Nuwara Eliya to Colombo tickets
Nuwara Eliya to Colombo Trip Overview
Colombo to Nuwara EliyaDistance 101 km (63.1 miles) | |
Price range US$ 5-US$ 167 | |
Ride Duration Range 5h-7h 19m | |
Earliest Departure 03:35 | |
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 Nuwara Eliya to Colombo
Nuwara Eliya to Colombo
After spending a few days exploring “Little England,” you may be wondering, How do I get from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo?
There are plenty of reasons to draw you back to Sri Lanka’s capital along the coast. Colombo is the most ethnically and religiously diverse city in the country. It’s home to gorgeous temples and mosques, as well as a fascinating mix of modern and colonial architecture.
While the city doesn’t have a ton of “must-see” sights like rival Southeast Asian capitals (I’m looking at you, Bangkok), it’s the perfect place to wander around and admire the beautiful buildings and lively markets.
Colombo’s charm lies within its history-packed neighborhoods. So create your own walking tour through old Pettah or head to Galle Face Green, the sea promenade, to watch the sun go down.
Gangaramaya Temple is also a great place to explore, so make sure to head there to marvel at all the Buddha statues on display.
Getting from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo
When it comes to making your decision on how to get from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo, you have a few options.
The capital lies about 170 km (105 miles) west of Nuwara Eliya. You can take a bus, train, or private transfer if you want to travel overland.
Alternatively, you can fly from Hatton, which is about 40 km (25 miles) southwest of Nuwara Eliya. The only problem is that these flights are sparse throughout the week, if they run at all, so you need to check they fit your schedule. You could also charter a seat on a flight with Cinnamon Air, although this would be a much more expensive option.
Train
The best way to travel from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo is by train. The views along the way are absolutely stunning, especially as you pass through Kandy.
When it comes to the train, Sri Lanka Railways has you covered.
The journey takes about six hours, and there are 13 different departures per day. The first train leaves at 5:30 am, so you can be in Colombo by lunchtime and maximize your time exploring this charming city.
First, you’ll need to head to Nanuoya train station, about 9 km outside of Nuwara Eliya. From there you can take a direct train to Colombo, where you will disembark at Fort Station.
There are three ticket classes, each with different amenities. All trains have access to a bathroom and allow you to bring 15 kg of luggage. Many companies have a 20% cancelation or change fee at least seven days prior to departure.
Third-class tickets are the cheapest, starting at US$16 per person. The only comfort you’ll have here is access to a seat.
Second-class tickets are around US$20. The seats are a bit more comfortable and can recline – definitely worth the extra few dollars!
There is another second-class option for US$17 per person, but this is an overnight train that takes just over seven hours to arrive. It could be a good option for you if you want to save on accommodation or prefer to travel at night. You should note that once you book this particular train from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo, it is non-refundable.
If you really want to take the train in style, you can travel on a first-class ticket. These start at US$23 per person, and the cabins have AC. Since the average temperature in Colombo is 30 Celsius year-round, this might be a necessity for you!
There are cheaper train options that start at US$2 per ticket and do not include a seat. Check Sri Lanka Railways for more details if that appeals to you.
Pro Tip – No matter which train you book, make sure you exchange your e-Ticket or voucher for a paper ticket at the counter in the train station before departure. You will need this during your journey.
Bus
The Nuwara Eliya to Colombo bus is another great way to travel. CBS Transport operates a route that takes about five and a half hours and is pretty comfortable.
Their buses can hold between 20-25 passengers, so they can navigate the hills near the tea plantations better than oversized coach buses. You are also treated to AC, reclining seats, TVs, and charging ports on these buses. Talk about luxury!
The buses will stop for bathroom breaks along the way, so you can get out and stretch your legs.
Tickets start at US$14 per person, and CBS Transport offers a few different departures per day. Some of the buses from Nuwara Eliya leave much later in the day, so be sure to check your arrival time in Colombo. You might have to let your accommodation know about your late arrival.
Private Transfer - Car or Minivan
Taking a private transfer is another great way to get from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo. If you are traveling with a group of people, you can split the cost of the vehicle.
As an added bonus, you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Nuwara Eliya and dropped off at your accommodation or the airport in Colombo. No need for you to worry about additional transportation! You can also tell the driver how often you would like to stop for bathroom and snack breaks.
The trip will take about five hours, depending on how long and how frequently you stop.
My Travel Partner offers a private transfer service for both cars and minivans. Cars can seat two or three passengers and start at US$113. A minivan can seat eight people and costs around US$140, which can be split amongst everyone sharing the ride.
You’ll also be treated to nice vehicles with AC, charging ports, and English-speaking staff.
A great feature of booking with My Travel Partner is that you’re able to cancel or change your reservation for free up to 24 hours in advance. Ideal if you decide you want to stay in Nuwara Eliya just a little while longer.
Kandy Budget Taxi also offers a private car service. Their cars have AC and English-speaking staff as well and start at US$104.
You can cancel or change your reservation with this company for free up to three days prior to departure.
If you have the spare cash or can split the cost, this is the best way to get from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo.
Flight
Your final option to get to Colombo is to fly. The closest airport is Hatton, located about 40 km west of Nuwara Eliya.
Unfortunately, flight tickets to Colombo can be hard to come by, so check Cinnamon Air to see if and when they are operating this route. If you are dead-set on flying, you may have to charter a seat on one of their planes.
As you can see, there are plenty of options for transport from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo. So pick the one that works for you and get ready to enjoy Sri Lanka’s capital city!
Companies Operating from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo
Our travelers reviews about the ride from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo
Based on 458 reviews from Bookaway users who traveled from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo
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Popular stations and stops in Nuwara Eliya and Colombo
Departure stations in Nuwara Eliya
Arrival stations in Colombo
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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo
What is the most popular transportation service from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo?
What is the distance between Nuwara Eliya to Colombo?
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Who are the service providers on this route?
TRAIN: Sri Lanka Railways | Sri Lanka Railway
BUS: AKMT Holidays
CAR: Leamigo Transfers | Lanka Holidays
MINIVAN: Lanka Holidays
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