Negombo bus terminal a gateway to Sri Lanka

Negombo bus terminal is reckoned to be one of the best in Sri Lanka, and municipal planners see it an example of how one should be built.

It comprises three storeys, was completed in 2008, and has a reservation office, waiting rooms, and small shops selling food, drink and sundry other items.

In normal times, over 40,000 passengers use the terminal every day, whether for public-service SLTB (red) buses, private buses or, on some of the main routes, air-conditioned buses. There aver 500 services in all.

Island destinations

Most major destinations on the island can be reached from Negombo, either directly from the terminal. For passengers heading north, the buses stop at Periyamulla Junction.

The non-highway SLTB and private bus companies seem to work on the basis that they leave when the bus is full, then race each other to the bus stops!

A man will come round the bus occasionally to collect fares. If he can’t squeeze through the standing passengers, you to pass your money via other passengers up or down the bus.

You can get on or off through the front or rear doors. The front seats are usually reserved for monks or clergy, and you will be expected give up the seat to one if and when required.

With the opening of the express highway to Colombo, air-conditioned buses have come into their own, making the journey much faster, easier and more comfortable. The fare is Rs150 one way.

There are also two buses a day to Matara, about three hours away, costing Rs500 one way.