If are you traveling to Sigiriya and you are wondering how to get from Colombo airport to Sigiriya then you are at the right place! In this blog, you will learn the different means and costs of getting there. So let’s dive right into it!
In Sri Lanka, the main hub of travelers is the Colombo Airport and to get from this airport to Sigiriya there are many transportation means. You can travel by taxi, by bus or by train. All of these have different costs and benefits so you have a variety to choose from.
Located in North Sri Lanka, is the ancient city of Sigiriya which was built on a huge rock by King Kasyapa. This is why it is called Sigiriya, meaning Lion Rick. It was later abandoned when the King died and became a Buddhist monastery in the 14th century.
It is about 200 meters high and there are about 1200 steps to get to it. Usually, people visit to climb the Sigiriya rock. If that’s your plan then pack comfortable shoes and water with you as you will be needing it. It gets really hot during the day so make sure that you start your climb as early as possible.
So are you ready to explore this ancient city of Sigiriya? Then let’s see some of the transport services that are being offered while traveling from Colombo airport to Sigiriya:
Taxi From Colombo Airport To Sigiriya
The first way to travel is through a Taxi. It is the most convenient means of traveling as it will provide you with door-to-door service. You will also not be bound by time as you won’t have to hurry to catch a train or a bus.
Benefits
It is also a safe way to travel saving you from the local public transport thefts. It is also available 24 hours a day, unlike other means of traveling. You don’t have to book it at a specific time, you can book your taxi at any time.
Leasing a vehicle in a new city can be tedious and costly. That is the reason taking a taxi from Colombo airport to Sigiriya is substantially more helpful. You won’t have to stand in line or explore the nearby transport systems, instead, you can ease up on the backseat of your air-conditioned Taxi and reach Sigiriya comfortably.
Where do I get a taxi at Colombo Airport?
You can pre book with Sri Lanka Driver Guide.
Rates
€40 (LKR 15,000)
Transfer time
It is about 2 Hours 45 Minutes.
Bus From Colombo Airport To Sigiriya
If you are not comfortable traveling by taxi then you can choose to travel via bus. Most people prefer public transport as it feels more safe for them. So if you are one of these people then let us tell you the benefits and rates of traveling by bus!
Benefits
It is the cheapest means of traveling from the Colombo Airport to Sigiriya. There is however a problem. You can not find a direct bus to take you to Sigiriya instead you will have to take two buses. First, take bus No 187 from the express highway to get to Katunayake station, and from there take the bus to Dambulla.
At Dambulla, you can take a rickshaw or tuk-tuk to reach Sigiriya. Although it is a bit of a hassle to switch between vehicles, it is a good choice for people who don’t carry luggage and speak the local language.
Rates
The cost of the bus from Colombo Airport to Dambulla is about 0.89 USD or 150 LKR. From Dambulla to Sirigirya, it takes 45 minutes and costs about approx 6 USD or 800 LKR to 1000 LKR.
Transfer Time
The overall transfer time by bus to Sigiriya is about 6 to 7 hours. This bus service will only be available from 5.30 am to 8.30 pm.
If your flight arrives late at night then it is not suitable for you.
Train From Colombo Airport To Sigiriya
Another great option to travel from Colombo airport to Sigiriya is by Train. This is the cheapest way to transfer but it also does not provide a direct transfer from the airport to Sigiriya.
First, you need to travel to Trincomalee from the Colombo Fort Central railway station which is about 2 Km away from the Colombo airport. Then you can reach Sigiriya by bus or train.
If you again choose to travel by train then you can take the train to Habarana. Here, at the Habarana railway station, you can then book an hour-long drive by cab or a tuk-tuk to Sigiriya.
Benefits
There is no need to book your tickets in advance as the trains are not so crowded and you can easily find a spot at any time. It is also less costly than other means of travel.
You might think that train travel must be slow but surprisingly it isn’t! It is not too slow and it is affordable too. You can travel with your luggage on the train too.
Rates
It costs about 17 to 21 USD.
Transfer time
It takes about 5 hours and 29 minutes.
Editorial staff’s at Think Senior are experts in various niches.