How to get from Negombo to Colombo
What are the 3 ways to travel from Negombo to Colombo?
There are 3 ways to travel the 40 kilometre (25 miles) distance from Negombo to Colombo. You can choose between the bus, taxi and train. The journey takes 15 minutes - 1 hour and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at 100 LKR ($0.30).
Negombo to Colombo by Train
The Negombo to Colombo train route is short-distance, with only unreserved 2nd and 3rd class carriages available. You can’t book these in advance, so just head to the station on the day of your trip to buy your ticket.
Tickets cost 200 LKR ($0.60) for 2nd class and 100 LKR ($0.30) for 3rd class. Travel time takes about 45 minutes.
Don’t worry, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a good seat on these trains as long as you time your trip outside of peak hours when most locals are travelling to and from work.
The train departs from Negombo Railway Station and arrives at Colombo Fort. You can check all train schedules on the Sri Lanka Railway website.
Negombo to Colombo by Taxi
A private transfer from Negombo to Colombo is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 15 minutes - 1 hour, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Uber is the most budget-friendly option for this route, with prices starting at 2,500 LKR ($8) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 625 LKR ($2) each.
If you prefer booking in advance, platforms like BookAway or 12GoAsia are great choices. They’re very reliable but come with a slightly higher price tag, starting at 3,610 LKR ($11.60).
Taxi options from Negombo to Colombo
Negombo to Colombo by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to travel from Negombo to Colombo. Air-conditioned buses are faster and much more comfortable than ordinary buses, with ticket prices starting from 2,800 LKR ($9). However, at this price, you may find it a better value to book a taxi instead.
You can choose from two bus companies operating on this route, including Sri Lanka Bus Service and Prince Travels.
The journey from Negombo to Colombo takes around 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
If you want the full local experience, you can hop on an ordinary bus (No. 240) for just 27 LKR ($0.10). Just keep in mind that these buses make a lot of stops to pick up and drop off passengers, so the journey can take around 2 hours.
Bus options from Negombo to Colombo
Buses depart from Negombo Bus Terminal in the city centre. They arrive at Colombo Central Bus Stand in the city centre. There are departures every 20 minutes.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Negombo to Colombo. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions about Negombo to Colombo
What is the distance from Negombo to Colombo?
The distance from Negombo to Colombo is 40 kilometre (25 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Negombo to Colombo?
The fastest way to get from Negombo to Colombo is by taxi and takes 15 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Negombo to Colombo?
The cheapest way to get from Negombo to Colombo is by train with ticket costs starting from 100 LKR ($0.30).
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
