Dambulla to Sigiriya

As there are no train stations in Dambulla or Sigiriya, one can take a train from Colombo Fort station going towards Batticaloa, Polonnaruwa or Trincomalee and get down at Habarana station which is 25 kilometres from Dambulla. The train journey covers a distance of 208 kilometres. The ticket cost for the Second Class is INR 430 and for Third Class is INR 275. Using the Batticaloa and Trincomalee trains, you can also get down at Gal Oya Junction Station which is 42 kilometres from Dambulla. The ticket price for the Second Class is INR 450 and for Third Class is INR 285.

Train Options:

1. Train Name – Udaya Devi #6011
Train Line: Colombo Fort to Batticaloa
Departure Station: Colombo Fort
Arrival Station: Habarana 
Timings of Departure and Arrival: 6:05 AM and 11:16 AM 
Duration: 5 hours 11 minutes
Seat Classes: Second and Third-Class Seats are available
Type: Express Train
Frequency: Daily

2. Train Name – Pulathisi #6075
Train Line: Colombo Fort to Polonnaruwa
Departure Station: Colombo Fort
Arrival Station: Habarana
Timings of Departure and Arrival: 3:05 PM and 6:42 PM 
Duration: 3 hours 37 minutes
Seat Classes: First, Second and Third-Class Seats are available
Type: Intercity
Frequency: Daily

3. Train Name – Night Mail #6079
Train Line: Colombo Fort to Batticaloa
Departure Station: Colombo Fort
Arrival Station: Gal Oya Junction
Timings of Departure and Arrival: 7:00 PM and 12:30 AM 
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Seat Classes: Second and Third-Class Seats are available
Type: Night Mail Train
Frequency: Daily

4. Train Name – Night Mail #7083
Train Line: Colombo Fort to Trincomalee
Departure Station: Colombo Fort
Arrival Station: Habarana
Timings of Departure and Arrival: 9:30 PM and 3:01 AM 
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
Seat Classes: Second and Third Classes are available
Type: Night Mail Train
Frequency: Daily

After the train ride, the rest of the journey to Dambulla can be made by hiring a taxi or car. The route from Habarana Station to Dambulla is via Ambepussa – Kurunegala – Trincomalee Highway, Kandy Road, A6. The distance is 25 kilometres, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Dambulla. The route from Gal Oya Junction Station to Dambulla is the same, but the distance is 42 kilometres, and the journey takes up to 40-50 minutes.

On reaching Dambulla, you can continue the journey on the Inamaluwa – Sigiriya Road. The ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes and covers 17 kilometres.

You can also catch a bus from Dambulla Main Bus Station going to Sigiriya. The bus journey lasts for an hour, and the buses are much more frequent during the weekdays. 

Some places to visit in Dambulla and Sigiriya:

• Dambulla Cave Temple
• Minneriya National Park
• Sigiriya Rock or Lion Rock
• Pidurangala Rock
• Buddhist Museum