Bus & Train Ticket Prices in Sri Lanka 2026 (Complete Price Guide)

Understanding transportation costs in Sri Lanka is essential for budget planning. This comprehensive guide covers bus and train ticket prices for major routes, helping you plan your journey and budget effectively. Prices are approximate as of 2026 and may vary slightly.

Train Ticket Prices

Colombo Fort (Pettah) to Ella - Hill Country Route

One of the most popular scenic train journeys in Sri Lanka.

• 1st Class (Air-Conditioned): LKR 1,200-1,500 (approximately $4-5 USD)
• 2nd Class (Reserved): LKR 600-800 (approximately $2-2.50 USD)
• 2nd Class Observation Car: LKR 800-1,000 (approximately $2.50-3 USD) - Popular for scenic views
• 3rd Class (Unreserved): LKR 300-400 (approximately $1-1.50 USD)
• Distance: ~270 km
• Travel Time: 8-10 hours

Colombo Fort to Galle - Coastal Route

• 1st Class (Air-Conditioned): LKR 600-800 (approximately $2-2.50 USD)
• 2nd Class (Reserved): LKR 300-400 (approximately $1-1.50 USD)
• 3rd Class (Unreserved): LKR 150-200 (approximately $0.50-1 USD)
• Distance: ~120 km
• Travel Time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Colombo Fort to Kandy

• 1st Class (Air-Conditioned): LKR 500-700 (approximately $1.50-2 USD)
• 2nd Class (Reserved): LKR 250-350 (approximately $0.75-1 USD)
• 3rd Class (Unreserved): LKR 120-180 (approximately $0.40-0.60 USD)
• Distance: ~120 km
• Travel Time: 2.5-3.5 hours

Galle to Thalpe (Continuing from Galle)

• 2nd Class: LKR 30-50 (approximately $0.10-0.15 USD)
• 3rd Class: LKR 15-30 (approximately $0.05-0.10 USD)
• Distance: ~10 km
• Travel Time: 10-15 minutes

Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura

• 1st Class (Air-Conditioned): LKR 800-1,000 (approximately $2.50-3 USD)
• 2nd Class (Reserved): LKR 400-500 (approximately $1.25-1.50 USD)
• 3rd Class (Unreserved): LKR 200-250 (approximately $0.60-0.75 USD)
• Distance: ~200 km
• Travel Time: 4-5 hours

Colombo Fort to Badulla (Past Ella)

• 1st Class (Air-Conditioned): LKR 1,300-1,600 (approximately $4-5 USD)
• 2nd Class (Reserved): LKR 650-800 (approximately $2-2.50 USD)
• 3rd Class (Unreserved): LKR 350-400 (approximately $1-1.25 USD)
• Distance: ~300 km
• Travel Time: 9-11 hours

Colombo Fort to Jaffna

• 1st Class (Air-Conditioned): LKR 1,000-1,200 (approximately $3-4 USD)
• 2nd Class (Reserved): LKR 500-600 (approximately $1.50-2 USD)
• 3rd Class (Unreserved): LKR 250-300 (approximately $0.75-1 USD)
• Distance: ~400 km
• Travel Time: 6-8 hours

Shorter Train Routes

• Colombo to Negombo: LKR 50-100 (approximately $0.15-0.30 USD)
• Colombo to Panadura: LKR 80-120 (approximately $0.25-0.40 USD)
• Kandy to Peradeniya: LKR 20-40 (approximately $0.05-0.15 USD)
• Kandy to Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya): LKR 300-400 (approximately $1-1.25 USD)

Bus Ticket Prices

Colombo to Major Destinations

Colombo to Kandy

• Express Bus (Air-Conditioned): LKR 300-400 (approximately $1-1.25 USD)
• Regular Bus: LKR 200-250 (approximately $0.60-0.75 USD)
• Distance: ~120 km
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours

Colombo to Galle

• Express Bus (Air-Conditioned): LKR 250-350 (approximately $0.75-1 USD)
• Regular Bus: LKR 150-200 (approximately $0.50-0.60 USD)
• Distance: ~120 km
• Travel Time: 2-3 hours

Colombo to Sigiriya/Dambulla

• Express Bus: LKR 400-500 (approximately $1.25-1.50 USD)
• Regular Bus: LKR 300-350 (approximately $1-1.25 USD)
• Distance: ~170 km
• Travel Time: 4-5 hours

Colombo to Anuradhapura

• Express Bus (Air-Conditioned): LKR 400-500 (approximately $1.25-1.50 USD)
• Regular Bus: LKR 300-350 (approximately $1-1.25 USD)
• Distance: ~200 km
• Travel Time: 4-5 hours

Colombo to Ella

• Express Bus: LKR 500-600 (approximately $1.50-2 USD)
• Regular Bus: LKR 400-450 (approximately $1.25-1.50 USD)
• Distance: ~270 km
• Travel Time: 6-8 hours

Colombo to Nuwara Eliya

• Express Bus: LKR 450-550 (approximately $1.50-1.75 USD)
• Regular Bus: LKR 350-400 (approximately $1-1.25 USD)
• Distance: ~180 km
• Travel Time: 5-6 hours

Colombo to Matara

• Express Bus (Air-Conditioned): LKR 300-400 (approximately $1-1.25 USD)
• Regular Bus: LKR 200-250 (approximately $0.60-0.75 USD)
• Distance: ~160 km
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours

Inter-City Bus Routes

Kandy to Ella

• Express Bus: LKR 300-400 (approximately $1-1.25 USD)
• Regular Bus: LKR 200-250 (approximately $0.60-0.75 USD)
• Distance: ~150 km
• Travel Time: 4-5 hours

Galle to Matara

• Express Bus: LKR 100-150 (approximately $0.30-0.50 USD)
• Regular Bus: LKR 50-80 (approximately $0.15-0.25 USD)
• Distance: ~40 km
• Travel Time: 1 hour

Kandy to Sigiriya/Dambulla

• Express Bus: LKR 200-250 (approximately $0.60-0.75 USD)
• Regular Bus: LKR 150-200 (approximately $0.50-0.60 USD)
• Distance: ~100 km
• Travel Time: 2-3 hours

Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa

• Express Bus: LKR 150-200 (approximately $0.50-0.60 USD)
• Regular Bus: LKR 100-150 (approximately $0.30-0.50 USD)
• Distance: ~100 km
• Travel Time: 1-2 hours

Local and Short-Distance Bus Routes

Airport (Katunayake) to Colombo

• Airport Bus (Route 187): LKR 150-200 (approximately $0.50-0.60 USD)
• Express Bus: LKR 200-250 (approximately $0.60-0.75 USD)
• Distance: ~35 km
• Travel Time: 1-1.5 hours

Dambulla to Sigiriya

• Local Bus: LKR 50-100 (approximately $0.15-0.30 USD)
• Distance: ~17 km
• Travel Time: 30-45 minutes

Galle to Thalpe

• Local Bus: LKR 30-50 (approximately $0.10-0.15 USD)
• Distance: ~10 km
• Travel Time: 15-20 minutes

Kandy to Peradeniya

• Local Bus: LKR 30-50 (approximately $0.10-0.15 USD)
• Distance: ~5 km
• Travel Time: 15-20 minutes

Price Comparison: Bus vs Train

Colombo to Ella

• Bus (Express): LKR 500-600 ($1.50-2 USD) - Faster, less scenic
• Train (2nd Class): LKR 600-800 ($2-2.50 USD) - Slower, very scenic
• Recommendation: Train for the experience, bus for speed

Colombo to Galle

• Bus (Express): LKR 250-350 ($0.75-1 USD) - Similar time
• Train (2nd Class): LKR 300-400 ($1-1.25 USD) - Scenic coastal views
• Recommendation: Either option is good, train offers better views

Factors Affecting Prices

• Bus Type: Air-conditioned and express buses cost more than regular buses
• Train Class: 1st class is significantly more expensive than 3rd class
• Distance: Longer routes naturally cost more
• Time of Day: Some express services may have slightly different pricing
• Peak Season: Prices may increase slightly during tourist season (December-April)
• Company: Private bus companies may charge slightly more than SLTB (government) buses

Money-Saving Tips

• Choose 3rd Class Trains: If you don't mind basic comfort, 3rd class is very affordable
• Regular Buses: Regular buses are cheaper than express/air-conditioned buses
• SLTB Buses: Government buses (SLTB) are usually cheaper than private buses
• Book in Advance: For popular train routes, booking early ensures you get the class you want
• Travel Off-Peak: Some routes may have slightly lower prices during off-peak hours
• Local Buses: For short distances, local buses are the most economical option
• Group Travel: Some tour operators offer group rates for multiple travelers

Additional Costs to Consider

• Luggage: Usually free on buses and trains, but very large items may incur a small fee
• Food: Bring snacks or buy from vendors at stations (LKR 50-200)
• Reservation Fees: Some train reservations may have a small booking fee
• Tuk-tuk to Station: Factor in LKR 200-500 for getting to/from stations
• Waiting Time: If you need to wait between connections, consider food/drink costs

Payment Methods

• Cash: Most buses and trains accept cash only (Sri Lankan Rupees)
• Currency: Have LKR notes ready - small denominations (LKR 50, 100, 500) are useful
• Change: Bus conductors usually have change, but having exact amounts is helpful
• Cards: Some major train stations may accept cards for advance bookings, but cash is standard
• ATMs: Available at major bus stands and train stations for cash withdrawal

Budget Planning Examples

Example 1: Colombo → Kandy → Ella (Train)

• Colombo to Kandy (2nd class): LKR 300
• Kandy to Ella (2nd class): LKR 400
• Total: LKR 700 (approximately $2.25 USD)

Example 2: Airport → Colombo → Galle → Thalpe

• Airport to Colombo (bus): LKR 200
• Colombo to Galle (train, 2nd class): LKR 350
• Galle to Thalpe (local bus): LKR 50
• Total: LKR 600 (approximately $2 USD)

Example 3: Colombo → Sigiriya (Bus)

• Colombo to Dambulla (express bus): LKR 450
• Dambulla to Sigiriya (local bus): LKR 80
• Total: LKR 530 (approximately $1.75 USD)

Price Updates and Verification

• Current Prices: Always verify prices at the station or bus stand as prices may change
• Inflation: Prices may increase slightly due to inflation, fuel costs, etc.
• Official Sources: Check with railway stations and bus stands for most current prices
• Tour Operators: Companies like CeylonConnects can provide current pricing information

Transportation in Sri Lanka is remarkably affordable, making it possible to travel extensively on a budget. Whether you choose trains for their scenic beauty or buses for their convenience, both options offer excellent value. The prices listed here are approximate and should be verified at the time of travel. For the most comfortable and hassle-free experience, consider working with a local tour operator who can handle all transportation arrangements while you focus on enjoying your journey through beautiful Sri Lanka.