Public bus transportation in Sri Lanka is one of the most common and affordable ways to travel across the island. Buses connect almost every city, town, and village, operating day and night.
Both government-run Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses and private buses provide regular services throughout the country. Though often crowded, buses offer scenic views, especially in hill country routes. They play a vital role in daily commuting and tourism, linking people from all regions efficiently.
As a service, there are three service categories of public bus service in Sri Lanka; normal, semi-luxury and luxury.
Public Bus Route Service from Colombo to Other Cities
| Route Name | Route Description |
|---|---|
| Colombo - Badulla | Colombo, Maharagama, Awissawella, Ratnapura, Balangoda, Belihuloya, Beragala, Haputale, Diyathalawa, Bandarawela, Hali-ela, Badulla |
| Colombo - Trincomalee | Colombo, Kadawatha, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Habarana, Kantale, Trincomalee |
| Colombo - Rakwana | Colombo, Awissawella, Ratnapura, Palmadulla, Madampe, Rakwana |
| Colombo - Katharagama | Colombo, Kaluthara, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Weligama, Matara, Tangalle, Ambalantota, Hambantota, Thissamaharamaya, Katharagama |
| Colombo - Kandy | Colombo, Kadawatha, Nittambuwa, Kegalle, Pilimathalawa, Kadugannawa, Peradeniya, Kandy |
| Colombo - Jaffna | Colombo, Kadawatha, Kurunegala, Dambulla, Mihinthale, Vavuniya, Kilinocchi, Alimankada, Jaffna |
| Colombo - Anuradhapura | Colombo, Kadawatha, Kurunegala, Galewela, Dambulla, Kekirawa, Galkulama, Anuradhapura |