Negombo to Kalpitiya – what is the best way to travel

Kalpitiya is located 140 km north of Colombo, and there are several ways to travel from Negombo or Negombo Airport to Kalpitiya. You can choose between public transport for a budget-friendly experience or a private transfer for comfort and convenience.

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1. Private Shuttle or Private Vehicle – The Fastest & Most Convenient Option

Traveling to Kalpitiya by private vehicle is the quickest and most hassle-free option. The journey takes approximately 3 hours, depending on traffic.

• Cost: Around 22,000 LKR, depending on the type of vehicle and fuel prices.
• Best for: Travelers with kite equipment, heavy luggage, or those who prefer door-to-door service.
• Convenience: We can arrange a private transfer for you, ensuring a smooth ride straight from Negombo or the airport to your accommodation in Kalpitiya.

If you’d like to book a private transfer, just let us know, and we’ll have someone waiting for you upon arrival.

2. Traveling by Train – A Cheap & Scenic Experience

Taking the train from Negombo to Palavi is an affordable and interesting way to reach Kalpitiya.

• Duration: Around 3 hours to Palavi.
• Next step: From Palavi, you need to take a local bus to Kalpitiya. The bus stop is just 200 meters from the train station.
• Train schedule: Check the latest train times at Train Time Sri Lanka.

3. Traveling by Local Bus – The Budget Option

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get to Kalpitiya, local buses are available. However, this option is only recommended if you’re traveling light and during the daytime.

• Cost: Around 1,000 LKR.
• Duration: Expect a 4-5 hour journey.
• Bus types:
  • Blue buses are faster as they make fewer stops.
  • Red buses stop more frequently and are slower.

From Negombo Airport to Kalpitiya by Bus

1. Take a tuk-tuk (5 min, ~1,000 LKR) from the airport to Katunayake Junction Bus Stop.
2. Board any northbound bus heading to major cities like Puttalam, Anuradhapura, Mannar, or Jaffna.
3. Ask the driver if the bus stops in Palavi.
4. Once in Palavi, transfer to a Kalpitiya-bound bus (buses run every 30 minutes until 8 PM).

Tip: Always check for available seats before boarding, as standing for 3 hours can be exhausting!

From Negombo City Center to Kalpitiya by Bus

1. Go to the Negombo main bus station.
2. Take a bus to Puttalam or Palavi.
3. Get off at Palavi (recommended) and transfer to a Kalpitiya-bound bus, or continue to Puttalam and catch a bus from there.