sri-lanka-13-full-pdf-ebook.pdf

Transpor

T

(^) Tra
IN
̈ The Sri Lankan Railways
website (www.railway.gov.lk)
has a useful trip planner.
Classes
There are three classes on
Sri Lankan trains:
1st class Comes in three
varieties: coaches, sleeping
berths and observation saloons
(with large windows). The latter
are used on the line east from
Colombo and are the preferred
means of travelling this scenic
line. Some have large rear-facing
windows and vintage interiors.
2nd class Seats have padding
and there are fans. on some
trains (but not to Galle) these
seats can be reserved in ad-
vance.
3rd class Seats have little
padding and there are no reser-
vations. The cars accommodate
as many as can squeeze in and
conditions can be grim.
In addition private compa-
nies have begun running
comfortable train cars, which
are attached to regular trains
(routes include Colombo
to Badulla, Elle, Kandy and
Mathara, fares average
US$12). Although the 1st-
class observation cars are
more charming – and
cheaper – these private cars
offer air-con, snacks and may
have seats available when
regular trains are already
fully booked.
Private car operators:
Expo Rail (%011-522 5050;
http://www.exporail.lk))
Rajadhani Express (%071-
453 6840; http://www.rajadhani.lk))
Reservations
̈ (^) You can reserve places in
1st class and in 2nd class on
many intercity expresses.
̈ Always make a booking
for the 1st-class observation
saloons, which are very
popular.
̈ Reservations can be made
at train stations up to 10 days
before departure. You can
book a return ticket up to 14
days before departure.
̈ If travelling more than
80km, you can break your
journey at any intermediate
station for 24 hours without
penalty. You’ll need to make
fresh reservations for seats
on the next leg.

GETTING AROUND OPTIONS

Your options for getting around Sri Lanka are many.

Broadly, the options and considerations are as follows:

pros Cons

Bus cheap, frequent, go

everywhere

very crowded, uncomfortable,

no room for luggage, slow

Car &

Driver

comfortable, flexible,

efficient

more expensive than buses

and trains

Train tickets in all classes

are cheap, some

routes beautiful, 1st

class comfortable

not frequent, slow, 2nd and

3rd class crowded and uncom-

fortable, limited destinations