How to Find Bus & Train Schedules in Sri Lanka 2026 (Complete Guide)

Navigating Sri Lanka's public transportation system can seem daunting at first, but with the right resources and knowledge, finding bus and train schedules becomes much easier. This comprehensive guide will help you find accurate schedules for trains from Pettah (Colombo Fort) to Ella, Galle, and other destinations, as well as bus schedules throughout the country.

Train Schedules - Finding Times and Routes

Colombo Fort (Pettah) to Ella - Scenic Hill Country Route

The train journey from Colombo Fort to Ella is one of the world's most scenic train rides, taking you through tea plantations, mountains, and beautiful landscapes.

Schedule Overview:

• Route: Colombo Fort → Peradeniya → Kandy → Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) → Ella
• Distance: Approximately 270 kilometers
• Travel Time: 8-10 hours depending on the train
• Train Types: Express trains (faster, fewer stops) and regular trains (slower, more stops)

Popular Trains to Ella:

• Podi Menike (Express): Departs Colombo Fort around 8:30 AM, arrives Ella around 5:30 PM
• Udarata Menike (Express): Departs Colombo Fort around 9:45 AM, arrives Ella around 6:45 PM
• Night Mail: Departs Colombo Fort around 8:00 PM, arrives Ella early morning (around 5:00 AM)
• Regular Trains: Multiple departures throughout the day, typically every 2-3 hours

Key Stops on Ella Route:

• Peradeniya (for Kandy) - 3 hours from Colombo
• Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya) - 6-7 hours from Colombo
• Haputale - 7-8 hours from Colombo
• Ella - 8-10 hours from Colombo

Colombo Fort (Pettah) to Galle - Coastal Route

The coastal train route to Galle offers beautiful ocean views and access to beach destinations.

Schedule Overview:

• Route: Colombo Fort → Panadura → Kalutara → Aluthgama → Galle
• Distance: Approximately 120 kilometers
• Travel Time: 2.5-3.5 hours depending on the train

Popular Trains to Galle:

• Express Trains: Multiple express trains daily, departing every 1-2 hours from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Ruhunu Kumari (Express): Departs Colombo Fort around 6:00 AM, arrives Galle around 8:30 AM
• Galu Kumari (Express): Departs Colombo Fort around 2:30 PM, arrives Galle around 5:00 PM
• Regular Trains: Frequent service, approximately every 30-60 minutes during peak hours

Continuing to Thalpe and Beyond:

• From Galle, trains continue to Matara, with stops at:
  • Thalpe (approximately 10-15 minutes from Galle)
  • Unawatuna
  • Weligama
  • Mirissa
  • Matara
• Frequency: Trains from Galle to Thalpe run every 30-60 minutes
• Travel Time: Galle to Thalpe takes approximately 10-15 minutes

Other Popular Train Routes

• Colombo to Kandy: 2.5-3.5 hours, multiple trains daily
• Colombo to Anuradhapura: 4-5 hours, several trains daily
• Colombo to Badulla: 9-11 hours (continues past Ella)
• Colombo to Jaffna: 6-8 hours, several trains daily

How to Find Train Schedules

1. Official Sri Lanka Railways Website

• Website: www.railway.gov.lk
• Features: Official schedules, train types, seat availability (for some trains)
• Language: Available in Sinhala, Tamil, and English
• Note: Website can be slow, but it's the most official source

2. Railway Station Inquiries

• Colombo Fort Station: Main inquiry counter, open 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
• Phone Inquiries: +94 11 243 2901 (Colombo Fort Station)
• Best Method: Visit the station a day before or early on the day of travel
• Information Available: Printed schedules, current delays, seat availability

3. Mobile Apps

• Sri Lanka Railways App: Official app (if available) for Android/iOS
• Third-party Apps: Search "Sri Lanka Railways" in app stores
• Features: Schedules, route information, sometimes real-time updates

4. Travel Agencies and Hotels

• Most hotels and travel agencies have current train schedules
• They can also help with booking tickets
• Tour operators like CeylonConnects can provide schedule information and arrange tickets

Bus Schedules - Finding Times and Routes

Major Bus Routes and Frequencies

Colombo to Popular Destinations:

• Colombo to Kandy: Every 15-30 minutes, 3-4 hours journey
• Colombo to Galle: Every 15-30 minutes, 2-3 hours journey
• Colombo to Anuradhapura: Every 30-60 minutes, 4-5 hours journey
• Colombo to Sigiriya/Dambulla: Every 30-60 minutes, 4-5 hours journey
• Colombo to Ella: Every 1-2 hours, 6-8 hours journey
• Colombo to Nuwara Eliya: Every 1-2 hours, 5-6 hours journey

Inter-City Bus Routes:

• Kandy to Ella: Every 1-2 hours, 4-5 hours journey
• Galle to Matara: Every 15-30 minutes, 1 hour journey
• Kandy to Sigiriya: Every 1-2 hours, 2-3 hours journey
• Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa: Every 30-60 minutes, 1-2 hours journey

How to Find Bus Schedules

1. Bus Stand Information Counters

• Colombo Fort (Pettah) Bus Stand: Main information counter, multiple bus companies
• Major Bus Stands: Kandy, Galle, Anuradhapura, Kurunegala all have information counters
• Best Method: Visit the bus stand and ask at the information counter
• Information Available: Departure times, routes, ticket prices, bus types

2. Bus Company Websites and Offices

• SLTB (Sri Lanka Transport Board): Government buses, www.sltb.lk (limited online info)
• Private Bus Companies: Many have offices at major bus stands
• Contact Information: Available at bus stands and tourist information centers

3. Ask Locals and Hotel Staff

• Hotel reception staff usually have current bus schedule information
• Local tuk-tuk drivers often know bus schedules
• Tour guides and travel agencies have up-to-date information
• Locals at bus stands are usually very helpful

4. Tourist Information Centers

• Located in major cities and tourist areas
• Provide printed schedules and route information
• Can help with planning multi-leg journeys

5. Online Resources (Limited but Growing)

• Google Maps: Sometimes shows bus routes and approximate times
• Travel Forums: TripAdvisor, Lonely Planet forums have schedule discussions
• Travel Blogs: Many travel bloggers share updated schedule information
• Note: Online information may not always be current, verify at bus stands

Understanding Bus and Train Types

Train Classes:

• 1st Class: Air-conditioned, reserved seats, most expensive
• 2nd Class: Reserved seats, fans, comfortable
• 3rd Class: Unreserved, basic seating, cheapest
• Observation Car: Large windows, popular for scenic routes (Ella route)

Bus Types:

• Express Buses: Fewer stops, faster, slightly more expensive
• Air-Conditioned Buses: More comfortable, higher price
• Regular Buses: Frequent stops, cheapest option
• Intercity Buses: Long-distance, more comfortable seats

Tips for Using Schedules

• Verify on the Day: Schedules can change, always verify on the day of travel
• Arrive Early: Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure time
• Peak Hours: Buses and trains are more frequent during peak hours (6:00-9:00 AM, 4:00-7:00 PM)
• Holidays: Schedules may change during holidays and festivals
• Weather: Heavy rain can cause delays, especially for trains
• Book in Advance: For popular routes (especially Ella), book train tickets in advance
• Flexibility: Allow extra time for delays, especially for connecting journeys

Real-Time Updates

• Station Announcements: Listen for announcements at stations
• Ask Conductors: Bus and train conductors can provide current information
• Local News: Check local news for major service disruptions
• Social Media: Some bus companies and railway updates on social media

Getting Help

If you're having trouble finding schedules or planning your journey:

• Tour Operators: Companies like CeylonConnects can help plan your entire journey
• Hotel Concierge: Most hotels can provide schedule information and help with bookings
• Local Guides: Hiring a local guide can simplify transportation planning
• Tourist Police: Available at major tourist destinations to assist travelers

Finding bus and train schedules in Sri Lanka requires a combination of online resources, station visits, and local knowledge. While the system may seem informal compared to Western standards, it's reliable and affordable. For the most stress-free experience, consider working with a local tour operator who can handle all the logistics while you focus on enjoying your journey through beautiful Sri Lanka.