How to Get From Negombo to Colombo
Train · Taxi · Bus
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What are the 3 ways to travel from Negombo to Colombo?
There are three ways to travel the 40 km distance from Negombo to Colombo. You can choose between the train, taxi, and bus.
The journey takes between 1h–1h 30m and the quickest way is by taxi (1h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at 165 LKR ($0.50).
1h 20m
165 LKR ($0.50)
20m - 1h
2,500 LKR ($7.60)
50m - 1h 30m
300 LKR ($0.90)
Already in Colombo?
Onward from Colombo
Once you're in Colombo, here's where to next — 9 researched onward routes to pick from.
Negombo to Colombo by Train
The Negombo to Colombo train route is short-distance, with only unreserved 2nd and 3rd class carriages available. Travel time takes at least 1h 20m.
You can simply purchase your tickets at the station on the day of travel. Tickets cost 200 LKR ($0.60) for 2nd class and 100 LKR ($0.30) for 3rd class.
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.
But if you're travelling during peak hours, especially in the morning, it’s best to book your tickets online in advance.
The train departs from Negombo Railway Station and arrives at Colombo Fort. You can check all train schedules on the Sri Lanka Railway website.
Train schedule from Negombo to Colombo
Negombo to Colombo by Taxi
A private transfer from Negombo to Colombo is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 20m - 1h, 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 ($7.60) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 1,590 LKR ($4.80) 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 6,600 LKR ($20).
Negombo to Colombo by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to travel from Negombo to Colombo.
If you want the full local experience, you can hop on an ordinary bus (No. 240) for about 300 LKR ($0.90). Just keep in mind that these buses make many stops to pick up and drop off passengers, so the journey can take up to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Air-conditioned buses are faster and much more comfortable than ordinary buses, with ticket prices starting from 7,200 LKR ($22). However, at this price, you may find it a better value to book a taxi instead.
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.
Bus schedule from Negombo to Colombo
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
The distance from Negombo to Colombo is 40 km.
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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.
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