Finding the correct bus stand in Pettah for Highway Express buses
7 Answers from travellers
The Highway Express buses (EX01) do not leave from the main Central Bus Stand. You need to walk across the street to the Bastian Mawatha Private Bus Station. Walk all the way to the far end of the terminal; the luxury AC buses are lined up there. However, it is vastly easier to take an Uber to the Makumbura Multimodal Center outside the city to catch them without dealing with Pettah traffic.
If you go to Pettah, ignore the touts yelling destinations at you. Look for the printed signs in the bus windows.
No, you just board the bus and the conductor sells you a ticket once you are seated.
Put your heavy bags in the rear trunk before boarding, otherwise you will have no legroom.
Makumbura is the way to go. It looks like a modern airport terminal. So much less stressful.
Make sure you have small change (500 or 1000 notes). They hate breaking 5000 rupee notes.
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.
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log In to AnswerRelated questions
- How long does the train from Colombo to Galle take.1 answer
- Galle to Colombo - Southern Expressway vs scenic coastal road - which should I take and why?2 answers
- Train from Colombo to Trincomalee - how is the journey and is Trincomalee worth a 3-day visit?2 answers
- Bus safety and scams in Pettah8 answers
- Can you take a boat from Negombo to Colombo.2 answers
- How to catch the highway bus from Colombo to Matara.2 answers
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture