Transportation: Tuk-Tuks, Cars, Mini Car Taxi

Always use a taxi with a meter

A lot of tuk-tuks (three-wheeler taxis) and taxis in Colombo have meters and can be hailed anywhere. If a driver says the meter doesn’t work, wave him on. Or do a deal on the fare that you’re happy with, and make sure the driver understands where you want to go before you get in.

Outside the main cities, the commonly found transport method is tuk-tuk. They don’t usually have meters so it’s negotiation time.

Meter based fare: Tuk-Tuks

Road Tuk-Tuk Rates – Although Government approved rate is Rs60 and then Rs45 per kilometer, some meters start at Rs80 for the first kilometer and then Rs50.

If you query it and you are a foreigner, chances are the drivers would switch off the meter and complaining it isn’t working. You can either turn down the offer and walk away in the opposite direction to hail another one to prevent the driver from following you or negotiate the fare.

if the tuk-tuk has a lot of hills to climb and waiting the rates might differ.

Meter based fare: Cars, mini car taxis

Taxis – Although taxis are Rs140 and then onwards it is difficult to hail one on the road. They are readily available by Mobility Apps or through the doormen of major hotels. Hotel taxis will have a printed rate card for journeys or hourly rates.

Cars meter fair depends on the vehicle. However, the base fair should start from Rs140 for the first 2KM then Rs42 per KM.

Use a trusted taxi app such as PickMe

PickMe Vehicle Categories – Flex & Mini which has mini-cars starting from Altos, WagonRs, and Spacias. If you want to travel short distances around a city, in a safe car for a convenient cost, Flex is recommended.

For customers who look for the comfort of a bigger car, and have a smooth ride through traffic, hail the Mini ( WagonR, Spacia etc)

Avoid buses and public transportation in peak hours

it’s better not to travel at peak times, as busy buses could get overcrowded and not be that safe. Private bus seats could be booked online and Government bus seats here. Train seats could be booked by Dialing 444 from your Dialog Mobile connection.

Important links

Download PickMe mobile app – Android, iPhone

Book train and bus tickets on a Mobitel mobile connection

Know Your Bus Routes with an APP – Download mobile Android application

Important contact numbers

Colombo Fort Railway station contact number – +94 11 2 421281 or +94 11 2 434215

National Transport Commission – +94 112 587 372 (General number +94 112 587 372)

Private Bus Stand Colombo – +94 112 333 222

Government Bus stand Colombo – +94 112 328 081

Last Modified: April 16, 2024