Nuwara Eliya to Colombo Bus Timetable

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Via Pussellawa, Peradeniya, Kegalle, Kadawatha

Route No: 79 Distance: 178km Duration:

Route Stops:

Nuwara Eliya Nanu Oya Pundaluoya Nawalapitiya Gampola Peradeniya Mawanella Kegalle Warakapola Pasyala Nittambuwa Yakkala Kadawatha Kiribathgoda Peliyagoda Colombo
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
11:50 AM
Departure
3:00 PM
Departure
Super Luxury
Not available Share what you know

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Route: Nuwara Eliya → Colombo

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Traveling from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo

Plan your journey from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo 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 Nuwara Eliya to Colombo bus route provides a scenic downhill journey from Sri Lanka's hill country back to the commercial capital. Operating along Route 79, this service connects Nuwara Eliya ('Little England') with Colombo via key hill and mid-country towns such as Nanu Oya, Nawalapitiya, Gampola, Peradeniya, Kandy, Mawanella, Kegalle, Warakapola, Nittambuwa, Yakkala, Kadawatha and Kiribathgoda. Travelers can choose from normal and semi-luxury services, as well as premium Super Luxury (XL) coaches operated by NCG Express. These modern highway-grade coaches offer air conditioning, reclining seats, WiFi, charging ports and entertainment, providing a comfortable way to descend from the cool highlands to the bustling capital. This page provides up-to-date timetable information to help you plan your trip from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo efficiently.

We currently track 1 route variant (including route number: 79) for this journey from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo. 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 Nuwara Eliya - Colombo 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 Colombo → Nuwara Eliya timetable for return journey options. For connections to other destinations, browse our complete Sri Lanka bus routes directory.

Travel Tips for Your Journey from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo

Planning Your Trip

  • Arrive early: Arrive at the Nuwara Eliya bus station at least 15-30 minutes before departure, especially during peak hours
  • Check bus types: Normal buses from Nuwara Eliya are cheapest but may have frequent stops; Luxury buses offer comfort but cost more
  • Peak hours: Avoid traveling from Nuwara Eliya 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 Nuwara Eliya to Colombo route

What to Expect on the Way

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Nuwara Eliya to Colombo

Departure times for the Nuwara Eliya to Colombo 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 Nuwara Eliya and Colombo depends on traffic, bus type and route variant. Express services are typically faster than normal services along the same corridor. Peak hours in Nuwara Eliya or Colombo may add 30-60 minutes to travel time.

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

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

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

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