Bus Tours Trincomalee

Getting Around Trincomalee

Trincomalee is best explored by tuk-tuk, scooter or private car, with public buses for the coast road. There are no hop-on hop-off services.

Public buses. Ordinary buses run between town and Nilaveli along the coast road. They are commuter services, so expect crowds in the morning and late afternoon. A direct bus from Bastian Mawatha in Colombo to Trincomalee takes about 7 hours, with departures about every 30 minutes.

Tuk-tuks. A tuk-tuk is the easiest way to reach these places:

• Koneswaram Temple: An active Hindu shrine on Swami Rock with wide views over the bay.
• Fort Frederick: Free to walk through. The Portuguese built it, and the Dutch and British held it later.
• Pigeon Island National Park: Boats leave from Nilaveli beach. Snorkelling and diving are best in the calm season, about May to September.
• Nilaveli Beach: A wide, quiet beach north of town.

Tips for getting around

• Agree Fares First: Settle the price with a tuk-tuk driver before you set off, or ask for the meter.
• Check Licence Rules: Tourists need a Sri Lankan permit to drive, so ask the rental firm before hiring a scooter.
• Bring Water and Snacks: Journeys on slow roads can be long, so pack refreshments.
• Dress Respectfully: When visiting Koneswaram Temple, cover your shoulders and knees and take your shoes off.
• Plan Around the Monsoon: From roughly October or November to February or March the sea is rough and Pigeon Island is closed.