Getting to Hikkaduwa: Transport Guide
By AquaTrek · Hikkaduwa locals
Hikkaduwa is easy to reach from most points on the south coast and from Colombo. The train is the most enjoyable option. Here is every realistic route, with honest timings and current approximate costs.
From Colombo (98 km)
By Train — Recommended
The Coastal Railway from Colombo Fort to Hikkaduwa is one of the most scenic train journeys in Sri Lanka. The line runs along the coast for much of its length, with the Indian Ocean visible on the left side southbound (sit on the right going back to Colombo to face the sea). The journey takes 2.5–3 hours depending on the train.
Key trains southbound from Colombo Fort:
- Intercity Express (No. 8751): ~2 hrs 20 min, limited stops, air-conditioned cars available
- Regular express services run throughout the day from approximately 5:45 AM to 8:45 PM
Fares: First class reserved seat around Rs 700–900. Second class unreserved around Rs 200. Third class around Rs 80.
Book in advance: First class seats sell out on weekends and public holidays. Book through the Sri Lanka Railways website or at the ticket counter at Colombo Fort. Third class is always unreserved — turn up and get on.
The Hikkaduwa station is in the centre of town, a 5-minute walk from the beach. Most guesthouses are within tuk-tuk distance (Rs 200–300).
By Bus
Colombo to Hikkaduwa buses depart from Colombo Central Bus Stand (Bastian Mawatha). Express buses take approximately 2.5–3 hours; normal buses stop at every town and can take 4+ hours.
Fare: around Rs 200–300. AC express buses charge more (Rs 400–600).
Buses drop passengers on the main road — the same street most guesthouses are on.
By Car or Taxi
The Southern Expressway (E01) connects Colombo to the south coast. The toll road cuts the drive to around 1.5 hours in good traffic. Taxis (via PickMe or Uber) cost approximately Rs 6,000–9,000 from Colombo.
If you are hiring a driver for your Sri Lanka trip (a common approach for a 2-week island circuit), Hikkaduwa is roughly day 3 or 4 heading south — your driver will know the route well.
From Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
The airport is 118 km from Hikkaduwa. No direct train — you need to go via Colombo Fort.
Fastest route:
- PickMe or Uber taxi from airport to Colombo Fort station (~45 min, Rs 1,500–2,500)
- Train from Colombo Fort to Hikkaduwa (2.5 hrs) Total: approximately 3.5–4 hours
Direct taxi: A taxi from the airport direct to Hikkaduwa costs approximately Rs 10,000–14,000. If you arrive late at night or have substantial luggage, this is the practical option.
Pre-arrange your transfer: Several Hikkaduwa guesthouses offer airport transfers at fixed rates, often Rs 8,000–10,000. Worth enquiring when you book.
From Galle (19 km south)
Galle Fort is 19 kilometres south of Hikkaduwa.
By bus: Frequent buses (Rs 70–100) run along the coastal road. Journey time is 30–40 minutes depending on traffic.
By tuk-tuk: Around Rs 1,500–2,000 for the one-way journey. Good option for returning from a Galle Fort evening visit.
By train: Trains from Galle to Hikkaduwa run several times a day. Journey time 25–35 minutes. Fare Rs 50–150.
From Unawatuna (24 km south)
Unawatuna to Hikkaduwa by tuk-tuk is approximately Rs 1,500–2,000, around 35 minutes. Buses run the route for under Rs 100.
From Mirissa (45 km east)
Mirissa (famous for whale-watching) is 45 km from Hikkaduwa.
By bus: Change at Galle — Mirissa to Galle (Rs 80), Galle to Hikkaduwa (Rs 70). About 1.5 hours total.
By tuk-tuk: Around Rs 3,000–4,000 direct.
Getting Around Hikkaduwa
Tuk-tuks: The default. Most trips within town are Rs 200–400. Always negotiate before getting in, or use PickMe (app-based, fixed price, no negotiation needed).
Scooters: Multiple rental shops on the main road. Around Rs 2,500–3,500 per day. A valid international driver's licence is required in theory; in practice enforcement is inconsistent. Sri Lankan roads require genuine attention — stay off busy roads at night.
Bicycles: Available from some guesthouses (Rs 300–500/day). Hikkaduwa's flat terrain makes cycling practical for the beach strip and lake area.
Walking: The main beach strip is about 2 km long and entirely walkable. Rathgama Lake is a 20-minute walk (or 5-minute tuk-tuk ride) from the beach.
Leaving Hikkaduwa
All the options above work in reverse. If you are heading further south to Mirissa, Tangalle, or Tissamaharama, buses from Hikkaduwa junction run frequently to Galle (30 min) where you change for anywhere on the south coast.
Heading to Kandy from Hikkaduwa: No direct train. The standard route is Hikkaduwa → Colombo by train, then Colombo → Kandy by train or bus. Total journey approximately 5–6 hours.
If you are on a multi-destination trip: Hikkaduwa → Galle Fort (overnight) → Unawatuna (beach) → Mirissa (whale watching, November–April) → Tangalle (quieter beach) → Tissamaharama (Yala National Park) is the classic south coast circuit. AquaTrek is a natural day 2 or 3 start point before the longer drive east.
