Refund & Cancellation Policy

Last Updated: January 08, 2026

Important: Please read this Refund & Cancellation Policy carefully before making a booking. Cancellation charges apply based on the timing of your cancellation.

1. Cancellation by Passenger

1.1 Cancellation Time Frames and Charges

Cancellation charges are calculated based on the time between cancellation and scheduled departure:

Cancellation Time Before Departure Cancellation Charge Refund Amount
More than 48 hours 10% of ticket fare 90% refund
24 to 48 hours 25% of ticket fare 75% refund
12 to 24 hours 50% of ticket fare 50% refund
6 to 12 hours 75% of ticket fare 25% refund
Less than 6 hours 100% of ticket fare No refund
No-show / After departure 100% of ticket fare No refund
Example: If you booked a ticket for Rs. 1,500 and cancel 36 hours before departure, you will be charged Rs. 375 (25%) and receive a refund of Rs. 1,125 (75%).
1.2 How to Request Cancellation

To cancel your booking, please contact us through one of the following methods:

  • Email: Send your booking reference and cancellation request to support@jdsexpress.lk
  • Phone: Call +94 XX XXX XXXX (8:00 AM - 6:00 PM)
  • In Person: Visit our office with your booking reference
Note: Cancellation time is calculated from the moment we receive and process your cancellation request, not when you initiate it.
1.3 Required Information for Cancellation

When requesting a cancellation, please provide:

  • Booking reference number
  • Passenger name (as on ticket)
  • Mobile number used during booking
  • Bank account details for refund (if applicable)

2. Refund Processing

2.1 Refund Timeline
  • Processing Time: 5-7 business days from approval
  • Bank Transfer: 7-10 business days after processing
  • Credit/Debit Card: 7-14 business days (depends on your bank)
2.2 Refund Method

Refunds will be processed using the same payment method used for booking:

  • If paid by credit/debit card: Refund to the same card
  • If paid by online banking: Bank transfer to provided account
  • Payment gateway charges may be deducted from the refund amount
2.3 Refund Calculation
Formula:
Refund Amount = Ticket Fare - Cancellation Charge - Payment Gateway Fees

Payment Gateway Fee: Approximately 2-3% of transaction amount (charged by PayHere.lk)

3. Cancellation by JDS Express

3.1 Service Cancellation

If JDS Express cancels a scheduled trip due to:

  • Mechanical breakdown
  • Weather conditions
  • Road closure or restrictions
  • Insufficient bookings
  • Other unforeseen circumstances

You will receive:

  • Option 1: 100% full refund (no cancellation charges)
  • Option 2: Free rescheduling to the next available date
  • Option 3: Credit note valid for 6 months
3.2 Notification
  • We will notify you via SMS/call to the registered mobile number
  • Notification will be sent at least 2 hours before scheduled departure (whenever possible)
  • Ensure your contact information is accurate during booking

4. Modifications and Changes

4.1 Date Change

You can request to change your travel date:

  • More than 48 hours before departure: Rs. 100 change fee + fare difference (if any)
  • 24-48 hours before departure: Rs. 200 change fee + fare difference (if any)
  • Less than 24 hours: Not permitted (cancellation charges apply)
4.2 Name Change
  • Minor corrections (spelling errors): Free of charge
  • Complete name change: Not permitted (ticket is non-transferable)
  • Name change requests must be made at least 24 hours before departure
4.3 Seat Change
  • Subject to availability
  • No charge if requested at least 24 hours before departure
  • Cannot be guaranteed after booking confirmation

5. Special Circumstances

5.1 Medical Emergency

In case of medical emergency preventing travel:

  • Submit a medical certificate from a registered physician
  • Cancellation charges may be waived or reduced (at management discretion)
  • Free rescheduling within 30 days may be offered
  • Contact our support team immediately
5.2 Death in Family

In unfortunate circumstances of death in immediate family:

  • Submit death certificate and proof of relationship
  • 100% refund or free rescheduling will be provided
  • No cancellation charges apply
5.3 Natural Disasters

If travel is affected by natural disasters, government curfew, or pandemic restrictions:

  • Full refund or free rescheduling available
  • No cancellation charges
  • Valid government notice/announcement required

6. Non-Refundable Situations

No refund will be provided in the following cases:

  • Passenger missed the bus due to late arrival
  • Passenger was denied boarding due to invalid ID or documents
  • Passenger was removed from service due to misconduct
  • Passenger decided not to travel after boarding
  • Cancellation made after departure time
  • No-show without prior cancellation

7. Partial Cancellation

If you booked multiple seats and wish to cancel only some:

  • Cancellation charges apply per seat being cancelled
  • Remaining seats will remain confirmed
  • Partial refund will be processed based on cancelled seats

8. Group Bookings

For group bookings (10+ seats):

  • Different cancellation terms may apply
  • Please contact our office for group booking policies
  • Special arrangements can be discussed

9. Payment Gateway Charges

Important: PayHere.lk (our payment gateway) charges transaction fees that are non-refundable. These fees (approximately 2-3%) will be deducted from your refund amount.

10. Refund Status Tracking

To check your refund status:

  • Contact our support team with your booking reference
  • Email: refunds@jdsexpress.lk
  • Phone: +94 XX XXX XXXX
  • Provide your bank account details for tracking

11. Dispute Resolution

If you have concerns about a refund:

  1. Contact our customer support team first
  2. Provide your booking reference and details
  3. We will review and respond within 3 business days
  4. If unresolved, escalate to management

12. Policy Changes

JDS Express reserves the right to modify this refund policy. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Check this page regularly for updates.

13. Contact Information

For Cancellations & Refunds:
Email: refunds@jdsexpress.lk
Phone: +94 XX XXX XXXX
WhatsApp: +94 XX XXX XXXX
Support Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Daily)
Office: [Your Business Address]
Our Commitment: We strive to process all valid refund requests fairly and promptly. Your satisfaction is important to us.