How to get from Negombo to Galle

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.

There are 3 ways to travel the 160 kilometers (99 miles) from Negombo to Galle. You can choose between the bus, taxi and train. The journey takes 3 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 465 LKR ($1.60).

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.

Note that only 2nd and 3rd-class trains are available for both routes.

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

The first train from Negombo to Colombo Fort departs at 06:30 and the journey takes at least 1 hour. If you’re hoping to transfer to another train bound for Galle within the same day, the last train you can take from Negombo to Colombo departs at 17:09.

You can check out more train schedules here.

Tickets are available at the train station for 80 LKR ($0.30) for an unreserved 2nd class seat. See our guide on how to book train tickets in Sri Lanka for more info.

The earliest connecting train you can take from Colombo Fort to Galle departs at 10:30, while the last train leaves at 19:30. Travel time is about 2h - 2h 25m and tickets are available at the train station for 1,390 LKR ($4.70).

See here for more train schedules. You can also visit our page on Colombo to Galle for more info.

Like the train, there are no direct buses operating from Negombo to Galle. You will also 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.

From Negombo Bus Terminal, buses bound for Colombo are available every 20 minutes.

You can take an aircon bus for 120 LKR ($0.40) and you can expect to reach Colombo Central Bus Stand in about 1.5 hours. Ordinary buses are also available for 56 LKR ($0.20), but they make more stops and take longer.

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

You can also choose from ordinary and aircon buses. Fares start at 170 LKR ($0.60) and travel time is about 3 hours. Most buses take the road overlooking the coast should it should be a picturesque journey. For more info, check out our page on Colombo to Galle.

The easiest and most comfortable option for this route is to travel by taxi. However, it is also the most expensive.

Prices start at 9,100 LKR ($31) when booked with Uber, but fares can be slightly cheaper or more expensive depending on availability. If you’re hoping to find cheaper rates, you can also check the taxi apps PickMe and TaxiGo, but unfortunately, these apps have very limited availability outside the capital city, Colombo.