Periyavilan is well situated for public transport. The Jaffna to Keerimalai bus service through Periyavilan is at almost an hourly interval in each direction. The Atchuvely to Moolai service passing through Tellippalai, Periyavilan and Pandatharippu operates three times a day in each direction.

Colombo to Jaffna takes about 6hrs 30mins by train and about 9hrs by coach. Flight from Colombo to Jaffna takes about 1 hour. Nearest railway station is Tellipalai, some 5 km away.