2026
M W
Michael WGreat driving and memorable experience.
Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sep 14, 2026
N M
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
Y F
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
M M
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
M L
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
I W
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
H T
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
N P
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
C N
Colin NBus left early, I hope they checked everyone was aboard.
Bus Luxury, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sep 21, 2025
L A
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
N B
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
S D
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