Colombo to Trincomalee Bus Timetable

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Via Habarana, Kurunegala, Kadawatha, Colombo

Route No: 49 Distance: Duration:

Route Stops:

Colombo Trincomalee
Normal
4:00 AM
Departure
Semi Luxury
2:35 AM
Departure
5:45 AM
Departure
7:15 AM
Departure
7:55 AM
Departure
8:45 AM
Departure
10:45 AM
Departure
11:30 AM
Departure
12:45 PM
Departure
1:25 PM
Departure
2:05 PM
Departure
3:50 PM
Departure
4:45 PM
Departure
5:45 PM
Departure
7:00 PM
Departure
7:45 PM
Departure
8:35 PM
Departure
10:20 PM
Departure
Luxury
1:30 AM
Departure
12:10 PM
Departure
10:00 PM
Departure
11:15 PM
Departure
11:45 PM
Departure
Super Luxury
11:15 PM
Departure

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Route: Colombo → Trincomalee

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Via Route 32/49

Route No: 32/49 Distance: Duration:

Route Stops:

Colombo Trincomalee
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
12:30 AM
Departure
10:15 AM
Departure
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
Not available Share what you know

Get Directions to Bus Stops

Route: Colombo → Trincomalee

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Via Peliyagoda, Kelaniya, Kiribathgoda, Mahara, Kadawatha, Balummahara, Yakkala, Kalagedihena, Nittambuwa, Pasyala, Warakapola, Ambepussa, Alawwa, Polgahawela, Kurunegala, Malsiripura, Galewela, Ibbankatuwa, Dambulla, Inamaluwa, Digampathaha, Habarana, Galoya, Agbopura, Kantale, Mollipotana, Tambalagamuwa, Kinniya

Route No: 866/49 Distance: 250km Duration: 6h 30m

Route Stops:

Colombo Peliyagoda Kelaniya Kiribathgoda Mahara Kadawatha Balummahara Yakkala Kalagedihena Nittambuwa Pasyala Warakapola Ambepussa Alawwa Polgahawela Kurunegala Malsiripura Galewela Ibbankatuwa Dambulla Inamaluwa Digampathaha Habarana Galoya Agbopura Kantale Mollipotana Tambalagamuwa Kinniya Trincomalee
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
2:45 PM
Departure

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Route: Colombo → Trincomalee

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Traveling from Colombo to Trincomalee

Plan your journey from Colombo to Trincomalee 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 Trincomalee route connects Sri Lanka's commercial capital with one of the world's finest natural harbors and a stunning beach destination on the island's east coast. This approximately 260-kilometer journey follows route numbers 49 and 32/49, traversing through the cultural triangle region and offering travelers access to some of Sri Lanka's most significant historical sites. The route passes through Kurunegala, Habarana (gateway to Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa), and other key towns before reaching Trincomalee. Trincomalee, often called 'Trinco' by locals, is renowned for its pristine beaches like Nilaveli and Uppuveli, the historic Koneswaram Temple, and excellent diving opportunities. The journey typically takes 6-8 hours depending on the service type and route taken. Travelers can choose from luxury, semi-luxury, and super-luxury services, with frequent departures throughout the day. The route is particularly popular during the dry season (May to September) when the east coast offers perfect beach weather. Many services operate overnight, allowing travelers to maximize their beach time. Trincomalee serves as an excellent base for exploring the east coast, including nearby attractions like Pigeon Island National Park and the hot springs at Kanniya. This route is essential for beach tourism, cultural exploration, and connecting the east coast with the rest of the island.

We currently track 3 route variants (including route numbers: 49, 32/49, 866/49) for this journey from Colombo to Trincomalee. 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 - Trincomalee 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 Trincomalee → 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 Trincomalee

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 Trincomalee route

What to Expect on the Way

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Colombo to Trincomalee

The Colombo to Trincomalee route has 27 scheduled departures. Services include Normal, Semi-Luxury, 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, Luxury and Super-Luxury services. Fares range from Rs. 1800 to Rs. 2270 depending on bus type. Check the timetable above for exact fares per departure.

Route numbers 49, 32/49, 866/49 serve the Colombo to Trincomalee corridor across 3 variants. Each variant may have different stops or timings.

This route serves 30 stops. Key stops include Colombo, Trincomalee, Peliyagoda, Kelaniya, Kiribathgoda. 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: Trincomalee → Colombo.

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