Matara to Colombo by bus, train, van, taxi from LKR 23,651

Matara to Colombo Destination Reviews

Mark M

Too many emails and steps just to buy a one way bus ticket. Process seemed convulated. Why not just send the bus ticket by email and trust tourists to find the bus. You could give that option to tourists who need it.

Matara to Colombo, Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Mar 14, 2026

Prabhu G

Your representative did not identify himself

Matara to Colombo, Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Feb 15, 2026

Robin S

Went perfect, bus was really fast. Going over 100 km/h without stop. Also easy to find at the bus stop. Everyone was helpful.

Matara to Colombo, Bus Air-conditioned Large Coach, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Jan 12, 2026

4.6

26 customer reviews

69%

23%

Matara to Colombo Schedule

Type	Operator	Class	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Price
Taxi	Real Lanka Holidays	Comfort 3pax	Any time	+2h 20m	$55.76
Train	Sri Lanka Railways	1st Class Seat	05:50	08:40	$17.00
Train	Sri Lanka Railways	1st Class Seat	06:18	09:28	$13.80
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	07:30	09:00	$6.21
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	08:30	10:00	$6.21
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	09:30	11:00	$6.21
Bus	Disaru Expressway	Tourist AC	10:00	13:00	$17.00
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	10:30	12:00	$6.21
Bus	Disaru Expressway	Tourist AC	11:00	15:00	$17.00
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	12:30	14:00	$6.21
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	13:30	15:00	$6.21
Bus	Disaru Expressway	Tourist AC	14:00	18:00	$17.00
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	14:30	16:00	$6.21
Bus	Disaru Expressway	Tourist AC	15:00	20:00	$17.00
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	15:30	17:00	$6.21
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	16:30	18:00	$6.21
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	17:30	19:00	$6.21
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	18:30	20:00	$6.21
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	19:30	21:00	$6.21
Bus	Sri Lanka Bus Service	Super Luxury	20:30	22:00	$6.21

How to get from Matara to Colombo

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

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 486.85 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a taxi which will set you back mere USD 72.01.

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

It can take you anywhere between 3 and 4 hours to travel between Matara and Colombo depending on the means of transport you choose.

Bus is the fastest way to travel between Matara and Colombo. Bus will bring you to your destination in 2h 15m. Train does a much slower job and take about 3h 40m to reach Colombo.

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

Travelling between Matara and Colombo can be as cheap as USD 72.01 if you opt for a Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver taxi and as expensive as USD 486.85 if you buy a Ceylon Roots taxi ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

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

Bus

Travelling from Matara to Colombo 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 Matara and Colombo

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 Matara and Colombo

Ceylon Roots, Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver, Real Lanka Holidays, TaxiBazaar

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.

Van

Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Matara and Colombo, too.

Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.

Companies operating vans between Matara and Colombo

SL Highway Bus Service and Shuttle Transfer (Stef Lanka Shuttle)

Transportation from Matara to Colombo

Facts about the transport from Matara to Colombo

Cheapest Transport	$6
Fastest Transport	2h 15m
Earliest Departure	12:00 AM
Latest Departure	9:30 PM
Departures per day	8
Distance	113 kilometers
Transport Companies	Ceylon Roots, Real Lanka Holidays, SL Highway Bus Service and Shuttle Transfer, Sri Lanka Bus Service, Sri Lanka Railway, TaxiBazaar

Popular Routes

Matara to Colombo