Kataragama to Colombo highway bus timetable 2026
Last updated
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Route | Kataragama to Colombo |
| Distance | Approximately 270 km |
| Duration | 4 hours 30 minutes |
| Bus Type | Super Luxury, Luxury, Semi Luxury |
| Route Number | EX1-12/32 |
| Main Operators | Dhanara Highway Bird, Basico Holdings, SLTB Kataragama, Air Rose Highway Express, DS Gunasekara, SLTTS Katubedda |
| Departure Point | Kataragama Bus Stand |
| Arrival Point | Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal |
| Terminal Contact | SLTB Kataragama: 047 223 5281 |
Kataragama to Colombo highway bus schedule
This is the expressway bus schedule from Kataragama to Colombo. All buses use the Southern Expressway and take approximately 4 hours 30 minutes. This is significantly faster than the coastal route which takes up to 8 hours.
| Kataragama Departure | Hambantota Departure | Bus Name | Bus Number | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:20 AM | 3:20 AM | Dhanara Highway Bird | NC-8124 | 0705906655 |
| 3:20 AM | 4:20 AM | Basico Holdings | NG-5245 | 07663677770705600601 |
| 4:00 AM | 5:00 AM | SLTB Kataragama | NC-5721 | 0472235281 |
| 5:00 AM | 6:00 AM | SLTB Kataragama | ND-5322 | 07196583120472235281 |
| 8:30 AM | 9:45 AM | Air Rose Highway Express | NB-2756 | 07768687380760365617 |
| 10:15 AM | 11:15 AM | Air Rose Highway Express | NC-8760 | 07603656170720901637 |
| 11:45 AM | 12:45 PM | DS Gunasekara | NC-4403 | 0713612890 |
| 12:40 PM | 1:40 PM | SLTTS Katubedda | NB-7343 | 0786046000 |
| 2:15 PM | 3:15 PM | DS Gunasekara | NC-8242 | 077816427207174587510769491959 |
Important: Call the operator before you travel. Times can change without notice. Contact numbers listed are direct lines to the bus operators.
Full route explained
The Kataragama to Colombo highway bus route covers approximately 270 km and takes about 4 hours 30 minutes via the Southern Expressway.
Route path
- Kataragama
- Tissamaharama
- Debarawewa
- Weerawila
- Hambantota
- Ambalantota
- Ranna
- Kasagala Interchange
- Kottawa Interchange
- Makumbura
- Kottawa
- Maharagama
- Nugegoda
- Colombo
Towns and stops along the way
| Stop | What to know |
|---|---|
| Tissamaharama | Gateway to Yala National Park. Busy town with safari operators. |
| Debarawewa | Small town just outside Tissamaharama. |
| Weerawila | Home to Weerawila Lake and bird sanctuary. |
| Hambantota | Major town with the Hambantota Port and Mattala Airport. |
| Ambalantota | Junction town where the expressway entry begins. |
| Ranna | Small town on the expressway. |
| Kasagala Interchange | Expressway entry point for eastern traffic. |
| Kottawa Interchange | Exit point for Colombo and southern suburbs. |
| Makumbura | Major transport hub connecting to other routes. |
| Kottawa | Suburban town on High Level Road. |
| Maharagama | Suburban town on High Level Road. |
| Nugegoda | Busy suburban junction. |
| Colombo | Final destination at Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal. |
Bus operators on this route
Dhanara Highway Bird
Runs one daily departure at 2:20 AM from Kataragama. This is the earliest bus and arrives in Colombo before the morning traffic. Contact: 0705906655.
Basico Holdings
Runs one daily departure at 3:20 AM from Kataragama. Contact: 0766367777 / 0705600601.
SLTB Kataragama
The government bus service runs two morning departures at 4:00 AM and 5:00 AM. Contact: 0472235281 / 0719658312.
Air Rose Highway Express
Runs two daily departures at 8:30 AM and 10:15 AM. Contact: 0776868738 / 0760365617 / 0720901637.
DS Gunasekara Express Service
Runs two daily departures at 11:45 AM and 2:15 PM. Contact: 0713612890 / 0778164272 / 0717458751 / 0769491959.
SLTTS Katubedda
Runs one daily departure at 12:40 PM. Contact: 0786046000.
Booking your ticket
At the terminal
You can buy tickets at the Kataragama Bus Stand on the day of travel. Arrive 30 minutes early for the best seats. The bus stand is small and centrally located near the Kataragama Temple.
Direct operator booking
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.
Online booking
Some services on this route can be booked through platforms like 12Go Asia and Bookaway. Availability varies by operator.
SLTB eSeat
Some SLTB services can be booked through the eSeat portal. Hotline: 1315 within Sri Lanka.
What you need to know before you travel
- Confirm the departure point
- Buses depart from Kataragama Bus Stand, which is centrally located near the main temple. Arrive early to find your bus and buy your ticket.
- Choose the right departure
- The 2:20 AM and 3:20 AM departures arrive in Colombo before the morning traffic. If you have an early meeting or flight connection, take one of these.
- Fares
- Fares on this route typically range from 1,200 to 2,500 LKR depending on the operator and bus type. Super luxury buses cost more. Confirm the current fare when you book.
- Journey time
- The scheduled journey time is 4 hours 30 minutes. Traffic entering Colombo can add 30 to 60 minutes. Do not book onward travel too close to your expected arrival.
- Rest stops
- Most buses on this route make one rest stop, usually around the Hambantota area. The stop lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Bring small notes for food and drinks.
- Yala safari connection
- If you are coming from Yala National Park, Tissamaharama is the closest boarding point. Some buses stop there before continuing to Kataragama.
- Kataragama Temple
- The Kataragama Temple is one of Sri Lanka's most sacred pilgrimage sites. The annual Esala Perahera festival draws thousands of pilgrims. Expect increased demand during festival season.
- Currency
- Bring small notes and coins. Most operators do not accept card payments on board.
- Luggage
- Most buses allow one large suitcase and one small bag per passenger. Confirm with your operator if you have extra luggage.
Connections from Colombo
Once you arrive in Colombo, you can connect to:
| Destination | Transport option | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Bandaranaike Airport | Taxi or airport bus | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Kandy | Bus or train | 3 hours |
| Galle | Bus or train | 2 hours |
| Negombo | Bus or taxi | 1 hour |
| Anuradhapura | Bus | 4 hours 30 minutes |
More highway bus timetables
- Sri Lanka highway bus timetables
Expressway routes, approximate fares and the main departure terminals.
- Makumbura bus timetable and terminal guide
Departure times, contact numbers and boarding bays at Makumbura Multimodal Centre.
- Anuradhapura to Colombo luxury bus timetable
Luxury departures from Anuradhapura New Bus Stand, with operator contacts.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the bus take from Kataragama to Colombo?
The expressway bus takes approximately 4 hours 30 minutes. The coastal route takes up to 8 hours. Choose an expressway bus for the fastest journey.
What time is the first bus from Kataragama to Colombo?
The first bus departs at 2:20 AM with Dhanara Highway Bird. This arrives in Colombo before the morning traffic.
What time is the last bus from Kataragama to Colombo?
The last expressway bus departs at 2:15 PM with DS Gunasekara. Coastal buses may run later but take significantly longer.
How much does a bus ticket cost from Kataragama to Colombo?
Fares range from 1,200 to 2,500 LKR depending on bus type. Super luxury buses cost more. Confirm with your operator before traveling.
Can I book a bus ticket online?
Some operators use 12Go Asia or Bookaway. Most tickets are bought at the Kataragama Bus Stand on the day of travel. Call the operator directly for reservations.
Do buses stop at Tissamaharama?
Yes. Most buses stop at Tissamaharama before continuing to Kataragama. If you are coming from Yala, Tissamaharama is the closest boarding point.
Is there a night bus from Kataragama to Colombo?
The 2:20 AM and 3:20 AM departures are the closest to night services. They arrive in Colombo early morning.
Where does the bus arrive in Colombo?
Buses arrive at Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal. Confirm with your operator as some services may drop passengers at different points.
Can I get off along the way?
Yes. Most buses stop at Hambantota, Ambalantota, and other towns along the expressway. Tell the conductor your stop when you board.
Report a correction
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 and SLTB Kataragama Depot. Checked .
Photo credits›
- Patanangala Rock Yala National Park by Adbar, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.