Hitchhiking in Sri Lanka: Why It’s Rare for Locals but Easy for Tourists
Is Hitchhiking Common in Sri Lanka? Hitchhiking in Sri Lanka is not a typical practice among locals. For most Sri Lankans, the idea of thumbing a ride from strangers is unfamiliar and rarely seen. Public buses, tuk-tuks, and trains are the go-to transport options for locals, even in rural areas. Culturally, hitchhiking is “nearly an unknown concept” on the island. Why Tourists Succeed at Hitchhiking Despite the unfamiliarity of the practice among locals, many foreign travellers—particularly Westerners or “ suddhas ” (a colloquial Sinhala term for white people)—find hitchhiking surprisingly easy and effective in Sri Lanka. Drivers are often curious about travellers and may stop simply to have a conversation or hear a good story. The interactions are usually warm and welcoming, with many travellers describing it as a unique and enriching cultural exchange. However, long, continuous rides are rare. You’re more likely to hop from one short ride to another, as most drivers only travel p...