Major Bus Hubs in Sri Lanka: Pettah, Makumbura, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna (2025)
If you understand just five hubs—Pettah, Makumbura, Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna—you can reach almost anywhere in Sri Lanka by bus. This guide explains how to use them without stress.
Pettah / Bastian Mawatha (Colombo)
The busiest bus hub in the country and your gateway to almost everywhere.
- Use it for: Normal/SLTB buses to most of the island.
- Location: Near Fort Railway Station; look for “Bastian Mawatha” or “Pettah Bus Stand”.
- Pro tip: Ask staff for your platform; signs can be confusing on first visit.
Deep dive: Pettah Central Bus Stand Guide
Makumbura Multimodal Centre (Kottawa)
The main expressway (E01) bus hub serving Galle, Matara, and beyond.
- Use it for: Highway express buses (E01) to the south.
- Connection: Reach Makumbura by local bus or taxi from central Colombo.
- Pro tip: Arrive 20–30 minutes early during weekends and holidays; seats go quickly.
Deep dive: Makumbura Bus Terminal Guide
Kandy Central Bus Stand
Your key hill-country and Cultural Triangle hub.
- Use it for: Buses to Dambulla, Nuwara Eliya, Kegalle, Matale, and Colombo.
- Location: Walking distance from Kandy lake and train station.
- Pro tip: For early hill-country buses, be there by 7 AM.
Deep dive: Kandy Central Bus Stand Guide
Galle Bus Stand
The southern beach hub that links Unawatuna, Mirissa, Weligama, Matara and more.
- Use it for: Coastal buses up/down the south, plus inland routes.
- Connection: Easy tuk-tuk or short bus ride from Galle Fort area.
- Pro tip: Ask for the “Matara” or “Colombo” bays for long legs.
Deep dive: Galle Bus Stand Guide
Jaffna Bus Stand
Gateway to the northern peninsula, islands, and long-haul services back to Colombo.
- Use it for: Long-distance Colombo night buses and local services to Karainagar, Point Pedro, and more.
- Pro tip: For night buses, confirm your platform and bus number well before departure.
Deep dive: Jaffna Bus Stand Guide