Sri Lanka Train Travel
Colombo to Trincomalee by Train: Timetable, Fares & How to Book
The Department of Railways runs a daily daytime service between Colombo Fort and Trincomalee — a single, straightforward ride from the capital to the east coast with no changes along the way. It leaves early, arrives before lunch, and drops you within easy reach of Nilaveli, Marble Beach and Pigeon Island.
The service was introduced in January 2024 and has become a favourite alternative to the six-hour road transfer. You get reserved seating, a choice of classes, and a slow reveal of the countryside as the line crosses from the wet zone into the dry plains of the east. Below is everything you need to plan the trip: the timetable, current fare bands, what to see once you arrive, and the five ways to secure a seat.
The journey at a glance
Train timetable
The train runs every day in both directions, so it works equally well as a one-way leg into the east or as a return trip back to Colombo at the end of your stay.
| Direction | Departs | Arrives | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo Fort → Trincomalee | 5.45 AM | 11.52 AM | Every day |
| Trincomalee → Colombo Fort | 12.35 PM | 6.39 PM | Every day |
Timings are set by the Department of Railways and can change at short notice. Always reconfirm a day or two before you travel.
Ticket prices
Fares are set per person, one way. First class is air conditioned; second and third class each offer a reserved option (a guaranteed numbered seat) and a normal option (unreserved, first come first served).
| Class | What you get | Fare (one way) |
|---|---|---|
| First Class | Air conditioned, reserved seat | LKR 2,900 |
| Second Class Reserved | Numbered seat, fan ventilated | LKR 1,800 |
| Third Class Reserved | Numbered seat, basic comfort | LKR 1,200 |
| Second Class Normal | Unreserved seating | LKR 950 |
| Third Class Normal | Unreserved seating | LKR 460 |
Fares are subject to revision by Sri Lanka Railways. For a six-hour daytime run, first or second class reserved is the comfortable choice.
Places to visit in Trincomalee
Trincomalee packs beaches, one of the island’s oldest Hindu temples and a Dutch-era fort into a compact stretch of coast. Here’s what’s worth your time once you step off the train.
How to book reserved seats
Reserved seats on this route sell out quickly in season, especially for the morning run to Trincomalee. There are five ways to get one.
At the railway station
Buy directly over the counter at the stations below, and at other main stations, between 9.00 AM and 4.00 PM.
- Colombo Fort
- Maradana
- Gampaha
- Kandy
By phone — dial 365 on Mobitel
The Mobitel M-Ticketing service opens reservations 14 days before your travel date. Keep enough credit on your mobile account to cover the ticket, as payment is deducted from your balance.
By phone — dial 1265 on SLT
Reservations can also be made by calling 1265 from an SLT landline.
Online, through Sri Lanka Railways
Tickets can be purchased on the Department of Railways’ seat reservation website. Log in, choose your date and class, and pay online.
Booking 30 days ahead of your travel date is advisable.
Through your travel agent
Travelling from overseas? Your agent can hold seats before you arrive — the simplest option if you’re building the train into a wider itinerary. If you’re already in Sri Lanka, any of the four methods above will work.
Running into trouble with a reservation? Ceylon Hunt can book your train ticket for you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Colombo to Trincomalee take?
Just over six hours. The train leaves Colombo Fort at 5.45 AM and reaches Trincomalee at 11.52 AM.
Does the train run every day?
Yes. It operates daily in both directions — 5.45 AM out of Colombo Fort, and 12.35 PM back from Trincomalee.
Which class should I book?
First class air conditioned (LKR 2,900) is the most comfortable for a six-hour daytime run. Second class reserved (LKR 1,800) is a good middle ground and gives you a guaranteed numbered seat.
How far in advance should I book?
Phone reservations open 14 days before departure, and booking around 30 days ahead through the railway website is advisable. In peak season, reserve as early as you can.
Can I book the tickets from outside Sri Lanka?
Yes — either through the railway department’s website or through a travel agent, who can secure seats before you land.
Want the train booked and the rest of the trip handled?
Tell us your dates and we’ll reserve your seats, arrange the transfer to Colombo Fort, and plan your days on the east coast — hotels, guide and vehicle included.
We hope this guide helps you plan the journey east. If you have questions about the route, the classes, or combining Trincomalee with the rest of your trip, message us or leave a comment below and we’ll get back to you.