What is the cheapest way to get from Colombo to Jaffna?

The cheapest way to get from Colombo to Jaffna is to bus which costs Rs. 1300 - Rs. 2700 and takes 6h 15m.

What is the fastest way to get from Colombo to Jaffna?

The fastest way to get from Colombo to Jaffna is to fly which takes 5h 17m and costs Rs. 70000 - Rs. 110000.

Is there a direct bus between Colombo and Jaffna?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Pettah and arriving at Jaffna. Services depart every three hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 6h 15m.

Is there a direct train between Colombo and Jaffna?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Colombo Fort and arriving at Jaffna. Services depart three times a day, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 6h 40m.

How far is it from Colombo to Jaffna?

The distance between Colombo and Jaffna is 413 km. The road distance is 394.8 km.

How do I travel from Colombo to Jaffna without a car?

The best way to get from Colombo to Jaffna without a car is to bus which takes 6h 15m and costs Rs. 1300 - Rs. 2700.

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

The bus from Pettah to Jaffna takes 6h 15m including transfers and departs every three hours.

Where do I catch the Colombo to Jaffna bus from?

Colombo to Jaffna bus services, operated by NCG Express, depart from Pettah station.

Where do I catch the Colombo to Jaffna train from?

Colombo to Jaffna train services, operated by Sri Lanka Railways, depart from Colombo Fort station.

Train, bus or fly from Colombo to Jaffna?

The best way to get from Colombo to Jaffna is to bus which takes 6h 15m and costs Rs. 1300 - Rs. 2700. Alternatively, you can train, which costs Rs. 1300 - Rs. 13000 and takes 6h 40m, you could also fly, which costs Rs. 70000 - Rs. 110000 and takes 5h 17m.

Where does the Colombo to Jaffna bus arrive?

Colombo to Jaffna bus services, operated by NCG Express, arrive at Jaffna station.

Where does the Colombo to Jaffna train arrive?

Colombo to Jaffna train services, operated by Sri Lanka Railways, arrive at Jaffna station.

Can I drive from Colombo to Jaffna?

Yes, the driving distance between Colombo to Jaffna is 395 km. It takes approximately 6h 35m to drive from Colombo to Jaffna.

Where can I stay near Jaffna?

There are 185+ hotels available in Jaffna.

Colombo to Jaffna - 5 ways to travel via train, bus, car, and plane

There are 5 ways to get from Colombo to Jaffna by bus, train, car, or plane

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Bus
best
1. Take the bus from Pettah to Jaffna
6h 15m
Rs 1,300–2,700
Train
1. Take the train from Colombo Fort to JaffnaColombo / ...
6h 40m
Rs 1,300–13,000
Drive 394.8 km
1. Drive from Colombo to Jaffna394.8 km
6h 35m
Rs 16,611–23,993
Fly to Jaffna
1. Fly from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Jaffna (JAF)CMB - JAF
5h 17m
Rs 69,874–106,705
Fly to Sigiriya Airport, bus
1. Fly from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Sigiriya Airport (GIU)CMB - GIU
2. Take the bus from Dambulla to Kachcheri
6h 9m

Colombo to Jaffna by bus

69Weekly Buses

6h 15mAverage Duration

Rs 1,300Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Colombo to Jaffna.

Launch map view

Distance: 413.5 km
Duration: 6h 15m

What companies run services between Colombo, Sri Lanka and Jaffna, Sri Lanka?

NCG Express operates a bus from Pettah to Jaffna 3 times a day. Tickets cost Rs 2,700 and the journey takes 6h 15m. National Transport Commission also services this route every 4 hours. Alternatively, Sri Lanka Railways operates a train from Colombo Fort to Jaffna 3 times a day. Tickets cost Rs 1,300–13,000 and the journey takes 6h 40m.

Airlines