Overview
There is a direct bus from Matara to Kalmunai which stops in Pottuvil leaving daily at 11:50am. This should give you time to take an early bus from any south coast origin such as Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Mirissa or Weligama and arrive at Matara before it leaves. The bus travels through Tangalle so you can get on there but a seat may not be guaranteed. After arriving in Pottuvil take a tuk tuk to Arugam Bay or wait for a bus to Panama.
Duration and Cost
According to the comments below, the journey time is about seven hours from Matara to Pottuvil and it costs 350LKR.
Other Departures
If you want to leave Matara earlier or later you can take a more regular bus to Monaragala and then change on to the Panama bus which stops in Arugam Bay. See the page Colombo to Arugam Bay by Bus for more info on arriving by bus.
Quick Links
- Bandaranaike Airport to Colombo
- Colombo to Arugam Bay by Bus
- Colombo to Arugam Bay by Train and Bus via Ella or Badulla
- Colombo to Arugam Bay by Train and Bus via Batticaloa
- Colombo to Arugam Bay by Luxury Bus via Akkaraipattu
- South Coast to Arugam Bay by Bus
- Independent Taxi Share
- Request Taxi Quote
Latest Post: Where to Escape the Crowds in Arugam Bay 2020
Hi John. Does the bus from Matara to Pottivil run at the same time on a Saturday, and a Sunday.
Hi Steve, not 100% sure but I do not see any reason why not.
How much time is required to go from Matara to Arugam Bay?
Hey Marco, as it says above in the text about 7 hours.
Hi sorry if this has already been asked but can you take this bus trip in reverse? I was wanting to travel from arugum bay to hikkadawa and would love to not have to transfer from bus to bus if possible
cheers
Hey aleshia, yes you can, see the Leaving Here page.
This is an old post hut giving it a try — does buses still stop at Tangalle on the way to A’Bay? And from where in Tangalle, just on the road anywhere?
Would be grateful for any advice.
Hey Amira, we are not sure, if you find out please let us know.