Key hubs
Jaffna airport and railway station
- Airport
- Jaffna International Airport (JAF) at Palaly, about 13 km north of the city; IndiGo has served Chennai, and schedules change, so check airlines
- Railway station
- Jaffna Railway Station is the northern terminus of the Northern Line; trains run from Colombo Fort in about 8 hours, so check timings
- Getting around
- Tuk-tuks in the city, hired car with driver for the peninsula and islands, ferries from Kurikadduwan jetty for Nainativu and Delft
How to reach Jaffna by air
Jaffna International Airport (JAF) at Palaly is about 13 km north of the city. IndiGo has served Chennai and Tiruchirappalli, but schedules change, so check airlines. Alternatively, fly to Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo (CMB), and continue by train or road.
How to reach Jaffna by train
Jaffna Railway Station is the terminus of the Northern Line, reopened to Jaffna in October 2014. Several trains, including the Yal Devi and Uttara Devi, run from Colombo Fort. The journey takes roughly 8 hours; confirm current timetables before travelling.
How to reach Jaffna by road
Jaffna is about 396 km from Colombo by road. Overnight buses run from Colombo and take roughly 7 hours; a private car with driver is more comfortable but long. Vavuniya is a hub for buses on the A9 road north.
Getting around Jaffna
Tuk-tuks cover the city, and a hired car with driver is best for the north coast and ferry jetties. The bus to Kurikadduwan jetty runs from near the central bus stand. Agree fares before starting.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Jaffna
- Carry water, a hat and sunscreen, and drink only bottled or filtered water.
- Keep a hospital plan: Jaffna Teaching Hospital is the main government hospital in the Northern Province. Carry travel insurance with medical cover.
- Avoid unmarked land away from roads and paths, as some areas may still have war-era hazards.
- 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.