Colombo to Embilipitiya Bus Timetable

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Route 3-1

Route No: 3-1 Distance: Duration:

Route Stops:

Colombo Embilipitiya
Normal
5:20 AM
Departure
6:20 AM
Departure
7:20 AM
Departure
8:30 AM
Departure
11:40 AM
Departure
1:00 PM
Departure
1:20 PM
Departure
1:40 PM
Departure
2:20 PM
Departure
2:50 PM
Departure
4:00 PM
Departure
4:20 PM
Departure
4:50 PM
Departure
5:40 PM
Departure
7:20 PM
Departure
8:20 PM
Departure
10:10 PM
Departure
Semi Luxury
9:15 PM
Departure
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
Not available Share what you know

Get Directions to Bus Stops

Route: Colombo → Embilipitiya

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Route EX-1-18

Route No: EX-1-18 Distance: Duration:

Route Stops:

Colombo Embilipitiya
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
5:00 PM
Departure

Get Directions to Bus Stops

Route: Colombo → Embilipitiya

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Via High-Level Road

Route No: EX01-9/211 Distance: 215km Duration: 3h 30m

Route Stops:

Colombo Townhall Nugegoda Maharagama Pannipitiya Kottawa Makumbura Southern Expressway Barawakumbuka Interchange Embilipitiya
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
6:45 AM
Departure
10:45 AM
Departure
12:45 PM
Departure
1:45 PM
Departure
2:45 PM
Departure
3:45 PM
Departure
4:45 PM
Departure
5:45 PM
Departure
Super Luxury
Not available Share what you know

Get Directions to Bus Stops

Route: Colombo → Embilipitiya

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Route 122/210

Route No: 122/210 Distance: Duration:

Route Stops:

Colombo Embilipitiya
Normal
2:15 AM
Departure
4:10 AM
Departure
5:10 AM
Departure
8:50 AM
Departure
9:30 AM
Departure
12:00 PM
Departure
2:10 PM
Departure
3:15 PM
Departure
5:10 PM
Departure
6:40 PM
Departure
8:00 PM
Departure
10:45 PM
Departure
11:40 PM
Departure
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
Not available Share what you know

Get Directions to Bus Stops

Route: Colombo → Embilipitiya

View Full Route on Google Maps

Traveling from Colombo to Embilipitiya

Plan your journey from Colombo to Embilipitiya 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 Embilipitiya route connects the capital with a key town in the southern province, serving as an important gateway to the deep south and wildlife areas. This journey follows multiple route numbers including 3-1, EX-1-18, EX01-9/211, and 122/210, passing through Townhall, Nugegoda, Maharagama, and other intermediate stops. Embilipitiya is strategically located near several major attractions including Udawalawe National Park (famous for its elephant population), the Udawalawe Reservoir, and provides access to the southern coast beaches. The journey typically takes 4-5 hours, with travelers able to choose from normal, semi-luxury, super-luxury, and luxury services depending on their budget and comfort preferences. The route is particularly popular with wildlife enthusiasts heading to Udawalawe for elephant watching and bird watching, as well as travelers exploring the southern interior. Embilipitiya itself is a growing town with good accommodation options, making it a convenient base for exploring the surrounding natural attractions. The journey offers scenic views transitioning from urban Colombo through suburban areas to the more rural landscapes of the southern province, with glimpses of reservoirs, agricultural areas, and wildlife habitats.

We currently track 4 route variants (including route numbers: 3-1, EX-1-18, EX01-9/211, 122/210) for this journey from Colombo to Embilipitiya. 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 - Embilipitiya 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 Embilipitiya → 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 Embilipitiya

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 Embilipitiya route

What to Expect on the Way

  • Payment: Cash only - carry small denomination notes (Rs. 50, 100, 500) for your fare to Embilipitiya
  • Luggage: Small bags can be kept with you; larger bags stored near driver or in compartments on the Colombo - Embilipitiya bus
  • Stops: Normal buses to Embilipitiya 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 Embilipitiya route.

Frequently Asked Questions: Colombo to Embilipitiya

Departure times for the Colombo to Embilipitiya 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 Embilipitiya 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 Embilipitiya 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 Embilipitiya. Super Luxury buses offer the highest level of comfort.

Fares from Colombo to Embilipitiya 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 Embilipitiya may accept advance bookings. We recommend arriving early at the Colombo bus terminal.

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

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