Jaffna is connected to Colombo by an overnight train — the Yal Devi express, which was restored after the civil war ended and runs through Vavuniya and Kilinochchi. The journey takes around 6–7 hours in the best conditions and is considerably more pleasant than the bus alternative. Book in advance as it fills quickly. There are also daytime trains on the same route.
Buses from Colombo run regularly (the journey is 6–8 hours), and shared taxis cover the route faster at higher cost. Jaffna's bus station is in the centre of the city near the market. A small domestic airport, Palali Airport, serves the city with multiple daily flights from Colombo operated by FitsAir and Cinnamon Air — the one-hour flight is well worth the price if you're short on time. The railway station is on Station Road just north of the fort.