Negombo to Galle

How to Get From Negombo to Galle

3Options
3hFastest
$4.90From
MaartenElaWritten by Maarten · Reviewed by Ela ·

Train · Bus · Taxi

Galle is a walled Dutch colonial port 137 kilometres (85 miles) south of Negombo. Its ramparts, lighthouse and old town make an easy afternoon of wandering. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Negombo to Galle at $18 (6,100 LKR), but it takes 4h 30m and needs a change along the way. A taxi is the quickest option, and the train is quicker than the bus if you want the coastal views.

DISTANCE

Distance from Negombo to Galle

Negombo and Galle are about 137 km (85 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 158 km by road. The quickest way to get from Negombo to Galle is by taking the taxi, which takes around 3h.

~137 km
Straight-line distance
~158 km
Route distance
3h
Fastest
Map of Negombo – Galle

3 ways to travel from Negombo to Galle

There are three ways to travel from Negombo to Galle. You can choose between the train, bus, and taxi. The journey takes 3h – 4h 30m and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $4.90 (1,620 LKR).

Trainfrom$4.903h 20m – 3h 25m·Via ColomboTimes and ticketsTrainVia Colombo3h 20m–3h 25m$4.90Cheapest

Negombo to Galle by Train

There are no direct trains from Negombo to Galle. You will have to divide your train ride into two: from Negombo to Colombo Fort, and then from Colombo Fort to Galle.

From your accommodation in Negombo, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to the train station.

Step 1: Negombo to Colombo by Train

1h · $0.50 (166 LKR)

The first train from Negombo to Colombo Fort leaves at 06:30, and the journey takes at least 1h. If you’re planning to continue to Galle on the same day, make sure you leave Negombo by 17:09 at the latest to still make the final connection.

You can check more train schedules here.

If you weren't able to secure tickets online, you can still buy them at the station for $0.60 (200 LKR) for an unreserved second-class seat.

SL Railway Commuter · Unreserved Third Class$0.50
1h
06:30
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Step 2: Colombo to Galle by Train

2h 20m – 2h 25m · $4.40 (1,440 LKR)

The earliest train from Colombo Fort to Galle leaves at 06:17, while the last one departs at 18:50. The journey takes about 2h 20m - 2h 25m, and you can book tickets online for $4.40 (1,440 LKR).

If you prefer to buy at the station, an unreserved second-class seat costs around $1.50 (500 LKR).

See here for more train schedules. You can also visit our page on Colombo to Galle for more info.
Sri Lanka Railway · First Class$4.40
2h 20m – 2h 25m
14:4015:50
Tickets

Stations

Map of stations
Click to explore

Tickets sold on Bookaway

Busfrom$184h 30m·Via Colombo2 options to bookBusVia Colombo4h 30m$18

Negombo to Galle by Bus

There are no direct buses operating from Negombo to Galle. You will have to make a bus transfer in Colombo.

Note that apart from being uncomfortable, buses are normally cramped. If you’re carrying bulky luggage, you might have to pay for an additional fare so that your luggage can “sit” beside you.

Step 1: Negombo to Colombo by Bus

1h 30m · $17 (5,600 LKR)

From Negombo Bus Terminal, buses to Colombo run every 20 minutes.

Ordinary buses are the cheapest option, with fares from $17 (5,600 LKR). They make a lot of stops along the way, so the journey takes around 1.5 hours to reach Colombo Central Bus Stand.

Air-conditioned buses are faster and more comfortable than ordinary buses. But with ticket prices starting from $17 (5,600 LKR), you might find better value in booking a taxi instead.

Local Bus · Ordinary$0.90
1h 30m
No online tickets
Muthu Travels · Tourist AC$17
1h 30m
Prince Travels · Tourist AC$22
1h 30m

Tickets sold on 12Go Asia

Step 2: Colombo to Galle by Bus

3h · $1.30 (440 LKR)

From the Central Bus Stand, walk a few minutes to Bastian Mawatha Bus Station. From here, take bus #2-1 bound for Galle.

You can choose between ordinary and air-conditioned buses. Ordinary fares start from $1.30 (440 LKR), while air-conditioned bus tickets cost $2.40 (800 LKR).

The journey takes about 3 hours.

Most buses follow the coastal road, so you can expect some nice sea views along the way. For more details, check out our page on Colombo to Galle.

Taxifrom$52per car · 17,200 LKR3hHow to get a ticketTaxi3hFastest$52per car

Negombo to Galle by Taxi

A private transfer from Negombo to Galle is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 3 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.

However, it is also the most expensive. Prices start at $52 (17,200 LKR) when booked with Uber. If you’re hoping to find cheaper rates, you can also check the taxi apps PickMe and TaxiGo.

No online tickets.

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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION

Why Visit Galle?

Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. The walled city is a great mix of archaeology and architecture. And a visit here will take you back to the 17th century.

Even after over 400 years, Portuguese and Dutch influences are widely seen on its old fort, colonial buildings, imposing mansions, churches and mosques. Some of the best things to do in Galle include wandering around the Dutch Fort, taking a dip at Unawatuna, and (window) shopping for unique boutique finds.

Rounding it up

That's the full picture for getting from Negombo to Galle, roughly 137 kilometres (85 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $4.90 (1,620 LKR). The quickest trip takes 3h.

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 Negombo to Galle?

The distance from Negombo to Galle is 137 kilometres (85 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Negombo to Galle?

The fastest way to get from Negombo to Galle is by taxi and takes 3h.

What is the cheapest way to get from Negombo to Galle?

The cheapest way to get from Negombo to Galle is by train with ticket costs starting from 1,620 LKR.

About the Authors

Maarten
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.

Ela
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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