Getting There
Although it is possible to get to Mirissa, Sri Lanka over land or water, the best way is to fly.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
It can take anywhere between 2,5 hours to 3 hours to reach Mirissa 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.
HIRED MINIVANS
If you are travelling in a larger group, hired minivan is the best option to reach Mirissa. The service is available through the travel agencies in the Colombo airport at the arrival level.
TRAIN
Getting to Mirissa by train might be significantly faster than the public bus. The train departs from Colombo Fort, and it can take between 2,5 hours and 3,5 hours to arrive in Weligama, which is 7 km away from Mirissa. From Weligama, you can take a public bus or tuk-tuk, which provides a more comfortable travel.
BUS
Public buses are the least comfortable, yet, the cheapest way to travel to Mirissa. Take a bus in the direction of Tangalle or Matara, and ask to get out in Mirissa.The buses depart according to scheduled time, yet, the trip can take from 3,5 hours to 5 hours to reach Mirissa as this transportation mode is very slow.
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.
WALKING
Due to the compact size of Mirissa, the town can be easily covered on foot. In fact, it’s the best way to explore the area at your own pace and indulge in the quiet long strolls along the beach or streets.
TUK-TUK
If you are planning to travel further afield, tuk-tuk is a convenient and very affordable way to explore the nearby locations. You can simply flag one down the street, but before getting into tuk-tuk always negotiate the price.
RENTAL SCOOTER
If you prefer moving around on two wheels, there is no shortage of motorbike rental shops in Mirissa. Though, the traffic is very 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 BICYCLE
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate an eco-friendly way to move around the city and beyond by bicycle. Though, be careful when travelling along the beachfront paths as there could be areas with deep sand.