Taking local buses to Polonnaruwa ancient ruins

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Sophia M.6230 rep2

We are in Dambulla and want to do a day trip to Polonnaruwa. Is the local bus reliable enough, or should we hire a private car.

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7 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

The local bus from Dambulla to Polonnaruwa is incredibly reliable, cheap, and frequent. Catch the Kaduruwela-bound bus from the main Dambulla road. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and costs less than 200 LKR. Get off at the Polonnaruwa clock tower junction, which is a 5-minute walk to the museum where you buy your entrance tickets and rent bicycles.

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Amali D.21170 rep1

The bus is totally fine, but get on early. It gets very hot and crowded by midday.

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Oliver B.7990 rep2

Yes, buses head back to Dambulla until about 7 PM, but try to catch one by 6 PM to be safe.

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Amali D.21170 rep1

Watch out for monkeys stealing food out of the bus windows when it stops!

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Oliver B.7990 rep2

A private car will cost you 10,000+ LKR for the day. The bus is the way to go if you are on a budget.

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Suresh K.15100 rep1

Do the buses run late enough for us to stay for sunset.

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Sophia M.6230 rep2

You can rent bicycles right next to the bus stop when you arrive, super convenient.

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Suresh K.15100 rep1

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