The most convenient way of getting to Arugam Bay from the capital is by private car or van. Upon your arrival at the airport, a dedicated driver will meet you at the arrivals hall to begin your journey to the camp in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
The drive from Colombo to Arugam Bay typically takes 6–7 hours, depending on traffic and the time of your arrival. We can also arrange your return ride to the airport for a stress-free departure. As you travel across the island from the west to the east coast, you’ll witness Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, from lush mountains and mist-covered tea plantations to scenic inland countryside.
Our route often passes through the edge of Udawalawe or Lahugala, where it is common to spot wild elephants right from the roadside. It’s a spectacular introduction to the island’s natural beauty before you even hit the waves!
We will drive through Udawalawe National Park, where you might even see a wild elephant only one meter away from you.
Airport pickup/drop off
We can arrange a pick-up in Colombo for:
- 6- seater van from Colombo City US$ 140
- 6-seater van from Colombo Airport US$ 160
We can also arrange transport (pick-up/drop off) to and from other destinations.
Ask for the price, as they might vary during the season.
Bus
Local bus from Colombo Main Bus Terminal will depart regularly every hour.
The price is US$ 7 – US$ 10. It will take 6-8 hours, depending on how many stops. There will be 1 or 2 shifts.
Direct bus, no 98, departs twice a day from Colombo to Pottuvil at 5 am and 8 pm and the journey will be around 7-8 hours the price is US$ 7 – US$ 10.
Backpack tips: Backpack to Sri Lanka
Direct private AC bus from The Airport every morning at 5am and departs daily from Punchi borella (opposite Punchi borella telecom) at 8pm and arrives at Pottuvil Bus Station around 3.45 am, the price is U$ 15, and if you have extra luggage they will charge you U$3 extra. A tuk tuk from bus staion to SAFA Surf will be around Rs 1500 (5$) If you need tuk tuk from Pottuvil Town call Nafeel:0094754619494, 0094761558823
It is necessary to book a seat beforehand.
Contact number is 0711923997(THE TIME YOU GOT IN THE BUS CALL NAFEEL AND CONFIRME THE PICK UP FROM THE BUS STATION).
Train
Train from Colombo Central Railway Station to Ella (9 hours) or Badulla 10-11 hours.
Getting from Badulla or Ella to wellawaya to monaragala to Arugam Bay:
By private van from Badulla, 3-4 hours. The price will be around US$ 110
By private van from Ella 3-4 hours. The price will be around US$ 100
By bus to Pottuvil, 6 hours (sometimes 1 shift) and thereafter 10 minutes tuk tuk drive to Arugam Bay.
Flights
See here a list of cheap flights with your surfboard "2015 Airline Surfboard fee guide":https://www.cinnamonair.com/routes/colombo-to-batticaloa/
Cinnamon Air has regular flights to Batticaloa with a stopover in Sigiriya for US$ 258 per person 4 times a week – Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Schedules and fares: www.cinnamonair.com Online booking: www.cinnamonair.com Hotline +94 112 475 475
Cinnamon Air also provides an air taxi service where you can charter a water plane to land in Arugam Bay Lagoon.
The air taxi seats maximum 8 people and the price is US$ 3360 one way.
Hotline for reservations: 0113 144244 /0113 144944
Helitours
Another option is Helitours who now have regular flights from Colombo to Ampara. They only fly once a week: Tuesdays, 8.00 AM (check in 7.00 AM) from Ratmalana to Ampara.
Return fare is Tuesdays, 4.00 PM (check in 3.00 PM) from Ampara.
Online booking is only possible two days prior to the departure date: www.helitours.lk
Hotline for reservations: 0113 144244 /0113 144944