Train timetables in Sri Lanka 2025🚆
Traveling by train in Sri Lanka is an unmissable experience, offering spectacular scenery and immersion in the local culture. Here’s a detailed timetable guide for the country’s main rail lines, based on reliable information available on Seat61.
1. 🚂 Colombo – Kandy – Hatton – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Badulla line
This route passes through the superb tea plantations of central Sri Lanka. It’s ideal for discovering must-see destinations like Kandy, Hatton and Ella. The Kandy-Ella train line is the most beautiful in the world.
| Train | Departure from Colombo Fort | Arrival Kandy | Arrival Badulla |
|---|---|---|---|
| InterCity Express | 05:55 | 08:47 | 15:27 |
| Podi Menike | 06:00 | 08:47 | 16:00 |
| Udarata Menike | 08:30 | 11:18 | 17:55 |
| InterCity Express | 15:35 | 18:22 | – |
2. 🏖️ Colombo – Galle – Matara route
Known as the “Coastal Line”, this route runs along the south coast and offers incredible views of the Indian Ocean. Perfect for a getaway to Galle or Matara.
| Train | Departure from Colombo Fort | Arrival Galle | Arrival Matara |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express | 06:55 | 09:20 | 10:00 |
| Express | 08:35 | 11:00 | 11:40 |
| Express | 14:25 | 16:50 | 17:30 |
| Express | 16:50 | 19:15 | 19:55 |
3. 🌅 Colombo – Galoya – Polonnaruwa – Batticaloa – Trincomalee line
This route links Colombo with historic destinations such as Polonnaruwa and coastal towns like Batticaloa and Trincomalee. An ideal option for exploring the east of the country.
| Train | Departure from Colombo Fort | Arrival Polonnaruwa | Arrival Batticaloa | Arrival Trincomalee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night Mail (Batticaloa) | 20:15 | 03:45 | 05:15 | – |
| Night Mail (Trincomalee) | 21:00 | 04:30 | – | 06:00 |
| Udaya Devi (Trincomalee) | 06:05 | 12:30 | – | 13:50 |
4. 🏛️ Colombo – Anuradhapura – Talaimannar/Vavuniya – Jaffna route
This line links Colombo to the north, passing through Anuradhapura on its way to Jaffna or Talaimannar. It’s ideal for exploring the history and culture of northern Sri Lanka.
| Train | Departure from Colombo Fort | Arrival Anuradhapura | Arrival in Vavuniya | Arrival Jaffna |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InterCity Express | 05:45 | 09:00 | 10:00 | 12:30 |
| Express | 09:30 | 13:00 | 14:00 | 16:30 |
| Night Mail | 20:00 | 23:30 | 00:30 | 03:00 |
5. 🛤️ Colombo commuter shuttles
These frequent services connect Colombo with its suburbs and neighboring towns, ideal for daily commutes or short excursions.
| Destination | Train frequency from Colombo Fort |
|---|---|
| Negombo | Every 30 minutes from 05:00 to 22:00 |
| Mount Lavinia | Every 20 minutes from 05:30 to 21:30 |
| Kalutara | Every hour from 06:00 to 20:00 |
| Puttalam | 4 trains per day at 06:00, 10:00, 14:00, 18:00 |
| Avissawella | 5 trains a day at 05:30, 09:30, 13:30, 17:30, 21:30 |
Important note ⚠️
Train timetables in Sri Lanka are subject to change. We recommend consulting the official Sri Lanka Railways website or checking with local stations for the latest information. You can also use third-party applications or websites such as Railway Sri Lanka to plan your journey.
Travelling by train in Sri Lanka is a unique experience that combines convenience, culture and beautiful scenery. Take the time to explore the country on these iconic lines!
