2 Weeks in Sri Lanka: The Ultimate Bus-Only Budget Itinerary (2025)

Sri Lanka is a paradise for budget travelers, largely thanks to its incredibly extensive (and incredibly cheap) bus network. You can circumnavigate the island for less than the price of a single taxi ride in Europe.

However, figuring out the connections can be tricky. That's why we've built the Ultimate 14-Day Bus Loop. This itinerary hits all the major highlights—Culture, Mountains, and Beaches—using 100% public transport.

Day 1: The Arrival & Escape

Route: Airport (CMB) → Dambulla/Sigiriya

• The Goal: Skip Colombo and head straight for the Cultural Triangle.
• The Bus: Take the bus to Kurunegala first (Bus No. 5 from nearby the airport junction, or taxi to Kurunegala bus stand). Then, transfer to a bus heading to Dambulla (Route 48 or 49 heading to Anuradhapura/Trinco).
• Time: 4-5 hours total.
• Stay: Sigiriya or Dambulla.

Day 2-4: The Ancient Cities

Highlights: Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, Pidurangala.

Local Transport: Dambulla is the hub. Buses run constantly between Dambulla and the Sigiriya junction (every 30 mins, Rs. 100). From the junction, it’s a short tuk-tuk ride or walk to the rock.

Day 5: Into the Hills

Route: Dambulla → Kandy

• The Bus: Stand at the main Dambulla bus stop (near the clock tower). Flag down any bus heading to Kandy (Route 41 or 42).
• Frequency: Very High (every 15-20 mins).
• Time: 2.5 - 3 hours.
• NextBus Tip: Try to get a seat on the right side for views. It can get crowded, so board quickly.

Day 6-7: The Cultural Capital

Highlights: Temple of the Tooth, Botanical Gardens.

Route: Kandy → Botanical Gardens (Peradeniya)

• The Bus: Take any bus heading to "Peradeniya" or "Pilimathalawa" from the Kandy Clock Tower bus stop (Route 644 or 652).
• Cost: Rs. 50.

Day 8: The Most Beautiful Journey

Route: Kandy → Ella (Train recommended, Bus possible)

Honest Advice: Everyone takes the blue train. It is iconic. However, if tickets are sold out (common!), the bus is your backup.

• The Bus Option: Take a bus from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Route 47), then switch to a bus to Bandarawela, and finally a short hop to Ella.
• Time: 5-6 hours (winding roads).
• Warning: If you get motion sickness, take the train or bring medication. The roads are serpentine.

Check Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Bus Times →

Day 9-11: Mountains & Tea

Highlights: Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam's Peak.

Local Transport: Ella is small enough to walk, or take cheap local buses to nearby falls like Ravana Falls (any bus heading south toward Wellawaya passes it).

Day 12: Descent to the Ocean

Route: Ella → Mirissa/Matara

• The Bus: This is a long haul but direct buses exist! Look for the "Bandarawela to Matara" bus. It usually passes through Ella town in the morning (ask your guesthouse for the exact time, usually around 6:30 - 7:30 AM).
• Alternative: Bus to Wellawaya, then Bus to Matara (Route 35).
• Time: 5-6 hours.
• Scenery: Stunning transition from misty mountains to dry plains to the ocean.

Day 13: The South Coast

Route: Beach Hopping (Mirissa ↔ Galle)

• The Bus: The coastal road (Galle Road) is served by the legendary Route 02 (Colombo-Galle-Matara) buses.
• Frequency: Insane. Every 2-5 minutes.
• Experience: These buses are colorful, loud music playing, fast, and fun. Just wave one down anywhere on the road.
• Cost: Rs. 50 - 100 between beach towns.

More on the Galle Route →

Day 14: Back to Reality

Route: Galle/Mirissa → Airport or Colombo

• The Bus: Do not take the slow coastal bus (Route 02) all the way back unless you love 6-hour rides. Take the Highway Bus (E01).
• From Where: Galle Central Bus Stand or Matara Bus Stand.
• To Where: Makumbura Multimodal Center (Kottawa) or Maharagama. From there, highway buses connect to the Airport.
• Time: 1.5 - 2 hours to Colombo outskirts.

Summary of Costs (Estimates)

• Airport to Dambulla: Rs. 600
• Dambulla to Kandy: Rs. 350
• Kandy to Ella (Bus): Rs. 500
• Ella to Coast: Rs. 800
• Coastal Hops: Rs. 300 (total)
• Highway to Colombo: Rs. 1,200
• Total: ~Rs. 3,750 (approx $12.50 USD)

Ready to go? Pack light (backpacks are best for buses), bring small cash, and embrace the adventure!