How to Get From Colombo to Negombo
Train · Bus · Taxi
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 40 kilometre (25 miles) distance from Colombo to Negombo. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Negombo as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Colombo to Negombo?
There are three ways to travel the 40 km distance from Colombo to Negombo. You can choose between the train, bus, and taxi.
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 290 LKR ($0.90).
1h 20m
290 LKR ($0.90)
1h 15m - 1h 30m
300 LKR ($0.90)
30m - 1h
2,900 LKR ($9.10)
Colombo to Negombo by Train
Only 2nd and 3rd class trains operate on the Colombo to Negombo route. The good thing is that it’s a short journey of around 1h 20m, so the seats should still be comfortable enough.
Most trains on this route are commuter trains, which means reserved seats are not available. To improve your chances of getting a seat, try to travel outside peak hours. Trains can get very crowded during the morning and evening rush when locals commute to and from work.
The first train from Colombo to Negombo departs at 05:00 (except Sundays), while the last train leaves at 20:20. You can check the full train schedule here.
Tickets are very affordable at 200 LKR ($0.60) for a 2nd class seat and 100 LKR ($0.30) for a 3rd class seat at the train station. You can also book your tickets online in advance through BookAway if you’re travelling during peak hours to save some time.
Train schedule from Colombo to Negombo
Colombo to Negombo by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to travel from Colombo to Negombo, although the ride will not be as scenic as the train.
If you want the full local experience, you can hop on a local AC 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.
Air-conditioned tourist buses are faster and much more comfortable than ordinary buses. They are available at BookAway, with ticket prices starting from 7,000 LKR ($22). At this price, though, it might be cheaper to book a taxi instead.
Buses depart from Colombo-Negombo Highway Bus Stop every 20 minutes. They arrive at Negombo Bus Terminal in the city centre.
Bus schedule from Colombo to Negombo
Colombo to Negombo by Taxi
A private transfer from Colombo to Negombo is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 30m - 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 2,900 LKR ($9.10) for a 4-seater private transfer. Split it with your group, and it’s about 1,670 LKR ($5.20) per person.
You can also check taxi apps PickMe and TaxiGo to compare rates. But 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 6,700 LKR ($21).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Colombo to Negombo. 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 Colombo to Negombo 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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