Taking the local bus from Colombo Pettah station with huge luggage
5 Answers from travellers
Local red CTB buses and blue private buses do not have luggage compartments. CTB policy allows the conductor to charge you the price of an extra passenger seat if your bag (60L+) occupies a seat or blocks the standing aisle. It is not a scam; it is a rule to maximize passenger capacity. During extreme rush hour, they may refuse you boarding entirely. To avoid this, take the AC Highway buses from Makumbura instead.
Try to sit at the very front of the bus. There is an engine cover next to the driver where you can rest large bags.
Do the AC buses charge extra for luggage in the trunk
No, the AC buses have a designated trunk and do not charge extra, but space is limited so arrive early.
I just hold my 70L bag on my lap for 4 hours to avoid the extra fee. My legs went completely numb.
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