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Galle to Colombo from $1: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Galle, Sri Lanka
to
Colombo, Sri Lanka

How to Get from Galle to Colombo: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$1 by trainBest price
108.7 kmDistance
1h 39m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Galle to Colombo with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Sri Lanka Railways
Train
Average Duration
2h  13m
Estimated price
$1-7
Recommended
Company
Sri Lanka Railways
Train
Average Duration
2h  13m
Estimated price
$1-7
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 108.7 km
Duration: 1h 39m

See more options

Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  39m
Estimated price
$17-25
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
1h  39m
Estimated price
$60-80
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Galle to Colombo

The journey from Galle, with its charming colonial architecture and tranquil beaches, to the bustling streets of Colombo presents a delightful contrast between serene coastal beauty and urban vibrancy.

Best Neighbourhoods in Colombo

Colombo offers diverse neighborhoods, each showcasing its own charm and character.

Colpetty
• Trendy cafes and shops line the streets.
• Close to the stunning beaches of Colombo.
Fort
• Rich with colonial history and architecture.
• Home to the bustling city business district.
Mount Lavinia
• Famous for its beautiful beach and sunsets.
• A vibrant atmosphere with plenty of dining options.

Best Times To Visit Colombo's Attractions

Timing your visits to Colombo’s attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Gangaramaya Temple
Visit early in the morning for a peaceful atmosphere and fewer tourists.
Bambalapitiya Beach
Late afternoon visits provide stunning sunsets and a relaxed vibe.
Galle Face Green
Go in the evening when the local vendors are active, creating a lively scene.

Colombo Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Colombo experiences a tropical climate, characterized by warm temperatures and a mix of sunshine and rain throughout the year. The best times to visit are during the dry season from December to March, when pleasant weather enhances your travel experience.

Dining in Colombo: A Culinary Contrast

Sampling the vibrant street food at Colombo's Galle Face Green, particularly the Kottu Roti, offers a lively dining experience filled with bold flavors and local spices that differs from Galle's more laid-back seafood offerings. The bustling atmosphere, with vendors creating this dish right before your eyes, adds an exciting dynamic that elevates the culinary adventure.

Galle - Colombo operators

Explore transport companies operating between Galle and Colombo, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
94114600111
Website
railway.gov.lk

Train from Galle Station to Fort Station

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$1-7
Taxi
Contact phone
+94117433433
Website
pickme.lk

Taxi from Galle to Colombo

Average Duration
1h 39m
Estimated price
$60-80
Contact phone
+94 917 223 223
Website
lotuscabs.lk

Taxi from Galle to Colombo

Average Duration
1h 39m
Estimated price
$60-80
Contact phone
+94 912 246 246
Website
galletaxi.com

Taxi from Galle to Colombo

Average Duration
1h 39m
Estimated price
$60-80
Drive

Drive from Galle to Colombo

Average Duration
1h 39m
Estimated price
$17-25

Galle to Colombo: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Galle and Colombo offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Journey from Galle to Colombo is a scenic drive spanning 127.1 km, promising picturesque landscapes along the way. 💰 Prices for this road trip can range from $17 to $25, offering travelers flexibility in their budget for a comfortable ride. 🌴 A road trip from Galle to Colombo takes approximately 1 hour and 39 minutes, ensuring a swift and enjoyable travel experience through the charming countryside of Sri Lanka.
Average price
$17 - $25
🚂 Hop on a direct train from Galle Station to Colombo's Fort Station, departing every four hours and taking approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes. 🌴 🎟️ Tickets for the Galle to Colombo train range from $1 to $7, offering an affordable and convenient way to travel between these two popular destinations in Sri Lanka. 🚞
Departure Point
Galle Station
Arrival Point
Fort Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the Galle to Colombo train route, passengers can expect a variety of catering services on board, typically including light snacks, local delicacies, and beverages available for purchase. Look for the food cart that periodically passes through the aisles, or check for onboard vendors, especially on the trains operated by Sri Lanka Railways and the Intercity Express.
• The train services from Galle to Colombo offer several seating options. The First Class compartments have spacious upholstered seats and air conditioning, providing a comfortable journey. Business Class features slightly less luxurious seating but still offers decent comfort, while Economy Class is more basic; it's a good idea to book First or Business Class in advance for a better experience.
• There are multiple operators along the Galle to Colombo route, including the Sri Lanka Railways (railway.gov.lk) and Express Trains (express-trains.lk). Always check their schedules ahead of time, as they may have different timetables and services available.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Galle to Colombo.

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The distance between Galle and Colombo in Sri Lanka is 107.8 km by road. Travel time by train from Galle to Colombo takes approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes. If you prefer to travel by car, it takes around 1 hour and 39 minutes to reach Galle from Colombo. Alternatively, traveling by bus from Galle to Colombo takes approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Galle to Colombo is by train, with tickets ranging from $1 to $6. Although this mode of transportation takes 2 hours and 13 minutes, it offers great affordability. Alternatively, the fastest option would be taking a taxi, which takes 1 hour and 39 minutes to reach Colombo from Galle. However, taxis are more expensive, costing between $55 to $70.
The prices for a train ticket between Galle and Colombo vary from $1 to $6, depending on the class and type of train chosen. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Colombo to Galle range from $7 to $10, depending on the type of bus and the amenities provided.
To travel from Galle to Colombo without using public transportation, you can opt to take a private car. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 127.1 km and it usually takes around 1 hour and 39 minutes to reach Colombo by car. The prices for a car journey vary but typically range from $17 to $25.
If you are looking to travel from Galle to Colombo without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes and tickets cost between $7 and $10.
Yes, there is a direct link between Galle and Colombo in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Railways operates train services five times a day from Galle Station to Fort Station in Colombo, taking approximately 2 hours and 13 minutes.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Colombo. With over 778 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in Colombo start at $40.

Trips from Galle