Locals and a lot of the tourists prefer to make the journey from Anuradhapura to Colombo by train. Traveling by train adds an element of adventure that everyone needs to experience at least once in their lives. On these train journeys, one can just relax and experience the abundant scenic beauty along the way. It also proves to be an economical way of traveling. Apart from traveling by train, car, taxi, and bus are also viable modes of transportation for this particular journey.
By Car or Taxi: Source The distance from Anuradhapura to Colombo is approximately 212 kilometers. Although it takes 3 to 4 hours by car or taxi depending on traffic, it is a convenient way of traveling.
The trip can be made via two routes:
1. the Anuradhapura - Padeniya Highway / A28 and A28 or
2. via A28 and Colombo - Kandy Road / A1.
2. Anuradhapura to Colombo by Train
The second way to travel is by taking a direct train from Anuradhapura to Colombo Fort. The trains make trips daily and the journey lasts between 3 to 6 hours depending on the time of day. The distance covered is around 205 kilometers. You can also check for the train schedule and ticket prices on the Sri Lanka Railways website.
Source Train Options: 1. Train Name – Night Mail #4088 Departure Station: Anuradhapura Arrival Station: Colombo Fort Timings of Departure and Arrival: 12:25 AM and 5:18 AM Duration: 4 hours 53 minutes Seat Classes: Second and Third Classes are available Type: Long Distance
2. Train Name – Rajarata Rejini #4086 Departure Station: Anuradhapura Arrival Station: Colombo Fort Timings of Departure and Arrival: 5:00 AM and 10:20 AM Duration: 5 hours 20 minutes Seat Classes: Second and Third Classes are available Type: Express Train
3. Train Name – Sri Devie #4004 Departure Station: Anuradhapura Arrival Station: Colombo Fort Timings of Departure and Arrival: 6:50 AM and 10:24 AM Duration: 3 hours 34 minutes Seat Classes: First, Second and Third Classes are available Type: Intercity
4. Train Name – Uttara Devi #4018 Departure Station: Anuradhapura Arrival Station: Colombo Fort Timings of Departure and Arrival: 9:15 AM and 12:55 PM Duration: 3 hours 40 minutes Seat Classes: Second and Third Classes are available Type: Intercity
5. Train Name – Yal Devi #4078 Departure Station: Anuradhapura Arrival Station: Colombo Fort Timings of Departure and Arrival: 2:00 PM and 6:58 PM Duration: 4 hours 58 minutes Seat Classes: First, Second and Third Classes are available Type: Long Distance
3. Anuradhapura to Colombo by Bus
Source Traveling by bus takes approximately 5 to 6 hours and the distance from Anuradhapura to Colombo is around 210 kilometers. The bus schedule and routes can be checked on the National Transport Commission’s website.
Anuradhapura to Colombo Road Distance
Anuradhapura to Colombo Aerial Distance
Anuradhapura to Colombo Travel Time
