Taking the red bus from Pettah Central bus stand to the south
3 Answers from travellers
Pettah has two bus stands. The Red CTB (government) buses leave from the Central Bus Stand, which is the massive concrete terminal with proper bays. The private white/blue buses leave from Bastian Mawatha just across the road. For Matara, look for route 32. Just ask any conductor in a khaki uniform for "Matara", and they will point you to the exact bay.
If you want AC, do not go to Pettah. Go to the Makumbura Multimodal Center in Kottawa instead.
Get on the bus at Pettah, do not try to catch it later down Galle Road, because it will be completely full and you will have to stand for 4 hours.
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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