Colombo to Badulla

Colombo to Badulla

Colombo
Badulla
Sun, Sep 13
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2 Travelers
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Colombo to Badulla Destination Reviews

CK
Christian K
Over all the experience was very nice. To travel with all the locals, to get in touch with them and see how they travel. The drive from Colombo to Ella was really long and you should consider a break, for example in Kandy. We traveled in third class and you only can get a good seat in Colombo and also only when you are fast. :D When the train arrives, the locals jump on it, while its driving - be fast! It’s getting pretty full and tight, be aware of that. Next time, ee would get a first or second class ticket because of comfort. But it was definitively a good experience, I would not like to miss.
Colombo to Badulla, Train #1015 Third Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Sep 9, 2025
VD
Vishva D
The seats we got are not that great. They were facing backwards from the direction the train was moving and was near the lavatory of the compartment, which smelled awful whenever someone used it. Additionally, we were not able to recline properly as the seats were towards the end of the compartment as well. There were more seats available which we could've got for the 25% commission we paid for the ticket I believe. Additionally, it was revealed i couldve saved money by directly booking this through the railway rather than on this.
Colombo to Badulla, Train #1045 Third Class Sleeperetts, Sri Lanka Railway, Sep 2, 2025
4.6
11 customer reviews
5
73%
4
18%
3
9%
2
0%
1
0%

Colombo to Badulla Schedule

TypeOperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Taxi
Magical Sri Lanka
Standard 2pax
Any time
+5h 40m
$90.00
Bus
Sri Lanka Bus Service
Super Luxury
00:45
05:45
$13.79
Train
Sri Lanka Railway
First Class Seat
05:30
14:42
$19.18
  4.8
Train
Sri Lanka Railway
First Class Seat
05:55
16:20
$9.59
  4.8
Train
Sri Lanka Railway
First Class Seat
06:30
16:49
$25.58
  4.8
Bus
Sri Lanka Bus Service
Super Luxury
07:30
12:30
$12.20
Train
Sri Lanka Railway
First Class Seat
08:30
17:51
$9.59
  4.8
Train
Sri Lanka Railway
Observation class
09:45
20:16
$9.59
  5.0
Bus
Sri Lanka Bus Service
Air-conditioned Large Coach
10:15
15:15
$12.20
Bus
Sri Lanka Bus Service
Super Luxury
14:30
19:30
$12.20
Bus
Sri Lanka Bus Service
Super Luxury
17:30
22:30
$12.20
Bus
Sri Lanka Bus Service
Super Luxury
18:30
23:30
$12.20
Train
Sri Lanka Railway
Second Class Sleeperette
20:30
05:37
$6.39
Bus
Laksiri AC Service
Tourist
23:00
06:00
$12.00

How to get from Colombo to Badulla

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

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 168.75 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a taxi which will set you back mere USD 168.75.

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

It can take you anywhere between 5 and 11 hours to travel between Colombo and Badulla depending on the means of transport you choose.

Bus is the fastest way to travel between Colombo and Badulla. Bus will bring you to your destination in 5h. Train does a much slower job and take about 10h 19m to reach Badulla.

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

Travelling between Colombo and Badulla can be as cheap as USD 168.75 if you opt for a Lakpura taxi and as expensive as USD 168.75 if you buy a Lakpura 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 Colombo and Badulla ?

  • 1 from Colombo to Badulla starting from 00:00 Colombo until 00:00 Colombo

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

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

Bus

Travelling from Colombo to Badulla 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 Colombo and Badulla

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 Colombo and Badulla

Lakpura

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.

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

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

Out of 1000 travellers who bought tickets for this route

  • 70% opted for a bus
  • 29% took a train
  • 1% Other

Transportation from Colombo to Badulla

Facts about the transport from Colombo to Badulla

Cheapest Transport$7
Fastest Transport5h
Earliest Departure6:30 AM
Latest Departure8:30 PM
Departures per day1
Distance220 kilometers
Transport CompaniesLakpura, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sri Lanka Railway