Taking the coastal train from Colombo to Hikkaduwa for Friday night parties
4 Answers from travellers
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The Friday afternoon train is notoriously packed with commuters heading home for the weekend. You will be standing shoulder-to-shoulder. It is a great, chaotic way to meet locals and other backpackers, but guard your bags and be prepared to sweat.
If you want comfort, take the AC highway bus. If you want the classic Sri Lankan vibe, take the train and hang out the open door.
Buy a second-class ticket, but honestly, people just cram into whichever carriage they can fit into.
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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