Getting Around: Galle

Public Transportation Overview

Buses form the backbone of public transportation in Galle and across Sri Lanka. No metro or tram systems operate in Galle. The bus system includes government-run CTB (red buses) and private buses.

Galle’s main bus stand, located adjacent to the railway station, functions as the central hub for all bus routes. Buses connect Galle Fort to surrounding areas, popular beaches like Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa, and other towns further afield.

Bus System Features

CTB Buses: Very cheap, extensive routes, crowded, slower.
Private Buses: Often faster, sometimes more comfort, driven aggressively.
Fares: Pay directly to the bus conductor on board. Low fares (a few hundred LKR).
Operating Hours: Early morning (5 AM) until late evening (9-10 PM). High frequency on main routes.

Navigating Buses

No formal route maps. Ask locals or conductor for guidance. Google Maps also provides general direction.

Accessibility

Public buses generally not wheelchair accessible. Crowded conditions and design can present challenges for mobility issues.

Travel Tips

Confirm destination before boarding. Listen for announcements or ask conductor for your stop. Keep small LKR denominations ready.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis & Tuk-Tuks

Traditional taxis less common for short distances. Tuk-tuks preferred.
Tuk-tuks easily hailed on street, abundant in tourist areas.
Tuk-tuk fares negotiable; agree on price beforehand. Short rides LKR 300-800.

Ride-Sharing Apps

PickMe dominant in Galle. Book tuk-tuks, motorcycles, cars. Transparent pricing.
Uber present but less common for tuk-tuks in Galle, mainly car options.
Apps offer enhanced safety: driver/vehicle details, trip tracking, emergency button.

Rental Options

Car Rental

IDP endorsement by AAC needed. Not suggested for self-drive due to chaotic traffic.

Motorcycle/Scooter

Common. IDP endorsed for motorcycles a legal requirement. Helmets mandatory.

Bicycle Rentals

From guesthouses/shops. Good for Fort exploration. Limited dedicated lanes outside Fort.

Tuk-Tuk Hire

Cannot self-drive legally. Hire with driver for excursions.

Walking & Cycling

Galle Fort's compact size and pedestrian-friendly design make walking and cycling appealing ways to explore its charming streets and ramparts.

Pedestrian-Friendly Zones

Entire Galle Fort area wonderfully pedestrian-friendly.
Limited vehicle access inside Fort for a pleasant strolling environment.
Galle Fort Ramparts: Continuous walking paths with sweeping scenic views.
Popular for walks at sunrise and sunset.

Walking Tours & Bicycle Info

Self-guided: Easily explore with a simple map (guesthouses, digital maps).
Guided: Local guides for historical context and insights.
Bicycle Infrastructure: Limited dedicated lanes. Cycling within Fort safe.
Cycling outside Fort: Hazardous due to heavy traffic. Stick to quieter side roads.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses: For organized group tours, not local transport.
Boat Taxis: No formal services within Galle. Excursions available (whale watching from Mirissa).
No cable cars or funiculars. Tuk-tuk is unique local transport.

Accessibility Services: Sri Lanka lacks extensive infrastructure. Public transport not wheelchair accessible.
Galle Fort with uneven cobblestone streets can present challenges for wheelchair users.
Pre-arranging private transport with driver suggested for mobility needs.

Driving Laws & Parking

Driving Side

Sri Lanka drives on the left-hand side of the road.

Parking in Fort

Parking within Galle Fort limited, often restricted to residents. Best to walk or use tuk-tuks.

Outside Fort Parking

Parking available outside the Fort, sometimes for a fee.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing Safety

For more comfort or direct travel, taxis and ride-sharing apps offer convenient alternatives to public buses. Generally safe options.

Tuk-Tuk Safety

Generally safe. Choose well-maintained vehicles if hailing on street.
Apps provide driver/vehicle details, enhancing safety.
Avoid overly aggressive touts. Agree on price beforehand.
Be aware of aggressive driving habits, typical for local traffic.

Ride-Sharing App Features

Trip tracking for family or friends.
Emergency button within the app for added security.
Transparent pricing structure helps avoid overpaying.
Good for airport/station transfers, pre-booking advisable.

Accessibility Services

Infrastructure Gaps

Sri Lanka generally lacks extensive accessibility infrastructure.

Public transport not wheelchair accessible.

Fort Challenges

Galle Fort’s uneven cobblestone streets and historical buildings pose challenges.

Many older hotels without elevators or ramps.

Suggested Approach

Pre-arranging private transport with a driver assists with mobility needs.

Offers practical and comfortable exploration.

Rental Safety Considerations

Self-Drive Risks

Challenging driving conditions: aggressive drivers, chaotic traffic.
Motorcycle/scooter rentals require IDP endorsement; riding without invalidates insurance.
Helmets mandatory for motorcycles. Roads can be slippery.

Safer Alternatives

Hiring a car with a driver is a popular and safer option.
Walking within Galle Fort is ideal.
Bicycling inside the Fort is safe due to low speeds.

Road Safety Reminders

Traffic can appear chaotic, with drivers often disregarding lane discipline.
Sri Lanka has a relatively high road accident rate.
Be cautious, especially when walking near roads.
Visibility reduces at night or during heavy rain.

Drivers frequently overtake, even when unsafe.
Buses and tuk-tuks may not adhere to speed limits.
Legal driving in Sri Lanka involves IDP endorsement.
Roads vary significantly from modern expressways to narrow, congested local roads.

Final Transportation Advice

Galle's local transportation scene is mainly defined by its buses, tuk-tuks, and walking paths. Other specialized transport methods are less common or serve specific purposes.

For more comfort and peace of mind, especially with mobility needs, pre-arranging private transport with a driver is highly suggested.

Getting Around Galle