Last updated
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route | Anuradhapura to Colombo |
| Distance | Approximately 210 km |
| Duration | 4 hours 30 minutes average |
| Bus Type | Luxury (Air Conditioned) |
| Route Numbers | 04, 57, 15-1, 15-1-1 |
| Main Operators | DS Gunasekara, Esala Putha, UK Express, Mahinda Express, Devindi Super Service |
| Departure Point | Anuradhapura New Bus Stand |
| Arrival Point | Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal |
| Terminal Contact | 025 222 4926 / 077 456 5001 |
| Online Booking | SLTB eSeat, Magiya.lk |
This is the verified departure schedule from Anuradhapura to Colombo. All buses are luxury air conditioned services. Contact numbers are included so you can confirm times before you travel.
| Departure | Bus Name | Contact | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2:45 AM | DS Gunasekara (NC-7473) | 07441043600760001902 | Maradankadawala via (15-1-1) |
| 4:00 AM | DS Gunasekara (NC-6417) | 07441043610760001902 | Puttalam via (04) |
| 4:45 AM | DS Gunasekara (NC-4826) | 07441043620760001902 | Puttalam via (04) |
| 4:45 AM | DS Gunasekara (NC-9713) | 0744104370 | Maradankadawala via (15-1-1) |
| 5:20 AM | DS Gunasekara (NC-8964) | 0744104363 | Alla via (57) |
| 8:15 AM | DS Gunasekara (NC-9380) | 0744104364 | Thalawa, Eppawala via (15-1) |
| 9:00 AM | DS Gunasekara (NC-5535) | 07441043650760001902 | Thalawa, Eppawala via (15-1) |
| 10:15 AM | DS Gunasekara (NC-9909) | 0744104366 | Thalawa, Eppawala via (15-1) |
| 11:25 AM | Esala Putha (NB-0467) | 0773513246 | Thalawa, Eppawala via (15-1) |
| 11:40 AM | UK Express | 0703703070 | Maradankadawala via (15-1-1) |
| 1:10 PM | DS Gunasekara (NC-9378) | 07441043670760001902 | Puttalam via (04) |
| 1:20 PM | Mahinda Express (NB-6172) | 0767190998 | Maradankadawala via (15-1-1) |
| 3:15 PM | DS Gunasekara (NC-8963) | 0744104368 | Maradankadawala via (15-1-1) |
| 5:00 PM | Devindi Super Service (NC-3850) | 0768652239 | Maradankadawala via (15-1-1) |
| 6:15 PM | DS Gunasekara (NC-9374) | 0744104369 | Thalawa, Eppawala via (15-1) |
Important: Call the operator before you travel. Times can change without notice. The contact numbers above are direct lines to the bus operators.
| Terminal | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Anuradhapura New Bus Stand | 025 222 4926 |
| Anuradhapura Information | 077 456 5001 |
| Colombo Bastian Mawatha | 011 243 9463 |
Call ahead to confirm departure times, especially for early morning and late evening services.
Luxury buses from Anuradhapura to Colombo use four different routes. Each passes through different towns and has different scenery. Choosing the right one depends on where you want to stop or what you want to see.
04
This route heads west toward the coast before turning south to Colombo. It passes through Puttalam, Chilaw, and Negombo. If you want to break your journey at the coast, this is the route to take.
57
This route passes through Alla and connects to the main Anuradhapura to Colombo corridor. Alla is not the town of Ella in the hill country.
15-1
This route passes through Thalawa and Eppawala before joining the main highway. Eppawala is known for its phosphate mines and rock formations.
15-1-1
This is the most direct route. It passes through Maradankadawala and joins the main highway toward Colombo. It is often the fastest option.
The dominant operator on this route. They run multiple departures throughout the day and night. Their buses are identified by the NC prefix on the registration plate. Central contact number: 0760001902.
Departures: 2:45 AM, 4:00 AM, 4:45 AM, 4:45 AM, 5:20 AM, 8:15 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:15 AM, 1:10 PM, 3:15 PM, 6:15 PM
Runs one daily departure at 11:25 AM via the Thalawa and Eppawala route. Contact: 0773513246.
Runs one daily departure at 11:40 AM via the Maradankadawala route. Contact: 0703703070.
Runs one daily departure at 1:20 PM via the Maradankadawala route. Contact: 0767190998.
Runs one daily departure at 5:00 PM via the Maradankadawala route. Contact: 0768652239.
Some luxury buses on this route can be booked online through the SLTB eSeat portal. Visit the eSeat website, select Anuradhapura as your departure point, choose Colombo as your destination, and pick your travel date.
Hotline: 1315 within Sri Lanka
Most operators on this route accept phone reservations. Call the contact number listed next to your preferred departure time. Confirm the fare, boarding point, and seat availability.
You can buy tickets at the Anuradhapura New Bus Stand counter on the day of travel. Arrive 30 minutes early for the best seat selection.
Anuradhapura is a major transport hub. From the New Bus Stand you can connect to:
| Destination | Transport option | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Mihintale | Local bus | 30 minutes |
| Sigiriya | Bus or private hire | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| Polonnaruwa | Bus | 2 hours |
| Trincomalee | Bus | 3 hours |
| Jaffna | Bus | 4 hours |
Expressway routes, approximate fares and the main departure terminals.
Departure times, contact numbers and boarding bays at Makumbura Multimodal Centre.
Expressway departures from Kataragama and Hambantota, with operator contacts.
The first luxury bus departs at 2:45 AM with DS Gunasekara. This is an overnight service that arrives in Colombo early morning.
The last luxury bus departs at 6:15 PM with DS Gunasekara via the Thalawa and Eppawala route.
The scheduled journey time is approximately 4 hours 30 minutes. Actual time depends on the route, traffic, and rest stops.
Fares typically range from 1,200 to 1,800 LKR for luxury air conditioned buses. Confirm the current fare with your operator before traveling.
Yes, through the SLTB eSeat portal for participating SLTB services. For private operators, call the contact numbers listed above to reserve a seat.
Yes. All buses listed on this page are luxury air conditioned services.
The 2:45 AM departure from DS Gunasekara is the closest to a night service. It arrives in Colombo in the early morning.
Route 15-1-1 via Maradankadawala is generally the most direct and fastest option.
Luxury buses arrive at Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal. Confirm with your operator as some services may drop passengers at different points.
Yes, most buses stop at intermediate towns. Tell the conductor your stop when you board.
If you book through SLTB eSeat, you can show the confirmation on your phone. For phone reservations with private operators, you pay on boarding and do not need a printed ticket.
Bus times and contact numbers change. If you find an error on this page or a departure that is missing, tell us.
Sources: Operator contact numbers and schedules verified from published timetable records. Anuradhapura New Bus Stand contact confirmed. Checked .