How to get from Matara to Colombo

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What is the best way to travel from Matara to Colombo?

Looking for a trip? Compare all the available Trains and Buses for the journey to Colombo from Matara. Check between different modes of transportation, look for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 2 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Train is the cheapest, while Bus is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Bus
2h 15m
$8
$8
2
Train
2h 50m
$6
$9
5

What is the cheapest way to reach Colombo from Matara?

You can get to Colombo with just $6 by taking a Train from Sri Lanka Railway, but you can find many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for next few days here for you.

Friday
Saturday
from $6
Sunday
from $6
Monday
from $6
Tuesday
from $6
Wednesday
from $8
Thursday

    Cheapest Trains Saturday

  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 40m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:40 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 2m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:07 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6
  • Cheapest Buses Saturday

  • Sri Lanka Transport Board
    2h 15m
    0
    9:30 PM
    Matara
    Expressway Busbahnhof
    11:45 PM
    Colombo
    Bastian Mawatha Bus Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Transport Board
    Premium Economy
    $8

    Cheapest Trains Sunday

  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 40m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:40 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 2m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:07 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6
  • Cheapest Buses Sunday

  • Sri Lanka Transport Board
    2h 15m
    0
    9:30 PM
    Matara
    Expressway Busbahnhof
    11:45 PM
    Colombo
    Bastian Mawatha Bus Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Transport Board
    Premium Economy
    $8

    Cheapest Trains Monday

  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 40m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:40 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 2m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:07 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    2h 50m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    8:50 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    Business
    from $18
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    2h 50m
    0
    5:50 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    8:40 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $21

    Cheapest Trains Tuesday

  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 40m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:40 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 2m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:07 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6

    Cheapest Buses Wednesday

  • Sri Lanka Transport Board
    2h 15m
    0
    9:30 PM
    Matara
    Expressway Busbahnhof
    11:45 PM
    Colombo
    Bastian Mawatha Bus Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Transport Board
    Premium Economy
    $8

What are the fastest trips from Matara to Colombo?

You can get to Colombo from Matara in just 2h 15m with a Bus from Sri Lanka Transport Board. This is not the only option, and you can click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other modes of transportations.

Friday
Saturday
from 2h 15m
Sunday
from 2h 15m
Monday
from 2h 50m
Tuesday
from 3h 2m
Wednesday
from 2h 15m
Thursday

    Fastest Buses Saturday

  • Sri Lanka Transport Board
    2h 15m
    0
    9:30 PM
    Matara
    Expressway Busbahnhof
    11:45 PM
    Colombo
    Bastian Mawatha Bus Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Transport Board
    Premium Economy
    $8
  • Fastest Trains Saturday

  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 2m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:07 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 40m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:40 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6

    Fastest Buses Sunday

  • Sri Lanka Transport Board
    2h 15m
    0
    9:30 PM
    Matara
    Expressway Busbahnhof
    11:45 PM
    Colombo
    Bastian Mawatha Bus Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Transport Board
    Premium Economy
    $8
  • Fastest Trains Sunday

  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 2m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:07 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 40m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:40 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6

    Fastest Trains Monday

  • Sri Lanka Railway
    2h 50m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    8:50 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    Business
    from $18
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    2h 50m
    0
    5:50 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    8:40 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $21
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 2m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:07 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 40m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:40 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6

    Fastest Trains Tuesday

  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 2m
    0
    6:05 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:07 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6
  • Sri Lanka Railway
    3h 40m
    0
    6:00 AM
    Matara
    Train Station
    9:40 AM
    Colombo
    Fort Railway Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Railway
    First Class
    from $6

    Fastest Buses Wednesday

  • Sri Lanka Transport Board
    2h 15m
    0
    9:30 PM
    Matara
    Expressway Busbahnhof
    11:45 PM
    Colombo
    Bastian Mawatha Bus Station
    0
    Sri Lanka Transport Board
    Premium Economy
    $8
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Matara to Colombo

What are the most popular stations in Matara and Colombo?

In Matara, you will usually depart from Expressway Busbahnhof or Train Station, while in Colombo you will be arriving at Central Bus Station, Ananda College Bus Stop or Fort Railway Station, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Colombo from Matara? With 3 connections between 2 Train and Bus operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Matara and Colombo, you can pay as low as $6 with a Train from Sri Lanka Railway.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Bus from Sri Lanka Transport Board: you will get to Colombo in just 2h 15m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Matara and Colombo are Sri Lanka Railway and Sri Lanka Transport Board, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Matara and Colombo is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Mirissa or to Kolonnawa, and look at flights from , and landing at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Matara to Colombo?

The most popular companies between Matara and Colombo, are Sri Lanka Railway and Sri Lanka Transport Board. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Bus companies: Sri Lanka Transport Board

All you need to know when you travel from Matara to Colombo

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Matara to Colombo. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Matara to Colombo

How can I reach Colombo from Matara?

Every day, there are on average 3 connections between Train and Bus, with which you can get to Colombo from Matara.

How far is Colombo from Matara?

The distance between Matara and Colombo is 82.8 miles.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Matara and Colombo?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 4 kgs of CO2, a train 5 kgs, a car 23 kgs, and a flight 33 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Matara to Colombo?

You can get to Colombo with just $6 by taking a Train from Sri Lanka Railway.

What is the fastest way to get from Matara to Colombo?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Colombo in just 2h 15m with a Bus from Sri Lanka Transport Board.

More routes to Matara and to Colombo

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Matara and to Colombo. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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