How to Get to Galle from Colombo - Best Ways to Reach Galle from Capital City Colombo

As the first point of contact that most travellers will have with Sri Lanka, Colombo is the city from which tourists will head out for various corners of the island. Considered the southern capital and a beach hub of historic record, Galle is a popular destination for day-trippers and those based in Colombo. From hopping on public transport options to exploring more costly alternatives, here are some of the best ways to reach Galle from Colombo. 

Andy Nobes, Train track on the beach in Colombo (16779050855), CC BY 2.0 

1. Take the Train

Those who have time to spare and wish to travel to Galle along the scenic route can board a train from Colombo bound for the capital of the southern shorelines. Travellers based in Colombo should head over to the Fort Railway Station, which is connected to most cities around the island via the coastal railway network, and purchase tickets for any one of the 6 trains that travel to Galle daily. Visitors can also take a train that's travelling along the Colombo-Matara line and get off at Galle but those who are unfamiliar with the local landscape should purchase tickets for Galle just in case. The official website of the Sri Lankan railway authority (www.railway.gov.lk) will provide updated information on train times and ticket prices. The level of comfort available onboard the trains will depend on whether you purchase a first or second class ticket.

 2. Buses

There are two routes tourists can take to reach Galle if they mean to use the public bus services in Sri Lanka. The longer route takes nearly three hours to complete but allows visitors to explore some of the best beach hubs and coastal towns along the Colombo-Galle highway en route to the Fortress Resort and Spa or any one of the other hotels in Galle at which they select to stay. The recently built Southern Expressway, however, offers those who are pressed for time a more efficient means of travelling to Galle as it only takes an hour to reach Galle on the expressway. Buses marked with "EX001" can be found at the Colombo Makumbara Bus Station. Although the ticket prices are much more expensive than bus fares on the "normal" route, these buses afford quicker transfers and are available every 20 minutes from 5 am onwards.

3. Driving Options

Those who possess an international driving license can also rent a car in Colombo and drive to Galle along the Southern Expressway as it only takes an hour to reach your destination. Driving on the expressway is also relatively less stressful and challenging than taking the old route on the Colombo-Galle highway where one is likely to encounter traffic jams and other common inconveniences of driving through cities and roads with sidewalks and pedestrians. Holidaymakers travelling in a group may find this a more budget-friendly option when compared to hiring a van or a taxi with a driver. In addition to the cost of the rental vehicle, visitors will also have to pay the tolls along the expressway. 

4. Cab Services

Although it is by no means the most cost-effective way to reach Galle, cab services do allow tourists to travel in comfort to the seaside resort of their choice. You can compare the prices of various local taxi companies online or by downloading popular taxi booking apps. 

5. Take to the Skies

 Travellers with the means to afford the flight costs can alternatively take to the skies and enjoy an aerial tour of the southern coastline and arrive in Galle in record time. Sri Lankan Airlines and several other carriers offer domestic flights to Galle from Colombo and apart from the breathtaking journey, the speed with which one can arrive at the intended destination are the biggest perks of opting to fly.