Arugam Bay – How To Get There (Bus, Train, Car).

Arugam Bay is a magical place, when it’s in season (roughly June to September). It offers perhaps the best surfing in Sri Lanka but is also a great place for hanging out, dining, biking, etc. The only catch is that it’s mega-far – at least 6 hours, but probably closer to 7 or 8. If you’re going there, it’s good (and easy) to stay for a while.

Getting There

The best way to get to Arugam Bay is actually to make it part of a broader tour. If you go to Kandy, then take the train to Ella, then hire a van down to Arugam Bay it doesn’t feel that far. 

If you’re going straight, there’s one main route. As a note, do not use Google directions. They take you down some terrible B roads. Always stick to A roads wherever possible.

The Ratnapura Way (E01-A8-A4)

This route is pretty simple, but it can go bad pretty quick if you get diverted onto B roads. As a rule of thumb, always take the low road (ie, at a fork go right). Always try to go away from the hilly country rather than into it.

  • E01
    • Get on the Expressway
    • Take the Gelanigama Exit (Panadura/Horana)
    • Turn right onto the Horana Road (the A8)
  • A8
    • Stay on the A8 till you hit Ratnapura
    • Get thru Ratnapura town somehow
    • At the Malwala Handiya, for the love of all things holy, turn right. DO NOT TAKE THE B ROAD
    • Stay on the A4
    • Get to Pelmadulla

From here you can go two ways:

1. The high road (shorter but hillier)

    • Pass Pelmadulla
    • At Beragala, take the right fork, stay on the A4
    • Pass Wellawaya
    • Arrive at Arugam Bay

2. The low road (longer but flat)

    • Turn down the A18 at Pelmadulla
    • Head to Uda Walawa
    • Take the B427 along Uda Walawe Park
    • Turn up the A2 at Thanamalwila
    • Turn right at Wellawaya back onto the A4
    • Arrive at Arugam Bay

Other Routes

You can also either go up and over (through Kandy) or down and around (through Matara). We’ve heard that you can also take the Expressway all the way to Matara then take the A2 to Tissamaharama and then take the Kataramaga Road thru to Buttala. This may be more pleasant driving, but would take an hour or two longer. Haven’t tried it. Would not recommend driving through Kandy, but if you want to make a tour out of it that’s a nice set of contrasts.

Modes Of Transport

Car

If you’re have a car or motorbike that’s best. You can rent cars for a pretty good day rate from places like Central Finance. You can get a Maruti for Rs. 1,500 a day.

If you’re staying at someplace in Arugam Bay, they often have vans running from the Airport or Colombo, call them and ask.

Bus

The Pottuvil bus takes 10-12 hours (!). It leaves from Colombo at 5 AM and 8 PM (we think, you need to check), from Colombo Fort. Costs around Rs. 500. Pottuvil effectively is Arugam Bay, it’s the nearest town.

Train

The train ride to Ella is incredibly beautiful… and incredibly slow. From there you need to hire a van (around Rs. 10,000, not sure) or take a bus (a few hundred rupees but slow). Again to Pottuvil.

So

So that’s a rough guide to getting to Arugam Bay. Once you’re there you can rent bicycles but most people take trishaws. If possible get a trishaw recommendation from the place you’re staying. When it comes time to getting out, again try to go with recommendations if you’re taking a van out. 

Arugam Bay remains a trek to get to, but that’s part of what makes it so great. It used to be even harder and, during wartime, actually dangerous but people still went. There’s something magical about the waves and the climate and the whole vibe there that makes a day on the road worthwhile.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

7 Cuisines in 7 Days 

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Kamu Trending

Hidden Spot Worth Finding: The Avenue, Colombo

Located in Colombo, The Avenue is one of those spots that feels comfortable the moment

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Tea Trails & Tastes: : Best Eats in Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

By Fathima Rukaiya, Let’s take a flavorful journey through the culinary landscapes of Ella and

Highlights Kamu Trending

Press Conference: Celebrating 50 Years of The London Grill & Welcoming Visiting Chef Phillip Davenport

Colombo, Sri Lanka – 14 May 2025 – Cinnamon Grand Colombo is pleased to invite

Highlights Kamu Trending

Trending.

7 Cuisines in 7 Days 

Are you craving a culinary adventure? 7 Cuisines in 7 Days is your ultimate guide

Highlights Kamu Trending

Japanese Restaurants in Sri Lanka

1.Salmon and Maki - Thalawathugoda Japanese Fusion Cuisine 11.00 AM - 10.30 PM (everyday) Visit:

Highlights Kamu Trending

Hidden Spot Worth Finding: The Avenue, Colombo

Located in Colombo, The Avenue is one of those spots that feels comfortable the moment

Highlights Kamu Trending

7 Fine Dining Restaurants You Must Try in Colombo

Sri Lanka’s culinary scene is rapidly evolving, blending its rich heritage with global gastronomic trends.

Highlights Kamu Trending

Father’s Day Festivities Await at Cinnamon Grand Colombo

This Father’s Day, Cinnamon Grand Colombo invites guests to honour Dad with an array of

Trending

Celebrate Sustainability & Community at the POYA Market Mount Lavinia Hotel

The POYA Market returns to Mount Lavinia Hotel on Monday, 10th June 2025, from 10

Trending

Yamu Guide.

The 2025 High Tea Round-Up

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing high tea? Whether you're into sweet

Highlights Yamu Guide

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025

By Linara Wimalaweera Father's Day is an opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and influence of

Yamu Guide

Top Must-Try Restaurants in Ahangama for 2025

Ahangama, a charming surf town on Sri Lanka's southern coast, is becoming a popular spot

Highlights Yamu Guide

8 Gift Ideas to Celebrate Your Mom This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is a special time set aside to honor the amazing women who shape

Yamu Guide

Colombo’s best kept secrets – Date night spots 2025

Colombo might be known for its trendy cafes and fancy rooftop spots, but who says

Kamu Yamu Guide

A Luxurious Seafood Experience at Fat Crab Colombo

Fat Crab Colombo offers a wonderful dining experience that combines luxury, live music, and an

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide