Polonnaruwa is primarily served by its own bus and train stations, which facilitate travel within Sri Lanka. While there is no direct airport in Polonnaruwa, the nearest domestic and international air hubs connect travelers to the region.
There is no airport directly within Polonnaruwa. The closest operational airport for domestic flights is Sigiriya (GIU) Airport, located approximately 56-58 km away. Flights from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo to Sigiriya (GIU) typically take about 30 minutes and can cost around $230 or LKR 25,000-120,000. From Sigiriya, a taxi ride to Polonnaruwa takes about an hour and may cost between LKR 1,300-3,800.
Direct train services operate from Colombo Fort Station to Polonnaruwa. The journey typically spans 4 hours 32 minutes to 5 hours 28 minutes, with services running twice daily. Train fares from Colombo to Polonnaruwa generally range from LKR 1,700 to LKR 9,000.
Intercity buses are available from major cities such as Colombo. Buses departing from Colombo Fort (Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand or Pettah) to Polonnaruwa take approximately 4 hours 1 minute to 8 hours. Fares for this route can be around LKR 2,250-2,400. The main bus terminal in Polonnaruwa is situated about 4 km east of the primary tourist attractions, with an option to alight closer to the Clock Tower. For travel from Sigiriya, a tuk-tuk to the Inamaluwa junction (around LKR 500 for 10 km) allows connection to a bus to Polonnaruwa, taking about 90 minutes and costing approximately LKR 94. The last bus back from Polonnaruwa typically departs around 5:30 p.m.
Traveling by car or private taxi from Colombo to Polonnaruwa covers a distance of approximately 216.4 km. The drive typically takes about 3 hours 17 minutes to 3.4 hours. Indicative costs for a private car trip can range from LKR 1,200-1,800, or a taxi fare starting from $76.
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