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

The cheapest way to get from Colombo to Trincomalee is to bus which costs Rs. 850 - Rs. 1500 and takes 7h.

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

The fastest way to get from Colombo to Trincomalee is to drive which takes 3h 59m and costs Rs. 10000 - Rs. 16000.

Is there a direct bus between Colombo and Trincomalee?

Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal and arriving at Trincomalee. Services depart every 30 minutes, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 7h.

Is there a direct train between Colombo and Trincomalee?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Fort Station station and arriving at Trincomalee. Services depart once daily, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 8h.

How far is it from Colombo to Trincomalee?

The distance between Colombo and Trincomalee is 260 km. The road distance is 258.5 km.

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

The best way to get from Colombo to Trincomalee without a car is to bus via Dambulla which takes 5h 38m and costs .

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

It takes approximately 5h 38m to get from Colombo to Trincomalee, including transfers.

Where do I catch the Colombo to Trincomalee bus from?

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

Where do I catch the Colombo to Trincomalee train from?

Colombo to Trincomalee train services, operated by Sri Lanka Railways, depart from Fort Station.

Train or bus from Colombo to Trincomalee?

The best way to get from Colombo to Trincomalee is to bus via Dambulla which takes 5h 38m and costs . Alternatively, you can train, which costs Rs. 1300 - Rs. 9500 and takes 8h.

Where does the Colombo to Trincomalee bus arrive?

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

Where does the Colombo to Trincomalee train arrive?

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

Can I drive from Colombo to Trincomalee?

Yes, the driving distance between Colombo to Trincomalee is 259 km. It takes approximately 3h 59m to drive from Colombo to Trincomalee.

Where can I stay near Trincomalee?

There are 355+ hotels available in Trincomalee.

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

There are 5 ways to get from Colombo to Trincomalee 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 via Dambulla
best
1. Take the bus from Pettah to Dambullabus
2. Take the bus from Dambulla to Trincomaleebus Colombo
5h 38m
Bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Trincomaleebus Colombo
7h
Rs 850–1,500
Train
1. Take the train from Fort Station to Trincomaleetrain Colombo- Trincomalee
8h
Rs 1,300–9,500
Drive 258.5 km
1. Drive from Colombo to Trincomaleecar 258.5 km
3h 59m
Rs 10,931–15,789
Fly, bus
1. Fly from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Sigiriya Airport (GIU)plane CMB - GIU
2. Take the bus from Habarana to Trincomaleebus
4h

Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Sigiriya Airport (GIU) flights

14Weekly Planes

30 minAverage Duration

Rs 13,231Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Colombo to Trincomalee.

Launch map view

Distance: 259.6 km
Duration: 5h 38m

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

You can take a bus from Pettah to Trincomalee via Dambulla in around 5h 38m. Alternatively, Sri Lanka Railways operates a train from Fort Station to Trincomalee once daily. Tickets cost Rs 1,300–9,500 and the journey takes 8h.

Airlines