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Negombo is a fishing town on Sri Lanka's west coast. It sits 32 kilometres (20 miles) north of Colombo and close to the main international airport. The morning fish market and the old Dutch canal are the draws. The taxi is the quickest way to get from Colombo to Negombo, taking 30m - 1h. The bus is the cheapest option at $0.90 (300 LKR), and the train costs about the same.
Distance from Colombo to Negombo
Colombo and Negombo are about 32 km (20 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 37 km by road. The quickest way to get from Colombo to Negombo is by taking the taxi, which takes around 30m - 1h.
3 ways to travel from Colombo to Negombo
There are three ways to travel from Colombo to Negombo. You can choose between the bus, train, and taxi. The journey takes 30m–1h 20m and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $0.90 (300 LKR).
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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 $0.90 (300 LKR). 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 $22 (7,400 LKR). 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 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 $0.60 (200 LKR) for a 2nd class seat and $0.30 (100 LKR) 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
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
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 $8.60 (2,900 LKR) for a 4-seater private transfer. Split it with your group, and it’s about $5.20 (1,750 LKR) 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 $21 (7,000 LKR).
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Colombo to Negombo, roughly 32 kilometres (20 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $0.90 (300 LKR). The quickest trip takes 30m.
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 Colombo to Negombo?
The distance from Colombo to Negombo is 32 kilometres (20 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Colombo to Negombo?
The fastest way to get from Colombo to Negombo is by taxi and takes 30m - 1h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Colombo to Negombo?
The cheapest way to get from Colombo to Negombo is by bus with ticket costs starting from 300 LKR.
About the Authors
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.
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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