Colombo to Jaffna tickets
Colombo to Jaffna Trip Overview
Jaffna to ColomboDistance 312 km (195.0 miles) | |
Price range US$ 8-US$ 330 | |
Ride Duration Range 6h 20m-11h | |
Earliest Departure 00:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Taking a bus from Colombo to Jaffna
Fastest bus: 7h 30m
Cheapest bus: US$ 18
About the ride from Colombo to Jaffna
Most visitors to Sri Lanka spend their time exploring the southern side. Still, it’s well worth the excursion to discover the delights of the northern side of this tiny but mighty country.
So, leave the chaotic capital of Sri Lanka, waving goodbye to the skyscraper-laden skyline, and head to the remote city of Jaffna, just across from the coast of southern India.
Located 251 miles (404 kilometers) away from Colombo by road, Jaffna is a bit of a trek, yet its beauty will soon make you forget the length of the journey.
To reach the small city, pick between a public bus, a private transfer in a minivan or a car, or a train.
What is Jaffna like?
Jaffna is closer to southern India than Colombo, which explains why it feels so vastly different from the rest of the country.
Settled by Tamil immigrants centuries ago, the northern part of Sri Lanka has retained much of its character associated with its Hindu Indian history, setting it apart from the Sinhalese influences of the south.
The northern region of Sri Lanka is still relatively underdeveloped due to the lengthy civil war that ended in 2009. However, the area has invested heavily in restoring roads, demining fields, and rebuilding towns and villages.
Jaffna benefits from a mix of old colonial charm and Tamil culture. While visiting, you’ll love its stunning beaches, well-preserved temples, and other off-the-beaten-track attractions.
Unforgettable activities in Jaffna
Despite its small size, Jaffna has numerous attractions that make the excursion all the way there worth it.
Discover the Nallur Kandaswamy temple. This Hindu Temple has golden arches and a gopuram, a large pyramidal tower overlooking the entrance. It is dedicated to Skanda/Murugan, the god of love, war, and beauty. The temple is just ten minutes from Jaffna’s center.
Explore Jaffna’s markets. Check out the Thirunelveli market to experience an authentic slice of Sri Lankan life. The market opens around dawn and brims with delicious food. You’ll also find plenty of friendly locals to chat with.
Wander the Jaffna Fort. Built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, tourists rarely visit this vast structure, so you may find yourself alone on its ramparts overlooking the moat, Jaffna Lagoon, and the rest of the city.
Book an excursion to the nearby islands. Opposite Jaffna, numerous islands and islets await discovery. Book a day trip or travel independently to experience one of Sri Lanka’s most remote areas. Delft Island is a particularly popular spot to visit, thanks to its untouched feel.
Visit the Jaffna Public Library. Once one of the largest libraries in Asia, with close to 100,000 books and manuscripts, the library was burnt down in 1981 during the civil war. Restored in 2002, it’s one of the few colonial structures left in the area.
How do I get from Colombo to Jaffna?
To get from Colombo to Jaffna, travelers can choose between a public bus, a private minivan or car transfer, and a train.
By bus
Taking an air-conditioned bus between Colombo and Jaffna is the most affordable way to cover this vast distance.
While some listings refer to tourist and luxury buses, the bus amenities are broadly the same, with little difference in comfort.
As the cheapest option, a bus ticket starts at $13, making the bus ideal for solo travelers and those on tight budgets.
Providers like Prince Travels, Sri Lanka Bus Service, AKMT Holidays, and Muthu Travels operate services.
Between the various operators, there are a few departures every single day. However, the majority of services are overnight buses. These services are ideal for those wanting to save money on a night’s accommodation, but you should bring a neck pillow to get some sleep on the way because the seats don’t recline much.
There is a luggage allowance of one 33 lb/15 kg bag and one piece of hand luggage. However, few operators actually weigh the luggage before departure, so don’t worry if yours is a little over the limit.
Taking the bus to reach Jaffna will take between 7.5 and 11 hours, depending on which service you choose.
Buses typically depart from the Colombo Bus Stop and arrive at the Jaffna Bus Station. However, some services will pick passengers up at different points. Carefully check your journey details before departure to ensure you have the right spot. Aim to arrive at least 15 to 30 minutes early to ensure you find your bus.
By minivan
Taking an air-conditioned minivan from Colombo to Jaffna is the best option if you are traveling in a small group.
Operated by Lanka Holidays, this option will take seven hours and is ideal for people departing from Colombo Bandaranaike Airport.
Each minivan holds up to four passengers, and the fee is for the whole van, so you cannot buy an individual seat. This option will cost approximately $330.
You’ll have a luggage allowance of one 66 lb/30 kg bag and one 15 lb/7 kg piece of hand luggage.
You will be picked up from the airport and dropped off at any hotel in Jaffna. You also get to pick a departure time that works for your schedule.
By car
Hiring a private car transfer from Colombo to Jaffna is the perfect option for couples or people traveling in pairs.
Each air-conditioned car can take up to two passengers, and this option costs around $277.
Also operated by Lanka Holidays, a private car transfer is popular with people landing at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport, where you’ll get a meet and greet.
After the seven-hour drive, travelers will get dropped off at their chosen hotel in Jaffna.
Just like the minivan, you’ll have a luggage allowance of one 66 lb/30 kg bag and one 15 lb/7 kg piece of hand luggage.
By train
Alternatively, you can take a ride on Sri Lanka’s iconic railway to reach Jaffna. The views are legendary.
Trains depart from Colombo Fort Train Station and arrive at Jaffna Train Station. Tickets start at $17.50. The journey takes around seven hours.
You can pick between a first-class seat or a second-class seat.
In a first-class carriage, you can expect air conditioning, a WC, reclining seats, and a luggage allowance of up to 33 lbs (15 kg) per passenger.
Second-class carriages have the same amenities, just a little less legroom and slightly less comfortable seats.
You will be sent a railway reference code and seat number before departure. Before boarding, you must present your reference code to the counter at the train station to exchange it for a boarding pass.
What to expect on the ride from Colombo to Jaffna
Unless you’re on the train, travelers will switch between main and side roads as you wind your way to the northern tip of Sri Lanka. You can nap on the longer stretches and wake up to see stunning scenery as the driver hits the more remote roads.
As you wave goodbye to Colombo’s beautiful coastal views, you’ll hug the coast, overlooking the Laccadive Sea, before heading inland through the country’s rich, green landscapes.
Alternate between snoozing, chatting to your neighbors, and watching the world go by as the driver takes on the seven- to eleven-hour journey to Jaffna.
When is the best time to visit Jaffna?
The best time to visit Jaffna is during the driest months of the year, which are January through March.
Avoid visiting in April when temperatures skyrocket to an average daily temperature of 93°F (34°C). At this time of the year, it’s almost impossible to enjoy visiting the area’s attractions because you’ll swelter under the burning sun.
You should also consider planning your trip around the annual Nallur Festival, which runs for 26 days in August. The festival dates vary slightly each year but climaxes on the day of the full moon or Poya Day.
This colorful festival attracts large crowds to the city, with men and women all dressing their best to worship Lord Murugan and the goddesses Valli and Deivanai. During the festival’s penultimate night, men pull chariots carrying effigies of the gods. It’s a truly spectacular way to see the city.
How many days should I spend in Jaffna?
You should spend between three and four days discovering Jaffna’s delights. A few days is more than enough time to see all of the city’s main attractions and to enjoy a day trip to one of the nearby islands in the Palk Strait.
However, Jaffna is a fantastic place to take a break and slow down your pace of travel. You could stay for a week to ease into the chilled atmosphere and get a taste of Sri Lankan daily life.
Where should I go after Jaffna?
Consider hopping over the Indian Ocean to visit southern India. It’s only a short journey from Sri Lanka’s northern tip. From there, you have the whole country of India to discover.
If you are not done with Sri Lanka just yet, head back south to check out Anuradhapura. This major city sits on the north central plain of the country and is packed with historical treasures to discover.
Our travelers reviews about the ride from Colombo to Jaffna
Based on 475 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Colombo to Jaffna
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Popular stations and stops in Colombo and Jaffna
Departure stations in Colombo
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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Colombo to Jaffna
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Who are the service providers on this route?
TRAIN: Sri Lanka Railways | Sri Lanka Railway
BUS: AKMT Holidays | Sri Lanka Luxury Bus Service | Prince Travels | Muthu Travels
MINIVAN: Lanka Holidays
CAR: Lanka Holidays
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