How to Get From Colombo to Sigiriya

5Options

1h 50mFastest

$3.90From

Written by Maarten · Reviewed by Ela · Updated 2 weeks ago·

Bus · Train · Minivan · Taxi · Flight

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Map showing route from Colombo to Sigiriya - 150 km

Colombo → Sigiriya150 km

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress rising straight out of the jungle. A king built his palace on the summit. You can still climb the steps to the top for views across the plains. It lies 150 kilometres (93 miles) northeast of Colombo. Flying is the quickest way to get from Colombo to Sigiriya, taking 1h 50m. Overland, the bus is the cheapest option at $3.90 (1,320 LKR).

Distance from Colombo to Sigiriya

Colombo and Sigiriya are about 150 km (93 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 167 km by road. The quickest way to get from Colombo to Sigiriya is by taking the flight, which takes around 1h 50m.

~150 km

Straight-line distance

~167 km

Route distance

1h 50m

Fastest

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5 ways to travel from Colombo to Sigiriya

There are five ways to travel from Colombo to Sigiriya. You can choose between the bus, train, minivan, taxi, and flight. The journey takes 1h 50m–5h 30m and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $3.90 (1,320 LKR).

TransportDurationPrice

Bus5.5 hoursfrom$41,320 LKR

There are no local buses that go straight from Colombo to Sigiriya. The nearest bus stop is in Inamaluwa Junction, about 10 km away from Sigiriya.

From Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in Colombo city centre, you can take a bus bound for Anuradhapura (#4-3), Kaduruwela (#48-3) or Trincomalee (#49). A ticket for an air-conditioned bus costs around $3.90 (1,320 LKR).

Ordinary buses are also available, but we don’t recommend them if you want to be comfortable during a journey of 5.5 hours.

Ask the driver to drop you off at Inamaluwa Junction. From here, you can take either a tuk-tuk or a taxi to Sigiriya.

Colombo

Sigiriya

Train1 companyVia Habarana4h 50mfrom$134,200 LKR

Sigiriya doesn’t have its own train station, so you’ll need to get off at Habarana when coming from Colombo. From there, you can get a taxi to Sigiriya.

Step 1: Colombo to Habarana by Train

4h 25m$4.80 (1,600 LKR)

Sri Lanka Railways runs daily trips on this route, with fares starting at $4.80 (1,600 LKR) for a 3rd-class reserved seat and $9.90 (3,300 LKR) for a 1st-class seat.

Trains depart from Colombo Fort Railway Station and arrive at Habarana Railway Station.

Warning for unreserved seats

You can buy unreserved tickets on the day of travel at the station. But since there are only a limited number of trips on this route, trains fill up quickly. There’s a good chance you won’t get a seat and may have to stand for the full journey of 4h 25m.

4h25mSri Lanka RailwayThird Class Reserved SeatsColombo FortHabarana15:15$51,600 LKRTickets

4h25mSri Lanka RailwayFirst ClassColombo FortHabarana15:15$103,300 LKRTickets

Step tickets are available on Bookaway.

Booking Tip

See our page on How to Book Train Tickets in Sri Lanka for more info on how to secure a seat from Colombo to Sigiriya.

Step 2: Habarana Railway Station to Sigiriya

25 minutes$7.40 (2,500 LKR)

From Habarana Railway Station, Sigiriya is about 15 km away. By taxi, the journey takes 25 minutes and costs around $7.40 (2,500 LKR).

Booking Tip

See our page on How to Book Train Tickets in Sri Lanka for more info on how to secure a seat from Colombo to Sigiriya.

Habarana

Minivan2 companies3h 30m+from$3110,400 LKR

If you're coming from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you can take a minivan to Sigiriya. The ride costs around $31 (10,400 LKR) and takes about 3h 30m - 4h 20m, depending on traffic.

There are two companies operating on this route: Real Lanka Holidays and Magical Sri Lanka.

What we like about this option is that some minivan companies offer free hotel drop-off. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to and from bus stations.

Minivan schedule from Colombo to Sigiriya

4h20mReal Lanka HolidaysStandardColombo Bandaranaike AirportSigiriya Transfer09:0015:00$3110,400 LKRTickets

4h20mReal Lanka HolidaysStandardColombo Bandaranaike AirportHabarana Hotel Transfer09:0015:00$3110,400 LKRTickets

3h30mReal Lanka HolidaysStandardColombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMBSigiriya - Any hotel09:30$3913,000 LKRTickets

3h45mMagical Sri LankaScenicColombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMBSigiriya - Any hotel09:00$3913,000 LKRTickets

4h20mMagical Sri LankaScenicWorld Trade CenterSigiriya - Any hotel08:15$4214,200 LKRTickets

Available atBookaway

Sigiriya

Taxi7 companies2h 30m+from$5418,400 LKR

A private transfer from Colombo to Sigiriya is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 2h 30m - 4h 20m, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

Uber is usually the most budget-friendly option for this route, with prices starting at $54 (18,400 LKR) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $15 (4,900 LKR) each. You can also check the taxi apps PickMe and TaxiGo to compare rates.

If you prefer booking in advance, platforms like BookAway or 12GoAsia are great choices. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at $59 (19,800 LKR) for a car that can fit 3 people.

Colombo

Uber

ZIP Intercity 4 PAX

$54 (18,400 LKR)

$14 (4,600 LKR) per person

Tickets

Glorious Transfer

Comfort Car 3 PAX

$59 (19,600 LKR)

$20 (6,500 LKR) per person

Tickets

Tropical Travels Sri Lanka

Sedan Car 3 PAX

$73 (24,400 LKR)

$24 (8,100 LKR) per person

Tickets

Tropical Travels Sri Lanka

Standard Minivan 6 PAX

$130 (44,500 LKR)

$22 (7,400 LKR) per person

Tickets

Available atBookaway Uber

Sigiriya

FlightVia Bandaranaike Airport1h 50mdoor to doorfrom$14047,000 LKR

A flight from Colombo to Sigiriya takes around 1h 50m, including the time needed to get to and from the airports in both cities. The main downside is the price, with fares starting from $140 (47,000 LKR).

Flights depart from Bandaranaike International Airport, just outside the city of Negombo.

TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.

Step 1: Colombo to Bandaranaike Airport

1 hour$5.40 (1,800 LKR)

From Colombo city centre, the best way to get to Bandaranaike is by taxi. This taxi journey takes around an hour and costs $5.40 (1,800 LKR).

You can hail a taxi on the street or book one through apps like Uber, Pickme, and TaxiGo. Private cars are also available on BookAway if you prefer to arrange your ride in advance.

Step 2: Bandaranaike Airport to Sigiriya

30 minutes$130 (43,500 LKR)

Cinnamon Air operates one daily flight from Colombo to Sigiriya. Fares start from $130 (43,500 LKR), and the journey takes around 30 minutes.

Check Flights on Skyscanner

Step 3: Sigiriya Airport to Sigiriya town centre

20 minutes$3.60 (1,200 LKR)

From the airport, you can take a taxi to the ancient town. The journey takes around 20 minutes and costs about $3.60 (1,200 LKR).

Sigiriya

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Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Colombo to Sigiriya, roughly 150 kilometres (93 miles) apart. In all, there are 5 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $3.90 (1,320 LKR). The quickest trip takes 1h 50m.

Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the distance from Colombo to Sigiriya?

The distance from Colombo to Sigiriya is 150 kilometres (93 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Colombo to Sigiriya?

The fastest way to get from Colombo to Sigiriya is by flight and takes 1h 50m.

What is the cheapest way to get from Colombo to Sigiriya?

The cheapest way to get from Colombo to Sigiriya is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,320 LKR.

About the Authors

Maarten

Founder & Trip Planning Expert

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.

ElaReviewer

Senior Travel Writer

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.

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How to Get From Colombo to Sigiriya

Distance from Colombo to Sigiriya