Colombo to Matara Bus Timetable

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Route 2

Route No: 2 Distance: Duration:

Route Stops:

Colombo Matara
Normal
12:45 AM
Departure
2:10 AM
Departure
2:40 AM
Departure
3:05 AM
Departure
3:50 AM
Departure
4:00 AM
Departure
4:20 AM
Departure
4:30 AM
Departure
4:40 AM
Departure
4:50 AM
Departure
5:10 AM
Departure
5:20 AM
Departure
5:30 AM
Departure
5:50 AM
Departure
6:10 AM
Departure
6:20 AM
Departure
6:40 AM
Departure
6:50 AM
Departure
7:30 AM
Departure
7:45 AM
Departure
8:00 AM
Departure
8:45 AM
Departure
9:00 AM
Departure
9:15 AM
Departure
9:30 AM
Departure
10:00 AM
Departure
10:15 AM
Departure
10:30 AM
Departure
10:45 AM
Departure
11:10 AM
Departure
11:30 AM
Departure
11:40 AM
Departure
11:50 AM
Departure
12:10 PM
Departure
12:20 PM
Departure
12:30 PM
Departure
12:40 PM
Departure
12:50 PM
Departure
1:10 PM
Departure
1:20 PM
Departure
1:40 PM
Departure
1:50 PM
Departure
2:00 PM
Departure
2:10 PM
Departure
2:30 PM
Departure
2:40 PM
Departure
2:50 PM
Departure
3:00 PM
Departure
3:10 PM
Departure
3:30 PM
Departure
3:40 PM
Departure
3:50 PM
Departure
4:00 PM
Departure
4:10 PM
Departure
4:20 PM
Departure
4:40 PM
Departure
4:50 PM
Departure
5:00 PM
Departure
5:15 PM
Departure
5:30 PM
Departure
5:45 PM
Departure
6:00 PM
Departure
6:15 PM
Departure
6:30 PM
Departure
6:45 PM
Departure
7:20 PM
Departure
7:40 PM
Departure
8:00 PM
Departure
8:20 PM
Departure
8:40 PM
Departure
9:00 PM
Departure
9:40 PM
Departure
10:00 PM
Departure
11:00 PM
Departure
Semi Luxury
12:00 AM
Departure
1:30 AM
Departure
3:30 AM
Departure
4:10 AM
Departure
5:00 AM
Departure
5:40 AM
Departure
6:30 AM
Departure
7:15 AM
Departure
8:15 AM
Departure
9:20 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

Get Directions to Bus Stops

Route: Colombo → Matara

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Route EX-1-18

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

Route Stops:

Colombo Matara
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
6:00 AM
Departure
8:00 AM
Departure
8:45 AM
Departure
10:00 AM
Departure
1:15 PM
Departure
3:30 PM
Departure
4:15 PM
Departure
6:00 PM
Departure
7:45 PM
Departure
8:45 PM
Departure

Get Directions to Bus Stops

Route: Colombo → Matara

View Full Route on Google Maps

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Traveling from Colombo to Matara

Plan your journey from Colombo to Matara 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 Matara bus route is the primary link between the capital and the deep south of Sri Lanka. Much like the Galle route, travelers can opt for the Southern Expressway services for a quick, efficient trip or the traditional Galle Road route for a more leisurely pace with coastal views. Expressway buses often depart from the Makumbura Multimodal Center or Pettah and terminate at the Matara main bus stand. Matara is a key transport hub for travelers heading further east to Tangalle, Dikwella, or the Yala National Park, making this route a cornerstone of southern Sri Lankan travel.

We currently track 2 route variants (including route numbers: 2, EX-1-18) for this journey from Colombo to Matara. 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 - Matara 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 Matara → 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 Matara

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 Matara route

What to Expect on the Way

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Colombo to Matara

The Colombo to Matara route has 96 scheduled departures. Services include Normal, Semi-Luxury and Super-Luxury. Check the timetable above for exact times by bus type; data is updated from passenger feedback.

This route offers Normal, Semi-Luxury and Super-Luxury services. Fare information is being updated; check the timetable above for current prices.

Route numbers 2, EX-1-18 serve the Colombo to Matara corridor across 2 variants. Each variant may have different stops or timings.

This route serves 2 stops. Key stops include Colombo, Matara. Stops can vary by variant—see the timetable sections above for full details.

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

Expert Travel Resources

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