Taking the bus from Kandy to Dambulla (AC vs Non-AC)?
How do I find the air-conditioned buses to Dambulla, and how much faster are they?
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4 Answers from travellers
Go to the "Goods Shed" bus stand in Kandy. Look for the small, white AC mini-buses heading to Anuradhapura, Jaffna, or Trincomalee (they ALL pass through Dambulla). They cost slightly more but are much faster and more comfortable than the big red non-AC buses.
Make sure your luggage fits in the back of the mini-bus. If you have massive hard-shell suitcases, you might have to pay for an extra passenger seat to put them on.
You have to pay in cash to the conductor once the bus starts moving. Tell them "Dambulla" and they will give you a tiny printed ticket and tell you the price (usually a couple of dollars).
The AC mini-bus takes about 2.5 hours. The big red public bus stops constantly to pick people up and can take nearly 4 hours in the sweltering heat.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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