How To Get From Colombo to Galle: Train, Bus or Taxi
It’s easy to get from Colombo to Galle, with a range of transport options to suit all budgets, from the super cheap local buses and scenic train rides, to the more luxurious private transfer options.
Narrow, bustling laneways and crumbling colonial relics, an ever-present scent of exotic spices and the incredible tropical setting; there’s just something about Galle Fort that charms and captivates.
Due to its beauty and popularity, it’s an essential stop when travelling through Sri Lanka, and getting from Colombo to Galle is both easy and affordable.
Below is our detailed guide on getting from Colombo to Galle, which covers all transport options to suit all budget types, from super cheap local buses and scenic train rides to more luxurious private transfer options.
However you get there, the alluring and exotic Galle Fort is one of the unmissable points of interest on your Sri Lankan itinerary.
Love our photos? They were all edited using our Sri Lanka Preset Pack, which you can purchase here!
GETTING FROM COLOMBO TO GALLE
CHEAPEST | Local bus from Colombo Fort/Pettah
QUICKEST | Private transfer (expensive), or Express Bus (affordable)
OUR RECOMMENDATION | The Colombo to Galle train along the southern coast
COLOMBO TO GALLE TRAIN
The most scenic way to get from Colombo to Galle is via train, which runs along the palm-fringed coast for the majority of the journey.
The Colombo Fort to Galle train departs 10 times a day, with the earliest departure at 6:55 am and the final departure at 19:30.
The train journey takes around 2.5 - 3.5 hours.
WHERE IS COLOMBO FORT STATION?
Colombo Fort station is located in the centre of Colombo, right in the heart of the central business and commercial district.
This bustling, chaotic and lively part of the city is a little overwhelming at first, so you need to keep your wits about you, however, once inside the station, you’ll feel a little more relaxed as you wait for your train.
There are heaps of food stalls on the outside of the station if you need to stock up on food and water for the train ride.
COLOMBO TO GALLE TRAIN DEPARTURE TIMES & ROUTE
From Colombo Fort | 6:50*, 8:35*, 10:30*, 14:40, 15:50*, 17:51, 19:30
From Maradana Station | 06:25*, 14:30, 15:40*, 18:45
*Express train
NOTE | Daily departures listed. Check the most up-to-date timetable information on the Sri Lankan Railways website here
It’s important to know that the Colombo to Galle route is one of the busiest in Sri Lanka, especially during rush hours, when people are going to and from work. We suggest travelling outside the peak hours between 07:00 - 09:30; 12:30 - 14:00; 16:30 - 19:00.
COLOMBO TO GALLE TRAIN TICKET PRICES
Overall, train travel in Sri Lanka is extremely affordable, though there are some big differences in pricing depending on which class ticket you’re after.
From Colombo to Galle, prices are as follows:
Third class | LKR 240 / £ / USD
Second class | LKR 500 / £ / USD
First class | LKR 990 / £ / USD
*Prices applicable as of Sept 2022
HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKET FOR THE COLOMBO TO GALLE TRAIN
The process for booking your ticket depends upon whether you’re travelling on an unreserved or reserved ticket:
RESERVED TICKETS
Reserved seating cannot be purchased on your day of travel, so you must book reserved tickets ahead of time.
In the off-season, you can probably get away with booking these at your departure station a few days ahead of time - otherwise, we suggest booking at least a month in advance to secure your seat.
BOOK | You can book online (32 days before)here)
UNRESERVED TICKETS
Unreserved tickets cannot be purchased before the day of travel. It’s simply a matter of showing up at the station a bit earlier and queueing at the ticket office. Unreserved tickets also can’t sell out - they’re uncapped.
If you’re told that tickets have sold out, it’s probably because the seller has assumed that as a foreigner, you’d prefer a reserved seat. You can always buy an unreserved ticket.
If you prefer winging your travels, we suggest getting to the station at least 2 hours prior to departure to purchase your tickets (but seriously, just buy them online) and save yourself the hassle!)
SRI LANKAN TRAIN CLASSES & AMENITIES
Reserved or unreserved? First class or third class?
When it comes to buying tickets for your train ride in Sri Lanka, the different ticket options can initially be a little confusing.
Personally, we strongly believe that this train ride is one of the rare times where the best experience is actually found in the lower ticket classes. First class is stuffy with windows and doors that won’t open and mostly other foreigners occupying the seats next to. Second and third class on the other hand, are a truly authentic taste of what life is really like for locals on the Sri Lankan railway system.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what each class entails (keep reading for costs!):
THIRD CLASS UNRESERVED
Third Class Unreserved are the cheapest tickets available for the train, and as such, tend to be the most popular with locals too. The seating here is non-allocated wooden benches (it’s basically a free for all!) so be prepared that at least some of your journey will involve standing.
For all that the journey may be a little uncomfortable though, this is where the most authentic taste of Sri Lankan life can be found though.
Groups of local boys sing and play drums, big families crowd together on one or two benches, sharing meals and passing little ones across the carriage for the best views, while vendors squeeze past with precariously balanced trays of deep-fried delights.
The mood is jovial and everyone’s keen to chat - it’s just a super happy place to be!
THIRD CLASS RESERVED
Exactly as above, but with the difference of allocated seating. It’s a little less chaotic, but the mood is just as fun.
This is probably our favourite place to be on the Sri Lankan rail network, as it comes with all the fun and local interaction of third class, but with the slightly more organised aspect of having a (mostly) guaranteed seat.
You can also open the windows and doors here, and the doorways don’t tend to be as crowded as you may find in the unreserved carriages - perfect for dangling your feet over and feeling the wind through your hair!
BOOK | Secure your third class reserved ticket here
SECOND CLASS UNRESERVED
A little softer than third class seating-wise, though in a stuffy carriage with hard seating this doesn’t really make too much of an impact!
Not too much more expensive than the third class, but again, you’ll probably need to push your way onto the train for this one.
These seats tend to be great if you’re travelling in the off or shoulder seasons, as the trains are a lot less busy then.
We’ve taken this option to Galle and managed to find a seat after Hikkaduwa - standing was kinda fun, but we did miss a lot of the beautiful coastline vistas.
SECOND CLASS RESERVED
As above, with allocated seating this time. The price jump for reserved seating in this carriage is about half again of what you’d pay for the other classes, but if you’re travelling during peak season and you know your travel dates in advance, it’s absolutely worth booking these well ahead of your arrival to Sri Lanka (read our top Sri Lanka travel tips for more handy tips).
Note that these will often sell out 1-2 months in advance during peak season, so booking online is the best option.
TIP | We recommend second class reserved for the Colombo to Galle train - book here
FIRST CLASS
Allocated plush(ish) seating, privacy, and air conditioning are the main features here.
We absolutely wouldn’t recommend this carriage if you’re wanting to get a real feel for the train ride though; the windows and doors remain locked, and you’ll be rubbing shoulders mostly with other foreigners.
It’s not exactly the most authentic way to experience the country or the train, but if you’ve already taken a few train journeys and just want to get to your destination comfortably, this might be the option for you.
NOTE | At present, there is only one first class train per day servicing the Colombo to Galle route
THERE ARE TOILETS ON BOARD
There are toilets on board the trains, and while they’re definitely not the greatest we’ve ever encountered, they’re also not the worst.
They are squat toilets - so best avoided on particularly windy parts of the track - and always take some toilet paper in with you, as we’re yet to encounter any that provide it!
COLOMBO TO GALLE EXPRESS BUS
If you prefer your creature comforts (air-conditioning), there’s a direct express bus (bus #EX001) from Makumbura bus station (formerly Maharagama bus station) in the suburbs of Colombo to Galle, which follows the newly completed inland highway.
You’re guaranteed a seat, and the air-conditioning is a welcome relief in Sri Lanka.
WHERE IS MAKUMBURA STATION
Makumbura bus station is located in the eastern outskirts of Colombo city, and serves as a departure point for express buses to the south.
To get there, we recommend taking a tuk-tuk or taxi (organise through PickMe - expect to pay LKR 400 - LKR 900 ($5 - $10 USD), given the distance from the city centre.
For a cheaper option, you can jump on a bus (line 138) from Bastiyan Mawatha bus stand, which should take around 1 hour.
The newly built Makumbura bus station has several amenities, such as toilets, and food and drink stands.
COLOMBO TO GALLE BUS TICKET PRICES
A one-way ticket from Colombo Makumbura station to Galle is LKR 420 (around $5 USD). When added to the tuk-tuk/taxi fare, the total cost can be upwards of LKR 1000 ($10 USD).
NOTE | Price as of 2022. Prices change regularly in Sri Lanka, especially with the current economic and fuel issues
HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKET FOR THE COLOMBO TO GALLE BUS
Tickets can be purchased from the conductor on the bus, so there’s a need to purchase them in advance.
If you wish to purchase in advance, book here.
COLOMBO TO GALLE BUS DEPARTURE TIMES & ROUTE
Busses run from Makumbura station to Galle from 5 am every 20 minutes daily with the last bus leaving at 21:00 pm.
STANDARD BUS FROM BASTIAN MAWATHA BUS STATION
If you’re on a strict budget, there is a bus that travels along the west coast to the south, from Bastian Mawatha Bus station in Colombo (next to Pettah Markets) to Galle.
We’ve taken this route many times, and while it’s long, hot and bumpy (it can take upwards of 4 hrs), it’s super cheap (LKR 170 / $2 USD) and provides epic views and real cultural experiences.
But we’ve not provided a full overview of this route because we, unfortunately, don’t have up-to-date information, and we think there are better options listed above.
PRIVATE TRANSFER / TAXI
If you’re no longer a backpacker, and the days of catching long trains are behind you, there is a comfortable and efficient way to get to Galle - via private transfer or taxi.
For a small (read: large) fee, you can be transferred directly from your Colombo hotel (or airport) directly to your accommodation in Galle. In fact, if you’re arriving to Sri Lanka and aren’t keen on staying in Colombo (or your flight arrives in the wee hours), this is definitely the best option.
The travel time to the coast is around 2 - 2.5 hrs (the expressway is faster and therefore cheaper), and, while the fee differs from provider to provider, will likely cost LKR 9,000 + ($100 USD - $150).
Hotels in Colombo can organise your transfer or taxi for you, while there’s a desk at Colombo airport for new arrivals to arrange their transport (here, the price is fixed and somewhat bloated).
Alternatively, book in advance with a trusted provider here.
ESSENTIAL GALLE TRAVEL INFORMATION
WHERE IS GALLE FORT?
Beautiful Galle Fort is located in the city of Galle in the southwest corner of Sri Lanka, around 110km from the capital, Colombo, and just a short drive to some of Sri Lanka’s popular beachside enclaves, including Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Mirissa.
Situated on a rocky peninsula, the sea surrounds Galle Fort from three sides, making it a wonderful location for a Fort.
HOW LONG DO YOU NEED IN GALLE FORT?
Alluring, exotic, and totally loveable, Galle Fort is one of the unmissable points of interest on your Sri Lankan itinerary, and a place we could spend a week in if given the chance.
We’d recommend staying at least 2 - 3 nights in Galle Fort to get a good feel of the historic area and the daily life which still operates within it, before moving onto the southern beaches including Unawatuna – although however long you stay, you’ll have no trouble enjoying all the wonderful places to visit in Galle.
READ | Our complete guide to Galle Fort
WHERE TO STAY IN GALLE FORT
Galle Fort is literally teeming with budget to high-end hotels (see the best Galle hotels here), many of which are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen - think open, breezy rooms, private courtyards and exceptional service (it’s the Sri Lankan way!). Below are our pick of the bunch:
GALLE FORT HOTEL | a boutique hotel in a former Dutch mansion. Prices and availability here
TARU VILLAS | a classically restored boutique hotel right in the heart of Galle Fort. Prices and availability here
THE FORT BAZAAR | a former merchants home turned boutique hotel in the centre of Galle Fort. Prices and availability here
Read more | Our complete guide on where to stay in Galle
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN SRI LANKA
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Car Insurance | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
*In normal times, we recommend using World Nomads travel insurance, but unfortunately they're not currently covering COVID-19 related claims right now.
READ THESE ESSENTIAL SRI LANKA POSTS
We’ve got a wealth of information on Sri Lanka, so if you’re planning on visiting, read the below guides and plan the ultimate adventure!
THINGS TO DO IN SRI LANKA | 31 incredible things to do in Sri Lanka (this is THE definitive guide on the internet!), a guide to Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s palace in the sky, and a guide to Pidurangala rock
SRI LANKA TRAVEL TIPS | Everything you need to know before you visit Sri Lanka (39 essential tips!)
SRI LANKA ITINERARY | Our three week Sri Lankan itinerary
SRI LANKA CITY GUIDES | We’ve got in-depth guides to Galle, Kandy, Jaffna, and Ella (plus our guide to where to stay in Ella!)
KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN | Our definitive guide to the Kandy to Ella train
PHOTOGRAPHY | Click here to view our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT.
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