How to Reach Sigiriya, Ella, Mirissa & Arugam Bay by Bus (2025)
Four of Sri Lanka’s most popular stops can be reached entirely by bus—if you know which hubs to use and when to change. Here’s the simple strategy for each one.
Sigiriya by Bus
Best hub: Dambulla.
- From Colombo: Colombo → Dambulla (3.5–4.5h), then Dambulla → Sigiriya (30–45 min mini-bus).
- From Kandy: Kandy → Dambulla (1.5–2h), then same Dambulla → Sigiriya mini.
- Tip: Stay in Sigiriya village or Dambulla depending on how many days you have.
Ella by Bus
Best hubs: Nuwara Eliya and Wellawaya.
- Hill-country route: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella (scenic, cooler, slower).
- South-coast route: Matara → Wellawaya → Ella (good if you’re coming from the beaches).
- Tip: Consider doing one direction by train and the other by bus for variety.
Mirissa by Bus
Best hub: Matara / Galle.
- Fastest: Colombo → Matara (Highway) → Mirissa (20–30 min mini).
- Scenic: Colombo → Galle (coastal) → Mirissa (45–70 min coastal bus).
- Tip: Ask the conductor specifically for “Mirissa junction” and walk down.
Arugam Bay by Bus
Best hubs: Monaragala and Pottuvil.
- From Ella: Ella → Wellawaya → Monaragala → Pottuvil → Arugam Bay.
- From Colombo: Colombo → Monaragala (long) → Pottuvil → Arugam Bay.
- Tip: Arugam Bay is small; final leg is often a short tuk-tuk from Pottuvil if buses are irregular.
General Rules for “Hard-to-Reach” Places
- Break long journeys at hubs rather than trying to arrive late at small towns.
- Finish rural sections before dark when possible.
- Keep one or two local guesthouses’ numbers stored in case plans slip.