Anuradhapura to Colombo

Anuradhapura to Colombo

Anuradhapura
Colombo
Fri, Sep 4
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2 Travelers
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Anuradhapura to Colombo Destination Reviews

MT
Marco T
All good for booking a trainride with sri lankan train.
Anuradhapura to Colombo, Train #444422 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 8, 2026
JD
Julie D
Very pleasant bus trip between Anuradhapura and Colombo, quiet and comfortable air-conditioned bus, efficient driver and assistant. Quick and friendly communication with customer service via WhatsApp, which was very helpful in finding out when the bus was arriving and where it was stopping. I recommend it.
Anuradhapura to Colombo, Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jan 31, 2026
4.4
9 customer reviews
5
67%
4
11%
3
11%
2
11%
1
0%

Anuradhapura to Colombo Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Real Lanka Holidays
Comfort 3pax
Any time
+2h 45m
$64.20
Train
Sri Lanka Railways
1st Class Seat
06:20
10:15
$20.70
  4.5
Train
Sri Lanka Railways
3rd Class Reserved Seat
06:44
20:19
$13.14
Bus
Sri Lanka Bus Service
Air-conditioned Large Coach
13:45
18:10
$8.35
Train
Sri Lanka Railway
First Class Seat
14:20
18:58
$6.40
Train
Sri Lanka Railway
First Class Seat
14:40
19:03
$6.40
Train
Sri Lanka Railway
First Class Seat
15:15
20:06
$6.40
Bus
Sri Lanka Bus Service
Air-conditioned Large Coach
16:30
21:00
$8.35
Bus
Prince Travels
Tourist AC
19:30
01:00
$17.00
Bus
Prince Travels
Tourist AC
20:00
01:15
$17.00
Bus
Prince Travels
Tourist AC
21:00
02:15
$17.00
Bus
Sri Lanka Bus Service
Air-conditioned Large Coach
23:15
03:00
$12.28
Bus
Muthu Travels
Tourist AC
23:55
07:55
$13.50

How to get from Anuradhapura to Colombo

Travelling between Anuradhapura and Colombo is possible by Bus, train, van and taxi. Taxi guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Taxi is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 262.27 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a taxi which will set you back mere USD 89.22.

How long does it take to get from Anuradhapura to Colombo?

It can take you anywhere between 4 and 5 hours to travel between Anuradhapura and Colombo depending on the means of transport you choose.

Taxi is the fastest way to travel between Anuradhapura and Colombo. Taxi will bring you to your destination in 3h 7m. Taxi does a much slower job and take about 4h 47m to reach Colombo.

How much does it cost to get from Anuradhapura to Colombo?

Travelling between Anuradhapura and Colombo can be as cheap as USD 89.22 if you opt for a Real Lanka Holidays taxi and as expensive as USD 262.27 if you buy a Ceylon Roots taxi ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

How many trips per day are there between Anuradhapura and Colombo ?

  • 13 from Anuradhapura to Colombo starting from 00:00 Anuradhapura until 00:00 Anuradhapura

Check above for a bus, train, flight and ferry timetable from Anuradhapura to Colombo.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Bus

Travelling from Anuradhapura to Colombo overland will inevitably take longer but in many cases it is the cheapest option if you opt for a bus.

Things to remember: For a more comfortable ride opt for a higher-class bus wherever possible. These buses usually have soft reclining seats and are equipped with air-conditioning and on-board toilets.

They often include water, snacks or a light lunch into your ticket price and make bathroom stops en-route.

Companies operating bus routes between Anuradhapura and Colombo

Sri Lanka Bus Service

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Anuradhapura and Colombo

Ceylon Roots, Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver, Lakpura, Real Lanka Holidays, Real Lanka Holidays, TaxiBazaar

Train

Train is a often a great choice for long-haul travel especially if you opt for a night sleeper train with berths which will allow you to sleep all your journey through. To make the most of your train journey, choose the class of your ticket wisely.

Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.

Van

Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Anuradhapura and Colombo, too.

Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.

Companies operating vans between Anuradhapura and Colombo

Real Lanka Holidays

What is the most popular transport to get from Anuradhapura to Colombo?

There is a choice of transportation means any time of the day with Train remaining the most popular option due to their reasonable pricing and comfort.

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 58% took a train
  • 40% opted for a bus
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Anuradhapura to Colombo

Facts about the transport from Anuradhapura to Colombo

Cheapest Transport$6
Fastest Transport3h 7m
Earliest Departure12:00 AM
Latest Departure4:43 PM
Departures per day13
Distance220 kilometers
Transport CompaniesCeylon Roots, Lakpura, Real Lanka Holidays, Real Lanka Holidays, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sri Lanka Railway, TaxiBazaar