Sri Lanka Train Services

Efficient and Reliable Train Services Across the Nation

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Overview of the Rail Network

The Sri Lankan rail network spans approximately 1,450 km, with about 375 stations. The 10 key railway lines are:

  • Main Line: Colombo Fort to Badulla, 292 km, 105 stations.
  • Northern Line: Polgahawela to Kankesanturai, 339 km, 55 stations.
  • Coastal Line: Colombo Fort to Beliatta, 185 km, 73 stations.
  • Puttalam Line: Ragama to Noor Nagar, 120 km, 44 stations.
  • Mannar Line: Medawachchiya to Talaimannar, 106 km, 11 stations.
  • Batticaloa Line: Maho to Batticaloa, 212 km, 31 stations.
  • Trincomalee Line: Gal Oya to Trincomalee, 70 km, 7 stations.
  • Matale Line: Peradeniya to Matale, 32 km, 25 stations.
  • Kelani Valley Line: Maradana to Avissawella, 59 km, 25 stations.
  • Mihintale Line: Mihintale Junction to Mihintale, 14 km, 2 stations.
Detailed map of Sri Lanka Railways network

Daily departures: From 5:30 AM to 5:55 PM (72 trains per week).

Colombo Departure Kandy Arrival Frequency Train Name End Station End Time Train Type
5:30 AM 8:11 AM Fri, Sun, Tue Dunhinda Odyssey Badulla 3:43 PM Special
5:55 AM 8:48 AM Daily Podi Menike Ella 4:18 PM Express
6:30 AM 9:18 AM Sat, Sun, Holidays Intercity Kandy 9:18 AM Intercity
7:00 AM 9:33 AM Daily 1009 Kandy 9:33 AM A/C Intercity
8:30 AM 11:08 AM Daily Udarata Menike Badulla 6:12 PM Express
10:35 AM 1:43 PM Daily Colombo Commuter Kandy 1:43 PM Commuter
10:35 AM 1:52 PM Mon to Fri Colombo Commuter Matale 3:23 PM Commuter
12:50 PM 4:09 PM Daily Express Nanuoya 9:27 PM Express
3:35 PM 6:09 PM Daily Intercity Kandy 6:09 PM Intercity
4:35 PM 7:31 PM Sat, Sun, Holidays Express Kandy 7:31 PM Express
4:35 PM 7:30 PM Mon to Fri Express Kandy 7:30 PM Express
5:15 PM 8:22 PM Sat, Sun, Holidays Long Distance Kandy 8:22 PM Long Distance
5:15 PM 8:03 PM Mon to Fri Long Distance Kandy 8:03 PM Long Distance
5:55 PM 9:15 PM Daily Express Kandy 9:15 PM Express

Ticket Prices: 2nd Class - Rs. 500 | 3rd Class - Rs. 240

Daily departures: From 4:30 AM to 4:50 PM (63 trains per week).

Kandy Departure Colombo Fort Arrival Frequency Train Name Train Type
4:30 AM 7:12 AM Weekends & Holidays 1038 Express
5:00 AM 8:07 AM Mon to Sat 1040 Express
6:15 AM 8:41 AM Daily 1030 Intercity
6:20 AM 9:25 AM Daily 1036 Express
10:40 AM 1:44 PM Daily 1024 Express
1:00 PM 3:40 PM Daily 1016 Express
3:00 PM 5:32 PM Daily 1010 Intercity
3:15 PM 5:52 PM Weekdays 1042 Intercity
3:25 PM 6:24 PM Weekdays 1020 Express
4:35 PM 7:24 PM Fri & Sun 1006 Express
4:50 PM 7:40 PM Weekends & Holidays 1032 Intercity

Ticket Prices: 2nd Class - Rs. 500 | 3rd Class - Rs. 240

Distance: 156 km | Weekly Trains: 47

Colombo Departure Matara Arrival Frequency Train Type Train Name End Station
6:10 AM 8:47 AM Weekends, Holidays Express 8060 Beliatta
6:50 AM 10:50 AM Daily Express 8050 Matara
8:35 AM 12:14 PM Monday to Saturday Express 8040 Matara
10:30 AM 2:20 PM Daily Express Rajarata Rejini Beliatta
2:40 PM 6:08 PM Daily Express Galu Kumari Beliatta
3:50 PM 6:52 PM Daily Express Ruhunu Kumari Matara
4:46 PM 7:41 PM Sunday to Friday Express Sagarika Beliatta
6:17 PM 9:55 PM Monday to Friday Express 8766 Beliatta

Ticket Prices: 2nd Class - Rs. 600 | 3rd Class - Rs. 300

Distance: 156 km | Weekly Trains: 42

Matara Departure Colombo Fort Arrival Train Name Type Frequency Destination
4:49 AM 8:10 AM Sagarika Express Weekdays Maradana
6:05 AM 9:16 AM Ruhunu Kumari Express Daily Maradana
6:12 AM 9:40 AM Galu Kumari Express Daily Maradana
9:20 AM 12:42 PM Rajarata Rejini Express Daily Colombo Fort
1:40 PM 5:11 PM 8038/1039 Express Daily Kandy
2:05 PM 6:11 PM 8051 Express Daily Maradana
4:00 PM 6:51 PM 8061 Express Weekend, Holiday Maradana

Ticket Prices: 2nd Class - Rs. 600 | 3rd Class - Rs. 300

Distance: 292 km | Weekly Trains: 30

Colombo Departure Badulla Arrival Frequency Train Name Train Type
5:30 AM 4:01 PM Thu, Sat Ella Odyssey Intercity Express
5:55 AM 4:26 PM Daily Podi Menike Express
8:30 AM 5:50 PM Daily Udarata Menike Express
9:45 AM 7:02 PM Daily 1007 Express
8:30 PM 7:32 AM Daily Night Mail Express

Ticket Prices: 2nd Class - Rs. 900 | 3rd Class - Rs. 460

Distance: 292 km | Weekly Trains: 30

Badulla Departure Colombo Fort Arrival Frequency Train Name Train Type
5:50 AM 3:40 PM Daily Udarata Menike Express
8:30 AM 6:44 PM Daily Podi Menike Express
9:15 AM 7:20 PM Fri, Sun Ella Odyssey Intercity Express
10:15 AM 8:06 PM Daily Express Express
6:05 PM 5:24 AM Daily Night Mail Express

Ticket Prices: 2nd Class - Rs. 900 | 3rd Class - Rs. 460

Distance: 133 km | Weekly Trains: 23

Ella Departure Kandy Arrival Frequency Train Name Train Type
6:34 AM 12:54 PM Daily Udarata Menike Express
9:48 AM 4:23 PM Daily Podi Menike Express
10:25 AM 4:22 PM Fri, Sun Ella Odyssey Intercity Express
12:05 PM 8:37 PM Daily 1596 Slow

Ticket Prices: 2nd Class – Rs. 600 | 3rd Class – Rs. 300

Distance: 133 km | Weekly Trains: 23

Kandy Departure Ella Arrival Frequency Train Name Train Type
3:35 AM 1:24 PM Daily 1126 Slow
8:25 AM 2:41 PM Thu, Sat Ella Odyssey Intercity Express
8:55 AM 3:08 PM Daily Podi Menike Express
11:10 AM 4:55 PM Daily Udarata Menike Express

Ticket Prices: 2nd Class – Rs. 600 | 3rd Class – Rs. 300

Distance: 64.54 km | Weekly Trains: 42

Nanuoya Departure Ella Arrival Frequency Train Name Train Type
3:55 AM 6:46 AM Daily 1045 Express
9:20 AM 12:17 PM Daily 1126 Slow
12:12 PM 2:41 PM Daily Dunhinda Odyssey Intercity Express
12:34 PM 2:54 PM Daily 1005 Express
2:48 PM 5:09 PM Daily 1015 Express
3:41 PM 6:11 PM Daily 1007 Express

Ticket Prices: 2nd Class – Rs. 300 | 3rd Class – Rs. 160

Distance: 64.54 km | Weekly Trains: 42

Ella Departure Nanuoya Arrival Frequency Train Name Train Type
6:41 AM 9:07 AM Daily 1016 Express
8:56 AM 11:21 AM Daily 1042 Intercity Express
9:42 AM 12:09 PM Daily 1006 Express
11:14 AM 1:53 PM Daily 1008 Express
12:29 PM 3:46 PM Daily 1596 Slow
7:24 PM 10:29 PM Daily 1046 Express

Ticket Prices: 2nd Class – Rs. 300 | 3rd Class – Rs. 160

Note: Train schedules are subject to change. It's advisable to verify the latest information before planning your visit.

Train Name Direction Scheduled Time at Nine Arch Bridge Frequency
Udarata Menike Badulla to Colombo 6:40 AM Daily
Night Mail Train Colombo to Badulla 6:45 AM Daily
Podi Menike Badulla to Colombo 9:30 AM Daily
Express Train Colombo to Badulla 11:30 AM Daily
Express Train Badulla to Colombo 3:30 PM Daily
Express Train Colombo to Badulla 4:30 PM Daily
Express Train Badulla to Colombo 5:30 PM Daily

Tip: Arriving at the bridge at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time is recommended to secure a good viewing spot.

Distance: Approximately 85 km

Train No. Train Name Departure from Nanuoya Arrival at Badulla Frequency Estimated Time at Nine Arch Bridge Ticket Prices
1005 Podi Menike 12:34 PM 3:43 PM Daily ~3:00 PM 2nd Class: Rs. 400 | 3rd Class: Rs. 200
1015 Udarata Menike 2:48 PM 5:50 PM Daily ~5:00 PM 2nd Class: Rs. 400 | 3rd Class: Rs. 200
1007 Express Train 3:41 PM 6:43 PM Daily ~6:00 PM 2nd Class: Rs. 400 | 3rd Class: Rs. 200

Distance: Approximately 85 km

Train No. Train Name Departure from Badulla Arrival at Nanuoya Frequency Estimated Time at Nine Arch Bridge Ticket Prices
1006 Podi Menike 8:30 AM 11:21 AM Daily ~9:00 AM 2nd Class: Rs. 400 | 3rd Class: Rs. 200
1016 Udarata Menike 11:00 AM 1:53 PM Daily ~12:00 PM 2nd Class: Rs. 400 | 3rd Class: Rs. 200
1008 Express Train 1:50 PM 4:43 PM Daily ~2:30 PM 2nd Class: Rs. 400 | 3rd Class: Rs. 200

Distance: Approximately 396 km

Train No. Train Name Departure from Colombo Fort Arrival at Jaffna Frequency Train Type Ticket Prices
4021 Intercity Express 5:30 AM 11:15 AM Daily Intercity Express 1st Class: Rs. 1,500 | 2nd Class: Rs. 1,150 | 3rd Class: Rs. 580
4077 Yal Devi 5:45 AM 12:30 PM Daily Express 1st Class: Rs. 1,500 | 2nd Class: Rs. 1,150 | 3rd Class: Rs. 580
4081 Night Mail Train 8:30 PM 4:30 AM Daily Night Mail 1st Class: Rs. 1,500 | 2nd Class: Rs. 1,150 | 3rd Class: Rs. 580

Note: Train schedules and ticket prices are subject to change. It's advisable to verify the latest information before planning your journey.

Distance: 38.85 km | Weekly Trains: 49

Find the train schedule for Colombo Fort to Negombo, with multiple daily departures. Enjoy convenient and reliable rail services.

Departure Type Frequency Train No Arrival at Negombo End Station Arrival Time
4:00 AM Colombo Commuter Daily 3404 5:20 AM Nooranagar 8:25 AM
5:00 AM Colombo Commuter Except Sunday 3406 6:23 AM Negombo 6:23 AM
5:41 AM Colombo Commuter Daily 3409 7:01 AM Chilaw 8:28 AM
7:10 AM Local Train Weekdays 3410 8:17 AM Negombo 8:17 AM
7:40 AM Mixed Train Daily 3411 9:26 AM Puttalam 12:38 PM
9:35 AM Local Train Daily 3412 10:55 AM Chilaw 12:11 PM
12:05 PM Colombo Commuter Weekdays 3417 1:25 PM Nooranagar 4:02 PM
2:35 PM Colombo Commuter Daily 3420 3:44 PM Chilaw 5:00 PM
4:55 PM Colombo Commuter Daily 3423 6:07 PM Negombo 6:07 PM
8:20 PM Colombo Commuter Daily 3432 9:40 PM Chilaw 10:56 PM

Ticket Prices: 2nd Class - Rs. 200 | 3rd Class - Rs. 100

List of Named Passenger Trains of Sri Lanka

Explore the iconic named passenger trains of Sri Lanka, each offering a unique journey through stunning landscapes and destinations.

Udarata Menike (Upcountry Maiden)

Udarata Menike train

Train No: 1015 & 1016

Route: Colombo to Badulla

Podi Menike (Little Maiden)

Train No: 1005 & 1006

Route: Colombo to Badulla via coaches to Kandy

Tikiri Menike (Little Maiden)

Train No: 1023 & 1024

Route: Colombo to Hatton

Senkadagala Menike

Train No: 1035 & 1036

Route: Colombo to Kandy

Yal Devi (Princess of Jaffna)

Train No: 4001 & 4002

Route: Colombo Mount Lavinia to Kankasanthurai

Uttara Dewi

Train No: Missing

Route: Colombo Fort to Kankasanthurai (Intercity)

Udaya Devi (Princess of the Rise - East)

Train No: 6011 & 6012

Route: Colombo to Batticaloa

Rajarata Rajina (Queen of the Kings' Land)

Train No: 8085, 8086, 4085 & 4086

Route: Vavuniya to Matara via Colombo

Ruhunu Kumari

Train No: 8058 & 8059

Route: Colombo (Maradana) to Matara

Samudra Devi (Queen of the Oceans)

Train No: 8760 & 8327

Route: Colombo to Galle

Galu Kumari (Princess of Galle)

Train No: 8056 & 8057

Route: Colombo (Maradana) to Matara

Sagarika

Train No: 8096 & 8097

Route: Colombo (Maradana) to Galle

Siyanae Kumari

Train No: 8039 & 8040

Route: Kandy to Matara

Nayana Kumari

Train No: 8062 & 8063

Route: Colombo to Hikkaduwa

Muthu Kumari (Princess of Pearls)

Train No: 3427 & 3803

Route: Colombo to Chilaw

Meena Gaya

Train No: 6079

Route: Colombo to Batticaloa (Intercity)

Deyata Kirula

Train No: 4017 & 4018

Route: Colombo to Jaffna