Getting There
Although it is possible to get to Galle, Sri Lanka over land or water, the best way is to fly.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
It can take anywhere between 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours to reach Galle from Colombo International Airport depending on traffic. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.
AIRPORT TAXI
Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. It is recommended to negotiate about the price before getting into the car, as metered taxis do not travel long distances from Colombo.
MINIBUS
Minibus departs from the central bus station in Colombo, and it’s an economical way to get to Galle, though definitely not as convenient as a private car or a taxi. The bus seats only 25 persons, and the rest of passengers willing to travel to Galle would be standing in a passageway for hours till the bus arrival point. The trip can take more than 4 hours if the traffic in Colombo is congested, although, you will be rewarded by the beautiful ocean views all the way to Galle.
SOUTHERN EXPRESSWAY BUS
Southern Expressway bus is much faster than the private minibus as it travels via toll highway – an empty, modern and smooth Southern Expressway. However, there are no ocean views pleasing to the eye, as the highway is mainly surrounded by the forest and palm plantations. Southern Express bus service departs from Maharagama station, which is essentially further from the airport than Colombo central station.
TRAIN
You can take a train in Colombo to the direction of Mirissa, although, travelling by train is not recommended as getting a seat on the train is almost impossible. The trip from Colombo takes between 1.5 hours to 3.5 hours depending on the train, which you have opted.
Getting Around
There are plenty of options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:
PRIVATE CAR
Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private car and chauffeur can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.
TUK-TUK
If you are planning to travel further afield, tuk-tuk is the best way to move around the city, as Galle, even large, still can be easily explored by tuk-tuk. You can always negotiate about the cost and reduce the first price the local driver announces.
RENTAL SCOOTER
If you prefer moving around on two wheels, there is no shortage of motorbike rental shops in Galle. Though, the traffic can be somewhat chaotic, so a certain level of experience is required. Moreover, you should have an international driver license on your person at all times, and for your safety always wear a helmet.
RENTAL CAR
If you are planning to travel around the island, a rental car is an excellent option to move around and explore the most remote parts of Sri Lanka, otherwise, it is not recommended to rent a car in Galle, as the city can be easily covered on foot or explored by tuk-tuk or rental motorbike.