Trincomalee to Colombo Bus Timetable

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Via Habarana, Kurunegala, Kadawatha, Colombo

Route No: 49 Distance: 260km Duration: 7h

Route Stops:

Trincomalee Kinniya Kanthale Habarana Dambulla Galewela Melsiripura Ibbagamuwa Kurunegala Polgahawela Alawwa Abepussa Nittabuwa Thihariya Kadawatha Kiribathgoda Peliyagoda Colombo Wellawatte
Normal
4:18 AM
Departure
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
11:00 PM
Departure

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Route: Trincomalee → Wellawatte

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

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

Route Stops:

Trincomalee Kinniya Tambalagamuwa Mollipotana Kantale Agbopura Galoya Habarana Digampathaha Inamaluwa Dambulla Ibbankatuwa Galewela Malsiripura Kurunegala Polgahawela Alawwa Ambepussa Warakapola Pasyala Nittambuwa Kalagedihena Yakkala Balummahara Kadawatha Mahara Kiribathgoda Kelaniya Peliyagoda Colombo Wellawatta
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
10:45 PM
Departure

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Route: Trincomalee → Wellawatta

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Traveling from Trincomalee to Colombo

Plan your journey from Trincomalee 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 Trincomalee to Colombo route offers travelers a comfortable return journey from the beautiful east coast back to the capital. This approximately 260-kilometer journey follows route 49, passing through Kinniya, Kanthale, Habarana, and other intermediate towns. The route is well-served with super-luxury coaches, providing comfortable travel with air conditioning and reclining seats for the 6-8 hour journey. Trincomalee, with its stunning beaches, historic Koneswaram Temple, and excellent diving opportunities, is a popular destination, and this route ensures a comfortable return to Colombo. The journey passes through the cultural triangle region, offering travelers a final glimpse of Sri Lanka's interior before reaching the capital. Many services operate throughout the day, with some overnight options available. This route is essential for beach tourists, cultural travelers, and those exploring the east coast, providing a reliable connection back to Colombo's transport hubs, airport access, and onward travel options.

We currently track 2 route variants (including route numbers: 49, 866/49) for this journey from Trincomalee 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 Trincomalee - 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 → Trincomalee timetable for return journey options. For connections to other destinations, browse our complete Sri Lanka bus routes directory.

Travel Tips for Your Journey from Trincomalee to Colombo

Planning Your Trip

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Trincomalee to Colombo

Departure times for the Trincomalee 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 Trincomalee 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 Trincomalee or Colombo may add 30-60 minutes to travel time.

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

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

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