Car Rentals, Scooters, Taxis, Motorbike Taxis
Weligama Transport Guide
Getting Around
Rent Scooters and Motorbikes
Transportation Apps
Car Rental with Driver
Transportation!
One of the most important parts of your trip which is best planned before your arrival.
Transport in Sri Lanka is part of the travel experience, and there are several ways to get around depending on your budget, route and comfort level. For longer journeys, a private car and driver is usually the easiest and most comfortable option, especially if you are travelling with luggage, visiting multiple destinations or arriving after a long flight.
Getting to Weligama
Airport to Weligama
The easiest way to get to Weligama from the airport is by private taxi or pre-booked transfer. After a long flight, this is usually the most comfortable option, especially if you are carrying luggage or arriving late at night. Airport is around 170 km to Weligama, which usually takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours via the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway and Southern Expressway.
By bus + train:
Take the airport bus from Bandaranaike International Airport / Katunayake to Colombo Fort. From there, walk to Colombo Fort Railway Station and take a train on the coastal line towards Matara or Beliatta, getting off at Weligama Railway Station. Weligama is on Sri Lanka’s coastal railway line, which runs from Colombo towards Matara and the south coast.
Stops:
Bandaranaike International Airport / Katunayake → Colombo Fort → Colombo Fort Railway Station → Weligama Railway Station
By bus:
Take the airport bus to Colombo Fort / Pettah, then go to the Pettah Central Bus Stand or nearby private bus stands. From there, take a southbound bus towards Matara and get off at Weligama Bus Stand. Some buses may go via Galle and Matara, so it is best to confirm with the driver before boarding.
Stops:
Bandaranaike International Airport / Katunayake → Colombo Fort / Pettah → Galle or Matara route → Weligama Bus Stand
Colombo to Weligama
Colombo is around 145 km from Weligama, depending on where you start in Colombo. The easiest way is by private car or taxi, which usually takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours via the Southern Expressway.
For public transport, the most common options are:
By train:
Take the coastal line train from Colombo Fort Railway Station towards Matara or Beliatta and get off at Weligama Railway Station. This is one of the most scenic ways to travel, as the route follows parts of Sri Lanka’s south-west coast.
Stops:
Colombo Fort Railway Station → Galle Railway Station → Matara Railway Station route → Weligama Railway Station
Train: usually around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the train type and number of stops. Slower coastal trains can take closer to 4 hours.
By bus:
Take a southbound bus from Pettah Central Bus Stand or Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre towards Matara. Get off at Weligama Bus Stand. Some buses may stop in Galle or continue through Matara, so it is best to confirm before boarding.
Stops:
Colombo / Pettah or Makumbura → Galle → Weligama Bus Stand
Bus: usually around 3 to 4 hours. Expressway buses are faster, especially from Makumbura, while regular coastal-route buses can take longer depending on traffic.
For comfort and speed, a private transfer is the easiest option. For a budget-friendly and more scenic journey, the train is usually the better choice.
Galle to Weligama
Galle is around 30 km from Weligama, depending on where you start in Galle. The easiest way is by private car, taxi, or tuk-tuk, which usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour along the coastal road.
For public transport, the most common options are:
By train:
Take the train from Galle Railway Station towards Matara or Beliatta and get off at Weligama Railway Station. The journey usually takes around 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the train.
Stops:
Galle Railway Station → Unawatuna Railway Station → Koggala Railway Station → Ahangama Railway Station → Midigama Railway Station → Weligama Railway Station
By bus:
Take a southbound bus from Galle Central Bus Stand towards Matara and get off at Weligama Bus Stand. The bus usually takes around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and stops.
Stops:
Galle Central Bus Stand → Unawatuna → Koggala → Ahangama → Midigama → Weligama Bus Stand
For comfort, a taxi or tuk-tuk is the easiest option. For a cheaper and scenic journey, the train is usually the better choice.
A tuk-tuk or taxi is the easiest option if you have bags with you, while the bus is a cheaper choice if you do not mind a slower and more local journey.
Kandy to Weligama
Weligama is quite a long journey from Kandy, so a private car or taxi is usually the most comfortable way to travel. It also gives you the chance to stop along the way and break up the drive.
Many travellers visit Kandy, then Ella, and then continue down to Weligama, which makes the journey feel more natural as part of a Sri Lanka round trip.
By train:
There is usually no simple direct train from Kandy to Weligama, so the easiest route is to travel through Colombo Fort. Take the train from Kandy Railway Station to Colombo Fort Railway Station, then change to a coastal line train towards Matara and get off at Weligama Railway Station.
Stops:
Kandy Railway Station → Peradeniya Junction → Polgahawela → Colombo Fort Railway Station → Galle Railway Station → Matara route → Weligama Railway Station
The full train journey usually takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on the connection time in Colombo.
By bus:
Take a bus from Kandy Central Bus Stand to Colombo / Pettah, then change to a southbound bus from Pettah Central Bus Stand or Makumbura Multimodal Transport Centre towards Matara. Get off at Weligama Bus Stand.
Stops:
Kandy Central Bus Stand → Colombo / Pettah → Makumbura or Pettah Bus Stand → Galle or Matara route → Weligama Bus Stand
The full bus journey usually takes around 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and waiting time between buses.
For comfort, a private transfer is the easiest option. For a cheaper route, public transport works well, but it usually requires changing in Colombo.
Ella to Weligama
Ella to Weligama is around 190 km. It is a popular route for travellers heading from the hill country to the south coast. A private taxi or car is the easiest option which usually takes around 4.5 to 6 hours and makes the journey much more relaxed, especially with luggage.
By train:
There is no direct train from Ella to Weligama, so you usually need to travel through Colombo Fort. Take the train from Ella Railway Station to Colombo Fort Railway Station, then change to a coastal line train towards Matara and get off at Weligama Railway Station.
Stops:
Ella Railway Station → Badulla / Haputale / Nanu Oya route → Kandy / Peradeniya route → Colombo Fort Railway Station → Galle Railway Station → Matara route → Weligama Railway Station
This is a very long journey and can take around 10 to 12+ hours, depending on the connection in Colombo.
By bus:
The more practical public transport route is usually by bus through Matara. Take a bus from Ella Bus Stand towards Wellawaya, then continue towards Matara. From Matara Bus Stand, take a local bus towards Weligama and get off at Weligama Bus Stand.
Stops:
Ella Bus Stand → Wellawaya Bus Stand → Matara Bus Stand → Weligama Bus Stand
The full bus journey usually takes around 5.5 to 7.5 hours, depending on waiting time, road conditions, and traffic.
Rent a Scooter, Motor bike or Tuk Tuk- Only if you think you can handle it
Definitely the best and most popular way to get around Hiriketiya’s tight and narrow roads. Rental options are usually available through local providers, guesthouses and hotels. Check with your local accomodation to recommend a reliable rental provider.
It is important to check the vehicle condition, helmet availability, insurance details. Pro tip: Take a video of the scooter or Tuk Tuk before rental to hold footage of the condition of the vehicle.
Ride Hailing Apps
Uber and the local PickMe app are the two most commonly used ride-hailing apps in and around Weligama. They can be useful for short trips to nearby beaches, restaurants, hotels and attractions, although availability may vary depending on the time of day, location and demand. For late-night travel or early morning transfers, it is best to plan ahead.
Pick Me
Uber
Car Rental with Driver
Hiring a car with a driver is the safest and most reliable way to travel. It gives you more flexibility, space for luggage, and the option to stop along the way for food, photos or sightseeing.
Transfers can be arranged through Destinations Plus, a local travel agency with reliable vehicles and experienced drivers who are licensed for the tourism industry.
