Delft, or Neduntheevu, is a quiet island off Jaffna. Getting there is a short road trip and a boat ride, but the ferry is the part to plan carefully.
From Jaffna, the usual route is a road trip of about 45 minutes to 1 hour to Kurikadduwan (KKD) jetty, then a boat crossing of about an hour to Delft. Ferry times change, so treat any time you read as a recent report, and confirm the day before you go.
The full times are in our Kurikadduwan jetty ferry times guide. This article covers the trip itself.
You can reach the jetty by bus, tuk-tuk or private car. A public bus from Jaffna runs about every 40 minutes, and the trip takes about an hour. The jetty is about 32 km from Jaffna by road. Parking is available near the jetty.
A private car helps if you want to reach the jetty early for the first boat, or if you want a driver to wait for your return. The bus is cheap and fine if you are not in a hurry.
Boats cross from Kurikadduwan to Delft. Reports describe a public ferry, small cargo boats and private boats. The public ferry is often run with Navy or road authority boats, and reports describe it as free. It is crowded and can be rough in windy weather. Local residents usually get priority, and visitors can board last when the boat is full.
The crossing takes about an hour. Arrive at least 30 minutes early, and be ready to board quickly.
Many travellers do a day trip. The first boat is the one to catch, and the last return boat is the one to plan for. An overnight stay gives you more time on the island, and it removes the rush for the return boat.
If you come from Kandy or Colombo, you will not reach the island on the same day, so plan a night in Jaffna. Our Kandy or Colombo to Delft guide covers that trip.
Choose a calm, dry day. Strong wind and rough seas can stop the boats, so check the forecast and the boat status the day before. Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends and holidays, when the boats are busy.
Travel to Kurikadduwan jetty by bus, tuk-tuk or car, then take the boat across. The crossing takes about an hour.
About an hour. Times and boat types change, so check the day before.
The public ferry is reported as free, and it is crowded. Cargo and private boats cost more. Confirm current fares locally.
Yes, if you catch the first boat and the return boat is on time. An overnight stay is easier.
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September 2026 guide rates, per vehicle. Fuel, tolls, and parking are included. The shape is a fare map, not a driving chart. Prefer the list?
Early departures fill first, so an early start helps.
There is little shade on the boat and on the jetty.
Wind can stop the crossing. Check the day before.
The bus is cheap. A car gives you an early start and flexibility.