Colombo to Kataragama Bus Timetable

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Via Nugegoda, Maharagama, Makumbura, Southern Expressway, Hambantota, Tissamaharama

Route No: EX 01-12/32 Distance: 275km Duration: 5h

Route Stops:

Colombo Nugegoda Maharagama Makumbura Southern Expressway Hambantota Tissamaharama Kataragama
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
11:00 AM
Departure
6:30 PM
Departure

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Route: Colombo → Kataragama

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Via Moratuwa, Panadura, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Tangalle, Hambantota, Tissamaharama

Route No: 32 Distance: 285km Duration: 8h

Route Stops:

Colombo Moratuwa Panadura Kalutara Galle Matara Tangalle Ranna Ambalantota Mirijjawila Hambantota Weerawila Debarawewa Tissamaharama Kataragama
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
N/A
Departure
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
Not available Share what you know

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Route: Colombo → Kataragama

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Via Southern Expressway

Route No: EX1-XX Distance: 0km Duration:

Route Stops:

Colombo Borella Rajagiriya Battaramulla Pelawatta Thalawathugoda Pannipitiya Kottawa Makumbura Southern Expressway Galle Matara Kataragama
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
N/A
Departure
Super Luxury
Not available Share what you know

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Route: Colombo → Kataragama

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Route 3

Route No: 3 Distance: Duration:

Route Stops:

Colombo Kataragama
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
7:40 AM
Departure
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
Not available Share what you know

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Route: Colombo → Kataragama

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Route 32

Route No: 32 Distance: Duration:

Route Stops:

Colombo Kataragama
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
1:00 AM
Departure
4:30 AM
Departure
5:30 AM
Departure
6:30 AM
Departure
7:30 AM
Departure
8:30 AM
Departure
9:30 AM
Departure
10:30 AM
Departure
11:30 AM
Departure
12:30 PM
Departure
1:30 PM
Departure
2:30 PM
Departure
3:30 PM
Departure
4:00 PM
Departure
5:00 PM
Departure
5:45 PM
Departure
7:15 PM
Departure
8:30 PM
Departure
9:30 PM
Departure
10:30 PM
Departure
11:30 PM
Departure
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
Not available Share what you know

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Route: Colombo → Kataragama

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Route EX-1-18

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

Route Stops:

Colombo Kataragama
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
6:30 AM
Departure
11:15 AM
Departure
3:00 PM
Departure
6:45 PM
Departure

Get Directions to Bus Stops

Route: Colombo → Kataragama

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Traveling from Colombo to Kataragama

Plan your journey from Colombo to Kataragama 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 Kataragama route connects the capital with one of Sri Lanka's most sacred pilgrimage sites, located in the deep south near Yala National Park. This approximately 275-kilometer journey follows route EX 01-12/32, utilizing the Southern Expressway for efficient travel through Nugegoda, Maharagama, Makumbura, Hambantota, and Tissamaharama before reaching Kataragama. The journey typically takes 5 hours via expressway, making it accessible for both pilgrims and tourists. Kataragama is a multi-religious pilgrimage site sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims, famous for the Kataragama Temple (Kiri Vehera) and the annual Esala Perahera festival. The town is also strategically located near Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka's premier wildlife destinations, making this route popular with both pilgrims and nature enthusiasts. Travelers can choose from super-luxury services offering comfortable air-conditioned travel for the long journey. The route passes through the southern province's diverse landscapes, from coastal areas to the drier interior regions. This connection is essential for pilgrimage tourism, wildlife safaris to Yala, and travelers exploring the deep south's cultural and natural attractions.

We currently track 6 route variants (including route numbers: EX 01-12/32, 32, EX1-XX, 3, EX-1-18) for this journey from Colombo to Kataragama. 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 - Kataragama route are continuously updated based on real-time information from passengers and bus operators. The information below was last updated in March 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 Kataragama → 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 Kataragama

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 Kataragama route

What to Expect on the Way

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Colombo to Kataragama

The Colombo to Kataragama route has 30 scheduled departures. Services include Super-Luxury, Semi-Luxury and Luxury. Check the timetable above for exact times by bus type; data is updated from passenger feedback.

This route offers Super-Luxury, Semi-Luxury and Luxury services. Fares range from Rs. 0 to Rs. 1880 depending on bus type. Check the timetable above for exact fares per departure.

Route numbers EX 01-12/32, 32, EX1-XX, 3, EX-1-18 serve the Colombo to Kataragama corridor across 6 variants. Each variant may have different stops or timings.

This route serves 26 stops. Key stops include Colombo, Nugegoda, Maharagama, Makumbura, Southern Expressway. Other stops are listed in the timetable. Stops can vary by variant—see the timetable sections above for full details.

Yes. You can find the return timetable here: Kataragama → Colombo.

Expert Travel Resources

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