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Galle is known for its Dutch fort, Matara for its own star-shaped fort and the Weherahena Temple. The stretch between them is short, a quick hop along the southern coast on the way to the beaches further east.
Galle to Matara by train
Sri Lanka Railways sells seat reservations on its Colombo Fort to Beliatta intercity and express trains in 1st, 2nd and 3rd class.[1] You can reserve up to 30 days ahead and online until 2 hours before departure. A 5% convenience fee applies, and you need an account with the passport details of every passenger.[2]
Matara has its own station on the Coast Line, as do Weligama and Mirissa.[3] Window seats on the coast side give you glimpses of turquoise water and palm-fringed beaches.
Galle to Matara by private transfer
A private car suits groups, surfboards and heavy luggage, and it can pick you up at your hotel in Galle or Unawatuna. On booking platforms, private transfers cost about $72 to $99 (November 2026), depending on whether you choose a hatchback, a sedan or an SUV for 6. The drive takes from about 43 minutes from Galle and from about 37 minutes from Unawatuna.[4]
Book your transfer on GoAsia.cc and the driver will be waiting at your hotel.
Tips for traveling from Galle to Matara
- Reserve train seats early: In the peak season from December to March, seats on southern trains sell out, so reserve online in advance.
- Staying in Unawatuna: A private transfer saves you the tuk-tuk ride to Galle station.
- See Matara: Allow time for the fort and the Weherahena Temple before you move on east.
Timetable
| Taxi Galle - Matara $ 72.60–99.77 43m | |
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| Train Galle - Matara $ 5.07–16.86 40m – 1h 8m | |
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| Taxi Unawatuna - Matara $ 72.60–99.77 37m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Galle to Matara, including current prices and schedules.
On booking platforms, private transfers cost about $72 to $99 (November 2026), depending on the vehicle.
A private transfer takes from about 43 minutes from Galle and from about 37 minutes from Unawatuna.
Yes. Sri Lanka Railways runs Colombo Fort to Beliatta intercity and express trains along the southern coast, and Matara has its own station. You can reserve seats online up to 30 days ahead.
Yes. A private transfer picks you up at your hotel in Unawatuna and takes from about 37 minutes.
Use the Sri Lanka Railways seat reservation website. You need an account with the passport details of every passenger, and a 5% convenience fee applies.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Sri Lanka Railways: Sri Lanka Railways seat reservation. Retrieved October 31, 2026.
- [2] Sri Lanka Railways: Online seat reservation FAQ. Retrieved October 21, 2026.
- [3] Sri Lanka Railways: Coast Line stations. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- [4] 12Go: 12Go timetable Galle to Matara. Retrieved November 1, 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.