City guide article

Taxi

Taxis are expensive, yet most would say they are safer than a three-wheeler. You can ask for a driver who understands your language/English. Almost all these taxis come with comfortable seats and air conditioning. Here are some of the cab companies in Colombo:

City guideTransportation

Overview

City Cab

No 422, Galle Road, Colombo 06. Phone: 0094 112 552222

Cool Kangaroo

91 1/6, Galle Road, Colombo 04 Phone: 0094 112 580047

Crown Cabs

No 65 / 1 Nawala Road, Nugegoda Phone: 0094 112 819819

Kangaroo Cabs

Phone: 0094 112 588588 (cars) Phone: 0094 112 502888 (vans) Website: http://www.kangaroocabs.com/

Namdo Transport Lanka (Pvt) Ltd

No 85 Cotta Road, Borella Phone: 0094 112 688688

Swallow Quick Cab Service 136 / 4 Highlevel Road, Kirulapone Phone: 0094 112 377677

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Tri-Shaw

To go about town, i.e. short distances, it is best to hire a Tri-shaw, also called tuk-tuks. These three wheelers with canvas roofs are owned privately, mostly by the drivers themselves. Short trips can cost as little as Rs 60 and longer trips can cost you as much as Rs 350. Always negotiate and agree on a price with the driver before you begin your journey. Stop about 2-3 tri-shaws before you settle on one, so that you can get an idea of the cost of your trip, because some drivers may hike up the price when they learn you are not a local. Flag down a tri-shaw going in the direction of your destination as they would prove cheaper than those at a designated tri-shaw stand. Metered tri-shaw (with ‘ Meter Taxi’ sign in front) may be even cheaper if you are lucky to come across one. Keep your belongings close to you and make sure you don’t leave anything behind when you leave.

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Transportation

Car for hire

You can hire a private vehicle – car or van – on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and with or without a driver.

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Transportation

Driving Tips

The roads in Colombo are quite decent but there are only a few highways so speeds are usually limited to 50kmph within the city boundaries. Local drivers are known to change lanes abruptly, often without signalling so it is best to stay extra alert at all times. Pedestrians in Colombo are famous for walking on the edge of the road (or in the middle if the road is narrower) and never seem to use the pre-designated pedestrian crossings. Again, best to be alert to avoid knocking down people. You may come across cattle, stray dogs, and even elephants, on the roads. This is where your patience as a driver is sorely tested –i.e. when an elephant crosses a road. Besides that, driving in Colombo should be a manageable affair.

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