Car Rentals, Scooters, Taxis, Motorbike Taxis
Hiriketiya Transport Guide
Getting Around
Rent Scooters and Motorbikes
Transportation Apps
Car Rental with Driver
Transportation!
One of the most important parts of your trip which is best planned before your arrival.
Transport in Sri Lanka is part of the travel experience, and there are several ways to get around depending on your budget, route and comfort level. For longer journeys, a private car and driver is usually the easiest and most comfortable option, especially if you are travelling with luggage, visiting multiple destinations or arriving after a long flight.
Getting to Hiriketiya
Airport to Hiriketiya
The easiest way to get to Hiriketiya from the airport is by private taxi or pre-booked transfer. After a long flight, this is usually the most comfortable option, especially if you are carrying luggage or arriving late at night.
Public transport is possible, first you will have to get from the airport to Colombo Fort. From there, take a train or bus towards Matara. Once you arrive at Matara Railway Station or Matara Bus Stand, continue by local bus towards Dikwella / Tangalle and get off at Dikwella Bus Stand. From Dikwella, Hiriketiya is only a short tuk-tuk ride away.
Colombo to Hiriketiya
From Colombo, the quickest way to reach Hiriketiya is by car or taxi using the Southern Expressway. It is a fairly straightforward drive and is usually the most convenient option if you want to get there without too much hassle.
If you are travelling on a budget you can take a train from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Matara Railway Station, or take a highway/intercity bus from the Colombo area to Matara Bus Stand. From Matara, take a local bus heading towards Dikwella or Tangalle, and get off at Dikwella Bus Stand. Then take a tuk-tuk to Hiriketiya. It also works backwards if you are heading to Colombo.
Galle, Weligama or Mirissa to Hiriketiya
Getting to Hiriketiya from Galle, Weligama or Mirissa is fairly easy. You can take a taxi, tuk-tuk or local bus along the south coast through Matara and Dikwella.
A tuk-tuk or taxi is the easiest option if you have bags with you, while the bus is a cheaper choice if you do not mind a slower and more local journey.
Kandy to Hiriketiya
Hiriketiya is quite a long journey from Kandy, so a private car or taxi is usually the most comfortable way to travel. It also gives you the chance to stop along the way and break up the drive.
Many travellers visit Kandy, then Ella, and then continue down to Hiriketiya, which makes the journey feel more natural as part of a Sri Lanka round trip.
Ella to Hiriketiya
Ella to Hiriketiya is a popular route for travellers heading from the hill country to the south coast. A private taxi or car is the easiest option and makes the journey much more relaxed, especially with luggage.
Public transport is possible, but it can involve a few changes, so it is better suited to travellers who have more time and do not mind a bit of adventure. From Ella, start at the Ella Bus Stop where you will take a bus towards Wellawaya and get off at Wellawaya Bus Stand. From Wellawaya, travel by bus towards Tangalle or Matara, depending on the bus that day.
If you arrive at Tangalle Bus Stand, take a bus towards Dikwella and get off at the Dikwella Bus Stand. If you arrive at the Matara Bus Stand, take a bus towards Dikwella and get off at the Dikwella Bus Stand. From Dikwella, take a short tuk-tuk to Hiriketiya. It also works backwards.
Rent a Scooter, Motor bike or Tuk Tuk- Only if you think you can handle it
Definitely the best and most popular way to get around Hiriketiya’s tight and narrow roads. Rental options are usually available through local providers, guesthouses and hotels. Check with your local accomodation to recommend a reliable rental provider.
It is important to check the vehicle condition, helmet availability, insurance details. Pro tip: Take a video of the scooter or Tuk Tuk before rental to hold footage of the condition of the vehicle.
Surf the waves of Hiriketiya
Advertise Here
Hiriketiya surf is among the best in Sri Lanka. suitable for surfers of all levels, with a beach break for beginners and a reef break for more advanced.
Ride Hailing Apps
Uber and the local PickMe app are the two most commonly used ride-hailing apps in and around Hiriketiya. They can be useful for short trips to nearby beaches, restaurants, hotels and attractions, although availability may vary depending on the time of day, location and demand. For late-night travel or early morning transfers, it is best to plan ahead.
Pick Me
Uber
Car Rental with Driver
Hiring a car with a driver is the safest and most reliable way to travel. It gives you more flexibility, space for luggage, and the option to stop along the way for food, photos or sightseeing.
Transfers can be arranged through Destinations Plus, a local travel agency with reliable vehicles and experienced drivers who are licensed for the tourism industry.
