Bus Tours Trincomalee

Transport Options in Trincomalee

Local transport in Trincomalee is built around tuk-tuks, scooters, private cars and ordinary public buses. No hop-on hop-off services operate here, so plan your day around the places you want to see.

Public buses and tuk-tuks

Public buses run along the coast road to Nilaveli and are used mainly by commuters. Tuk-tuks cover the rest. You can use them to reach:

• Koneswaram Temple: An active Hindu shrine on a rocky headland above the Indian Ocean.
• Trincomalee Harbour: One of the largest natural harbours in the world.
• Fort Frederick: Built by the Portuguese in the 1620s, and free to walk through. Part of it is still occupied by the military.
• Marble Beach: Run by the Sri Lanka Air Force, with an ID check at the gate, so bring your passport.

Tips and Essentials

• Best Time to Visit: The calm-sea season runs from about May to September. The north-east monsoon, from roughly October or November to February or March, makes the sea rough.
• Dress Code: Cover your shoulders and knees at temples, and bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Food and Water: Carry water and snacks on longer journeys.
• Driving: Tourists need a Sri Lankan permit to drive, so confirm the rules with the rental firm.

Long journeys

Colombo is about 260 km away. Direct buses leave Bastian Mawatha about every 30 minutes and take about 7 hours, and one daily train leaves Colombo Fort and takes about 6 to 8 hours. For the elephant parks and ancient cities inland, hire a car with a driver and expect long days on the road.