Colombo to Bandarawela Bus Timetable

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Via Southern Expressway

Route No: EX1-131/335 Distance: 345km Duration: 6h

Route Stops:

Colombo Maradana Kirulapone Nugegoda Maharagama Pannipitiya Kottawa Makumbura Southern Expressway Sooriyawewa Interchange Sooriyawewa Thanamalwila Wellawaya Ella Bandarawela Diyathalawa
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
12:45 AM
Departure
2:50 PM
Departure
10:00 PM
Departure

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Route: Colombo → Diyathalawa

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Traveling from Colombo to Bandarawela

Plan your journey from Colombo to Bandarawela with confidence using our comprehensive bus timetable. This page provides detailed departure times, route information, and practical travel tips to help you navigate Sri Lanka's extensive bus network.

The Colombo to Bandarawela route connects the capital with a charming hill country town in the Uva Province, known for its cool climate, tea plantations, and proximity to Ella and the Nine Arches Bridge. This approximately 345-kilometer journey follows route EX1-131/335, utilizing the Southern Expressway for efficient travel through Maradana, Kirulapone, and Nugegoda before continuing into the hill country. The journey typically takes 6 hours, with the expressway providing faster access to the southern region before ascending into the hills. Bandarawela is situated at an elevation of approximately 1,200 meters, offering pleasant temperatures year-round and serving as a gateway to popular destinations like Ella, known for the iconic Nine Arches Bridge and stunning mountain views. The town is surrounded by tea plantations, offering beautiful scenery and opportunities for tea estate visits. Travelers can choose from super-luxury services, providing comfortable air-conditioned travel for the long journey. This route is essential for travelers exploring the hill country, visiting Ella and the Nine Arches Bridge, tea tourism, and those seeking cooler temperatures and mountain scenery. The journey offers diverse landscapes, from coastal expressway travel to scenic hill country ascent.

We currently track 1 route variant (including route number: EX1-131/335) for this journey from Colombo to Bandarawela. Each variant may have different stops, bus types, or travel durations, so review the options below to find the service that best fits your schedule and budget.

Our timetables for the Colombo - Bandarawela route are continuously updated based on real-time information from passengers and bus operators. The information below was last updated in February 2026. While we strive for accuracy, bus schedules can vary due to traffic conditions, weather, or operational changes.

If you're traveling in the opposite direction, check out the Bandarawela → Colombo timetable for return journey options. For connections to other destinations, browse our complete Sri Lanka bus routes directory.

Travel Tips for Your Journey from Colombo to Bandarawela

Planning Your Trip

  • Arrive early: Arrive at the Colombo bus station at least 15-30 minutes before departure, especially during peak hours
  • Check bus types: Normal buses from Colombo are cheapest but may have frequent stops; Luxury buses offer comfort but cost more
  • Peak hours: Avoid traveling from Colombo during 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM weekdays for a more comfortable journey
  • Weather: During monsoon season (May-September), allow extra time for potential delays on the Colombo to Bandarawela route

What to Expect on the Way

  • Payment: Cash only - carry small denomination notes (Rs. 50, 100, 500) for your fare to Bandarawela
  • Luggage: Small bags can be kept with you; larger bags stored near driver or in compartments on the Colombo - Bandarawela bus
  • Stops: Normal buses to Bandarawela stop frequently; Express services have limited stops for faster travel
  • Help: Locals are generally helpful - don't hesitate to ask Colombo bus station staff for assistance

Need more comprehensive travel guidance? Check out our Essential Travel Tips page for detailed information about bus types, etiquette, safety, and cultural insights.

Found outdated information? Help fellow travelers by contributing updated timetable data for the Colombo to Bandarawela route.

Frequently Asked Questions: Colombo to Bandarawela

Departure times for the Colombo to Bandarawela route vary by service and day. Check the timetable sections above for the latest departures across Normal, Semi Luxury, Luxury and Super Luxury services. Times are updated regularly based on passenger feedback.

Journey duration between Colombo and Bandarawela depends on traffic, bus type and route variant. Express services are typically faster than normal services along the same corridor. Peak hours in Colombo or Bandarawela may add 30-60 minutes to travel time.

Normal buses from Colombo are standard public transport. Semi Luxury buses offer air conditioning. Luxury buses provide premium comfort with reclining seats for the journey to Bandarawela. Super Luxury buses offer the highest level of comfort.

Fares from Colombo to Bandarawela vary by bus type. Normal buses are the most affordable, while Super Luxury buses cost more but offer premium comfort. See the specific fares in the timetable sections above.

Most bus services from Colombo operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some luxury services to Bandarawela may accept advance bookings. We recommend arriving early at the Colombo bus terminal.

Yes, you can find the return timetable here: Bandarawela → Colombo.

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