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Colombo is Sri Lanka's largest city and commercial capital, 32 kilometres (20 miles) south of Negombo. Expect colonial arcades, a breezy seafront promenade and traffic to match. The train is the cheapest way to get from Negombo to Colombo at $0.50 (170 LKR), and it runs direct in 1h 20m. A taxi does the trip in 20m - 1h. The bus costs a little more than the train and takes about as long.
Distance from Negombo to Colombo
Negombo and Colombo are about 32 km (20 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 38 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 20m and 1h 30m.
3 ways to travel from Negombo to Colombo
There are three ways to travel from Negombo to Colombo. You can choose between the train, bus, and taxi. The journey takes 20m–1h 20m and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train with tickets starting at $0.50 (170 LKR).
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2Negombo 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 $0.60 (200 LKR) for 2nd class and $0.30 (100 LKR) 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
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
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 $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, depending on traffic.
Air-conditioned buses are faster and much more comfortable than ordinary buses, with ticket prices starting from $22 (7,400 LKR). 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
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 $7.40 (2,500 LKR) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $4.80 (1,620 LKR) 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 $20 (6,700 LKR).
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Negombo to Colombo, roughly 32 kilometres (20 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $0.50 (170 LKR). The quickest trip takes 20m.
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 Colombo?
The distance from Negombo to Colombo is 32 kilometres (20 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Negombo to Colombo?
Journey times from Negombo to Colombo overlap: train 1h 20m, bus 50m - 1h 30m, taxi 20m - 1h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Negombo to Colombo?
The cheapest way to get from Negombo to Colombo is by train with ticket costs starting from 170 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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