Key hubs
Anuradhapura airport and railway station
- Airport
- Anuradhapura Airport (ACJ) is a domestic and air force airfield with no scheduled airline service reported; most visitors arrive via Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB), about 4 hours by road
- Railway station
- Anuradhapura railway station, on the Northern line to Colombo Fort and Jaffna; the Colombo run takes roughly 4.5 hours, so check current timetables
- Getting around
- Tuk-tuks, hired cars with drivers and hotel bicycles; the ancient city is spread out and too hot to cover on foot
How to reach Anuradhapura by air
The main gateway is Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo (CMB), about 4 hours by road from Anuradhapura. Several Indian cities have flights to Colombo, but schedules change, so check airlines. Anuradhapura Airport (ACJ) is a domestic and air force field with no scheduled airline service reported.
How to reach Anuradhapura by train
Anuradhapura railway station is on the Northern line, with services from Colombo Fort, Jaffna and Mannar. The Colombo run takes roughly 4.5 hours and booking ahead is wise. Timetables change, so confirm locally. The station is in the New Town, a short tuk-tuk ride from the sacred area.
How to reach Anuradhapura by road
The town lies on the A9 highway and is linked by road to Dambulla, Kandy, Trincomalee, Vavuniya and Jaffna. Colombo is about 205 km away, roughly 4 to 5 hours by car; air-conditioned intercity buses from Colombo take about 5 hours. Sigiriya is about 1.5 to 2 hours away.
Getting around Anuradhapura
Tuk-tuks are the usual way around the ancient city, and the PickMe app covers taxis, tuk-tuks and motorbikes. A car with a driver suits seniors. Bicycles can be hired from some hotels but heat makes them best for fit travellers. The New Town can be walked end to end in about 30 minutes.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Anuradhapura
- Start at opening time. The ancient city has little shade and the ground is hot from mid-morning; shoes must come off at every sacred precinct, so carry socks or wear thin ones if the venue allows them.
- Hire a tuk-tuk or car with a driver for the day. The monuments are spread over several kilometres and walking between them in the sun is tiring.
- Take travel insurance with medical cover. Carry regular medicines, and check where the nearest hospital is before you travel.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.