Jaffna & the North - Sri Lanka - page 624

3750, three weekly, 30 minutes). An obligatory shuttle bus departs from Helitours' town
office. You need to arrive two hours ahead.
BUS
Long-Distance
From the CTB bus stand ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 222 2281) and neighbouring private
bus stand ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Kasturiya Rd) there are frequent long-distance services:
Anuradhapura Rs 252, five hours, three daily
Colombo Rs 670, 12 hours, eight daily
Kandy Rs 352, nine hours, nine daily
Mannar Rs 200, 3½ hours, 10 daily
Trincomalee Rs 324, seven hours, five daily
Vavuniya Rs 198, four hours, every 30 minutes
Numerous private bus companies offer overnight services ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ) to Co-
lombo. Around a dozen offices are all grouped together on Hospital Rd, including VT Ex-
press ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ;Hospital Rd) . Rates are Rs 700/900/1300 for an ordinary/semi-
luxury/luxury bus and the journey time is 10 to 12 hours.
Jaffna Peninsula
Destinations around the peninsula (including the islands) are served by both CTB and
private minibuses from the CTB bus stand and stops close by on Powerhouse Rd ( MAP
GOOGLE MAP ) . Be warned that local buses are slow and can be infrequent; check return
times before you head out. Services include the following:
Kairanagar via Vaddukkodai (782, 786) Rs 48, 1½ hours, every 30 minutes
Kayts (777) Rs 45, one hour, every 30 to 60 minutes (bus 780 also goes here but takes
longer)
Keerimalai spring (private minibuses 82, 87, 89) Rs 40, one hour, every 20 minutes
Kurikadduwan (KKD; 776) Rs 74, 1½ hours, hourly
Point Pedro via Nelliady (750) Rs 69, 1½ hours, every 30 minutes
Point Pedro via Valvettiturai (VVT; 751) Rs 73, 1½ hours, every 30 to 60 minutes