Are the overnight AC buses from Colombo to Jaffna safe/comfortable?
I missed the train tickets. Are the luxury overnight buses (like Route 87) a comfortable way to get to Jaffna?
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5 Answers from travellers
Yes, the private "Super Luxury" AC buses to Jaffna (leaving from Wellawatte or Pettah around 9-10 PM) are very safe and fast. They take about 7 hours. However, the AC is cranked down to freezing temperatures and they blast Tamil movies at full volume until midnight.
I actually found the seats recline quite far back. I managed to sleep for 4 solid hours. Better than the slow daytime train in my opinion.
They usually stop once around 2 AM at a roadside rest stop for toilet breaks and tea. The food there is heavily spiced, so maybe stick to plain tea if you have a weak stomach!
Noise-canceling headphones and a hoodie packed. Ready for the meat freezer!
Bring noise-canceling headphones, a sleep mask, and a thick hoodie or sleeping bag liner. I am not joking about the cold; it feels like a meat freezer.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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