The easiest way to get to Arugam Bay from Colombo is by car/van. When you arrive at the airport a dedicated driver will meet you and give you a ride to the surf camp by air-conditioned private taxi.
The drive usually takes 4-5 hours, but could be shorter depending on traffic and weather conditions and at what time of day or night you arrive. Upon departure you will get a ride back to the airport.
You will travel across the island from the west coast to east coast, so along the way you can see a lot of the inland country, such as the beautiful mountains and tea plantations.
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$ 110
- 6-seater van from Colombo Airport US$ 140
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$ 5 – US$ 6. 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$ 5 – US$ 7.
Backpack tips: Backpack to Sri Lanka
Direct private AC bus from Colombo 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$3 extra. A tuk tuk from bus staion to SAFA Surf will be around Rs 1000 (5$) If you need tuk tuk from Pottuvil Town call Nafeel:0094754619494,00948433533.
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$ 75
By private van from Ella 3-4 hours. The price will be around US$ 70
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": http://indosurflife.com/2015/03/2015-airline-surfboard-fee-guide/
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. Price: US$ 35
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