Travel Colombo to Matara

Colombo to Matara

Head to Matara to find yourself amid scenic beaches and ancient temples, a world apart from Colombo’s urban pace. Several transport options connect Colombo and Matara, all brought together here so you can compare schedules, travel times and prices in one place.

Travel options for Colombo to Matara

Move from Colombo to Matara by charter in 2h y 10 minutes for the quickest journey, or take a bus for 1556 LKR to save on costs.

Bus from Colombo to Matara

Begin your journey from Colombo by boarding a bus at Colombo 771 Maradana Rd or Makumbura Highway station, Colombo, with departures typically running between 05:00 and 09:00 so you can pick a convenient time. The ride lasts around 2 hours 15 minutes and will drop you off at Matara Bus Station or Matara Expressway Bus Stand, providing a comfortable and dependable way to reach Matara. Bus ticket prices start at 1,556 LKR, and you can reserve your ticket in advance to ensure a seamless trip.

Prices: 1,556 LKR

Duration: 2h 15m – 2h 30m ⏱

Ride with bus from Colombo to Matara for 1556 LKR Travel with bus from Colombo to Matara for 1556 LKR

View all Bus tickets →

Train from Colombo to Matara

Hop on a train departing from Colombo Fort to travel from Colombo to Matara, arriving at Matara. The ride takes around 3 hours 2 minutes with fares starting from 1,970 LKR. Be sure to reserve your seat for this journey.

Popular departures: Colombo Fort
Popular arrivals: Matara

Prices: 1,970 LKR

Duration: 3h 2m – 3h 29m ⏱

Choose train from Colombo to Matara for 1970 LKR

View all Train tickets →

Combined from Colombo to Matara

Start your journey from Colombo to Matara with combined transport, departing from Colombo Fort. The trip usually takes around 2 hours 20 minutes, with tickets starting at 5,699 LKR, and you’ll arrive at Matara Bus Stand. Check schedules and reserve your journey view combined options.

Popular departures: Colombo Fort
Popular arrivals: Matara Bus Stand

Prices: 5,699 LKR

Duration: 2h 20m ⏱

Journey with combined from Colombo to Matara for 5699 LKR

View all Combined tickets →

Charter from Colombo to Matara

From Colombo to Matara, a private driver offers a flexible and comfortable journey. Travel time is around 2 hours 10 minutes with fares starting at 26,944 LKR. Secure your private ride here and skip the hassle of public transport.

Popular departures: Colombo Colombo Transfer
Popular arrivals: Matara

Prices: 26,944 LKR

Duration: 2h 10m – 2h 45m ⏱

Hop on charter from Colombo to Matara in 2h 10m Take charter from Colombo to Matara in 2h 10m Go with charter from Colombo to Matara in 2h 10m Book charter from Colombo to Matara for 26944 LKR

View all Charter tickets →

Distance Colombo to Matara

The distance between Colombo and Matara is 134.3 kilometers.

Colombo to Matara Transportation Comparison

Compare transport options side by side using key travel metrics to find the best way to get from Colombo to Matara

Bus
Train
Combined
Charter
Average price
2,580 LKR
1,970 LKR
5,699 LKR
61,635 LKR
Cheapest price
1,556 LKR
1,970 LKR
5,699 LKR
26,944 LKR
Average duration
2h 22m
3h 15m
2h 20m
2h 28m
Minimum duration
2h 15m
3h 02m
2h 20m
2h 10m
Number of departures
2
2
1
4
Tickets
Operators
Sasandara Expressway, Sri Lanka Bus Service
Sri Lanka Railway
SL Highway Bus Service and Shuttle Transfer
TaxiBazaar, Real Lanka Holidays, Ceylon Roots, Tours with Stef Lanka

Bus Routes & Schedules from Colombo to Matara

- From Colombo 771 Maradana Rd, you can take a bus to Matara Bus Station, traveling for about 2h 30m. Services run at 05:00 with fares starting at 1,556 LKR.
- Board the bus at Makumbura Highway station, Colombo and arrive at Matara Expressway Bus Stand after about 2h 15m. Services operate at 09:00 with fares starting at 3,603 LKR.

Departure stations
Colombo 771 Maradana Rd
Makumbura Highway station, Colombo
Arrival stations
Matara Bus Station
Matara Expressway Bus Stand

Bus Timetable: Colombo 771 Maradana Rd → Matara Bus Station

  • 05:00 07:30 2h 30m 1556 LKR

Bus Timetable: Makumbura Highway station, Colombo → Matara Expressway Bus Stand

  • 09:00 11:15 2h 15m 3603 LKR

Check all Charter tickets →

Train Routes & Schedules from Colombo to Matara

Catch the train from Colombo Fort to travel from Colombo toward Matara. Services operate from 14:40 until 15:50, and the rail journey typically takes around 3h 2m to 3h 29m. Ticket prices start at 1,970 LKR, and the trip concludes at Matara. For exact train departure times on the Colombo to Matara route and to check seat availability, consult the timetable and reserve your place in advance.

Train Timetable: Colombo Fort → Matara

  • 14:40 18:09 3h 29m 1970 LKR
  • 15:50 18:52 3h 2m 1970 LKR

Check all Train tickets →

Combined Routes & Schedules from Colombo to Matara

Set off from Colombo Fort on a coordinated transfer involving different vehicles toward Matara. The journey usually lasts 2h 20m, with departures scheduled at 09:30. Fares starting at 5,699 LKR and arrival is at Matara Bus Stand. Consulting the timetable for multi-leg connections between Colombo and Matara lets you plan your departure and secure your seat.

Check all Combined tickets →

Charter Routes & Schedules from Colombo to Matara

- Board a personal driver service at Colombo and reach Matara in approximately 2h 10m to 2h 45m. Trips run multiple times each day, and tickets start from 26,944 to 159,330 LKR.
- Board an exclusive on-demand car at Colombo Transfer, covering the distance to Matara in roughly 2h 29m. With several departures operating daily, tickets cost from 29,449 LKR.

Charter Timetable: Colombo → Matara

  • --:-- --:-- 2h 30m 30815 LKR
  • --:-- --:-- 2h 10m 26944 LKR
  • --:-- --:-- 2h 45m 159330 LKR

Charter Timetable: Colombo Transfer → Matara

  • --:-- --:-- 2h 29m 29449 LKR

Check all Charter tickets →

Frequently Asked Questions Colombo to Matara

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Colombo to Matara.

How long does the Colombo to Matara route usually take?

Travel time on the Colombo to Matara route depends on the transport type. Bus trips take about 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, combined service takes about 2 hours 20 minutes, and train journeys take about 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to travel from Colombo to Matara?

The cheapest option on the Colombo to Matara route is the bus, with fares from 1,556 LKR to 3,603 LKR. Train tickets are 1,970 LKR, while the combined service costs 5,699 LKR.

How much does Colombo to Matara cost across the available transport options?

Prices on the Colombo to Matara route vary by service. Bus fares range from 1,556 LKR to 3,603 LKR, train tickets cost 1,970 LKR, and the combined service is 5,699 LKR. Charter pricing is much higher, from 26,944 LKR to 159,330 LKR.

Which option is the fastest for Colombo to Matara?

The fastest listed option for Colombo to Matara is the bus service from Makumbura Highway station to Matara Expressway Bus Stand, which takes about 2 hours 15 minutes. Charter trips can take about 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, depending on the service.

Where do Colombo to Matara services depart from and arrive?

For Colombo to Matara, buses depart from Colombo 771 Maradana Rd or Makumbura Highway station and arrive at Matara Bus Station or Matara Expressway Bus Stand. The combined service leaves Colombo Fort and arrives at Matara Bus Stand, while trains run from Colombo Fort to Matara.

What are the first and last departures on the Colombo to Matara route?

On the Colombo to Matara route, buses run from 05:00 to 09:00. The combined service has a single departure at 09:30. Trains operate from 14:40 to 15:50. Charter services do not show fixed departure times.

How often do Colombo to Matara buses run?

The Colombo to Matara bus schedule lists two trips, but no regular frequency is shown. The available departures are at 05:00 and 09:00, so the service is limited rather than continuous throughout the day.

Which Colombo to Matara bus route is quicker, and what stations does it use?

The quicker Colombo to Matara bus option is from Makumbura Highway station in Colombo to Matara Expressway Bus Stand, taking about 2 hours 15 minutes. The other bus runs from Colombo 771 Maradana Rd to Matara Bus Station and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.

What should I know about the Colombo to Matara train service?

The Colombo to Matara train runs from Colombo Fort to Matara. It takes about 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes and costs 1,970 LKR. The listed departures are 14:40 and 15:50.

Is there a combined service on the Colombo to Matara route, and where does it go?

Yes, the Colombo to Matara route includes a combined service. It departs from Colombo Fort and arrives at Matara Bus Stand. The fare is 5,699 LKR, and the trip takes about 2 hours 20 minutes.

How do charter trips work on Colombo to Matara?

Charter trips on Colombo to Matara run between Colombo and Matara, with one listed transfer-based option from Colombo Transfer to Matara. Travel time is about 2 hours 10 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes, and prices range from 26,944 LKR to 159,330 LKR.

Which Colombo to Matara option has the widest price range?

The charter service has the widest price range on the Colombo to Matara route, from 26,944 LKR to 159,330 LKR. By comparison, buses are much cheaper, and train and combined services have fixed or narrower fares.


More travel routes for Colombo and Matara

Planning more stops after Colombo to Matara?

If your journey doesn’t end with Colombo to Matara, use the TicketRoutes Travel Planner to build a complete multi-city itinerary. Compare buses, trains, ferries, and flights for several destinations at once — faster and easier.

Try the Travel Planner

Perfect for travelers visiting multiple cities on one trip.