Overview Compare Train Bus Taxi
How to get from Negombo to Colombo
As Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo is the main transport hub when heading to other popular tourist spots like Kandy, Ella, and Galle. It is also often either the starter or the finale when visiting this island-nation.
In Colombo you’ll find here a good mix of old and new: the restored Colombo Fort backdropped by high-rises that line the coast. Although a busy city, you will find small patches of peace in its beautiful gardens.
When travelling the 40 km distance from Negombo to Colombo, you have 3 options: you can board a train for 1.5 hours, hop on a bus for 1.5 to 2 hours, or take the taxi for 1 hour. Travel costs range from 80 Rs ($0.90) to 2,600 Rs ($31.50).
3 ways to get from Negombo to Colombo
The train is a convenient and affordable option at 80 Rs ($0.90). Just make sure you travel on off-peak hours as train seats cannot be booked online beforehand. Travel time is around 1.5 hours.
With the bus, you run the risk of getting stuck in traffic. Still, it’s a good bargain at 120 Rs ($1.40) for a seat. The bus journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Travelling in a group? You can take a taxi from Negombo to Colombo starting at 2,600 Rs ($14). It won’t be that much expensive than the other options when you split the cost. Also, the taxi completes the journey in just about an hour.
Itinerary from Negombo to Colombo
Train
- Negombo Railway Station
- 1h 30m
- Colombo Fort Railway Station
Bus
- Negombo
- 1h 30m
- Colombo
Negombo to Colombo by Train
As per our last check, only unreserved 2nd class and 3rd class trains are available for the Negombo to Colombo route. This means you cannot book them beforehand and can only buy them at the train station on the day of your trip. Tickets cost 80 Rs ($0.90) for a 2nd class seat and 45 Rs ($0.50) for 3rd class.
Don’t worry, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a good seat on these trains as long you time your trip beyond the peak hours, or when most locals are travelling to and from work.
The train departs from Negombo Railway Station and arrives at Colombo Fort. Travel time is about 1hr 30mins and you can see all departure schedules on the Sri Lankan Railway website.
Negombo to Colombo by Bus
The bus is a cheap alternative when travelling from Negombo to Colombo. We recommend that you take an air-conditioned bus as they are faster and much more comfortable than ordinary buses. A seat costs 120 Rs ($1.40).
Travel time is between 1hr 30mins to 2hrs, depending on traffic.
If you really want to travel like a local, a seat on an ordinary bus costs 56 Rs ($0.60). However, these buses make a lot of stops to pick up and drop off passengers, so the journey can take more than 2hrs.
The buses depart from Negombo Bus Stand and arrive at Colombo Central Bus Stand, both located in the city centre. There are departures every 20mins.
Negombo to Colombo by Taxi
You can book a taxi from Colombo to Negombo starting from 2,600 Rs ($31.50) via Uber. Note that this rate can go cheaper or higher depending on availability. If you want to find the cheapest possible rates, you can also check other taxi apps PickMe and TaxiGo, although their availability is not guaranteed outside Colombo.
PRO TIP: Use the code “hpam1ue” or this link to order your first ride with Uber for free!
Just in case you are unable to book with any of the above options, BookAway provides a good alternative, with taxis available for 4,800 Rs ($58).
More routes to Colombo
More routes from Negombo
Most popular routes in Sri Lanka
About the author(s)
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.
