How to catch the Highway Bus from Colombo to Galle?
I heard the coastal train is scenic but slow. How do I catch the fast AC highway bus to Galle, and where does it leave from?
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4 Answers from travellers
You need to go to the "Maharagama" bus stand, which is about 30-40 minutes southeast of central Colombo by tuk-tuk. From there, the AC highway buses leave every 20-30 minutes for Galle. The bus ride itself takes only 1.5 hours on the expressway.
You can't book them in advance. Just show up, put your luggage in the undercarriage, get a seat, and pay the conductor in cash (around 1000 LKR).
Makumbura station sounds perfect. We will take a tuk-tuk there. Thank you!
There is also a newer highway bus that leaves directly from the Makumbura Multi-Modal Transport Hub (Kottawa). It is a modern, clean station and much less chaotic than Maharagama.
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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