Travelling within Batticaloa

There are CTB buses, private buses as well as mini buses operating in Batticaloa. All three of them have different bus stands which are located adjacent to each other on the Munai Road. Buses travel to most of the popular tourist attractions of the place. However, they do not follow a fixed schedule.

The approximate fare for the buses for a three hour journey is Rs 35. Mini buses can also be hired for a complete day or for the complete tour from a tour operator.

Taxis are, usually, easily available in the Batticaloa. One must however negotiate on the price front before hiring. Taxis can also be arranged from the hotel itself, although it might be a little more expensive.

Approximate taxi fare is Rs 41 for a distance of 5 km.

There are only standard taxis available in Batticaloa and most of them have meters. Taxis in Batticaloa run from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm only.

There are trains available from Batticaloa to Colombo and other neighbouring towns of the country. However, trains are meant for intercity travel only and they are not meant for travelling within Batticaloa.

Tuk tuks are another option for travelling within Batticaloa. However, they are not abundantly available here unlike the other parts of the country. The pricing here is also on the higher side. Most three-wheelers do not have any meters so one has to always negotiate and agree on a price before taking a trip. Shorter trips can cost anywhere from Rs. 20 (for around 2 - 3 km) to Rs. 100 (for 8 km).

Renting a bicycle is another option for travelling within Batticaloa. The approximate cost for renting a bicycle for a day here is Rs 60 to Rs 80.