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Leaving the busy streets of Colombo for the ramparts of Galle is a classic Sri Lankan journey. The route south along the coast can be done by the coastal railway or by road, and the Southern Expressway offers a faster road option.
Colombo to Galle by train
The regular passenger fares from Colombo Fort to Galle are LKR 950 in first class, LKR 500 in second class and LKR 240 in third class.[1] Not every train has first class: on the coastal line, some trains offer air-conditioned first-class reserved seats, while others have only second and third class.[2] Booking platforms list a travel time of about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes (October 2026).[3]
In the timetable Sri Lanka Railways published from 3 December 2025, daily departures include Colombo Fort to Matara at 08:35 and Colombo Fort to Beliatta at 10:30, both trains running through Galle, and Maradana to Galle at 17:25, 17:45 and 18:45.[4] Timetables change, so confirm your train on the official booking site.
Booking: Official information and booking: Sri Lanka Railways
Colombo to Galle by private transfer
A private transfer suits families, travelers with surfboards or anyone who wants to avoid the logistics of getting to the station. The Southern Expressway runs from Kottawa near Colombo to Galle and on to Matara; its Kottawa to Galle section opened in November 2011.[5] Booking platforms list private transfers from about $48 with travel times of about 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours (October 2026), and vehicles from economy cars to vans for 12 passengers.[3] Ask the driver whether the route uses the expressway.
Colombo to Galle by bus and van
Booking platforms list air-conditioned large coaches from about $7 (October 2026).[3] Shared van and minibus combinations are listed at about $13 to $16 with travel times of about 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours.[3]
Comparing your options
| Mode | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Train | LKR 240 to 950[1] | About 1h 50m to 2h 25m[3] |
| Private transfer | From about $48 | About 1h 45m to 3h[3] |
| Shared van and minibus | About $13 to $16 | About 2h 20m to 3h[3] |
Tips for traveling from Colombo to Galle
- Book the train early: If you want a reserved air-conditioned seat, reserve your train a few days ahead.
- Sit on the sea side: On the train from Colombo to Galle, the right-hand side of the carriage faces the ocean.
Timetable
| Bus Colombo - Galle $ 7.08–41.86 1h 20m – 7h | |
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| Taxi Colombo - Galle $ 47.23–363.54 1h 45m – 2h 57m | |
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| Train Colombo - Galle $ 5.57–16.32 1h 50m – 2h 25m | |
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| Van Colombo - Galle $ 12.90–15.98 2h 20m – 3h | |
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| Taxi Colombo - Unawatuna $ 48.83–85.73 2h – 2h 56m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Colombo to Galle, including current prices and schedules.
On Sri Lanka Railways' regular tariff, a third-class ticket from Colombo Fort to Galle costs LKR 240, and booking platforms listed coaches from about $7 in October 2026.
Booking platforms list about 1 hour 50 minutes to 2 hours 25 minutes by train, about 1 hour 45 minutes to 3 hours by private transfer and about 2 hours 20 minutes to 3 hours by shared van (October 2026).
The regular passenger fares from Colombo Fort to Galle are LKR 950 in first class, LKR 500 in second class and LKR 240 in third class. The price shown for a reserved seat at booking can differ.
No. On the coastal line some trains offer air-conditioned first-class reserved seats, while others have only second and third class.
Yes. The Southern Expressway from Kottawa near Colombo to Galle opened in November 2011 and was later extended to Matara.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Sri Lanka Railways: Colombo Fort - Passenger Ticket Rates. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Sri Lanka Railways: Instructions for reservation of train seats. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] 12Go: 12Go timetable Colombo - Galle. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Sri Lanka Railways: Revised Train Timetable from 2025/12/03 onward. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] Road Development Authority: Expressway Operation Maintenance & Management Division: about. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.