People go to Sri Lanka not only for a beach holiday, but also to see old Buddhist stupas and temples, that the country is rich in. Find out, how to get from Colombo to Anuradhapura, the first capital of the Sinhalese kingdom, by studying the content of this article. In it describes several ways to travel from one point of Sri Lanka to another on different types of transport. The fare and time of departure from Colombo are given.
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Contents
Distance between Colombo and Anuradhapura
The direct distance between the city of Colombo and Anuradhapura in the west of the country, which is located in the central northern part of Sri Lanka, is 165 km or 103 miles. Both points are connected by rail and road. Due to the peculiarities of the Sri Lankan landscape, you will have to drive 206 km or 128 miles. As for the time, spent on the trip, it will be from 3 hours to 5-6 hours. Narrow roads and single-track, loaded with transport, are the main reason, that buses, trains and taxis can arrive at the designated place several hours later, than the time, indicated in the schedule.
How to get from Colombo to Anuradhapura by bus
Once a day, a comfortable VIP bus from Avro Travels is sent to Anuradhapura from Colombo. The fare in it costs 13.43 USD or 2446 LKR. You can take the bus in several places in the city. The departure time of the vehicle from the first point is 20:00. Landing in this bus is made in the area of Wellawatte. The exact landing site can be viewed on the map by clicking on the name of the area. There will be a name of the street. In this case, the bus to Anuradhapura leaves from Marine Drive opposite the RamaChrishna Mission hall.
VIP-bus from Colombo to Anuradhapura
If you live or are at the beginning of Galle Face Road, it will be more convenient for you to go to the Galle Face Bus Stop.There is also boarding a bus company Avro Travels, the next from Colombo to Anuradhapura. The departure time of the vehicle is 20:20. A bus, which drives off Marine Drive at 20:00, arrives at this stop. Thus, you can choose for yourself the VIP bus departure point, which will be more convenient for you. In the second case, the road will be shorter by 20 minutes. The time the vehicle is in transit is from 2:45 to 3:05, but you can arrive in Anuradhapura in 4-5 hours, since traffic jams are possible on the way.
How to get from Colombo to Anuradhapura by train
The very first capital of the Sinhalese kingdom from Colombo can be reached by rail. The Sri Lanka Railways train leaves from Colombo Fort main train station at 5.45. The time spent on the road is 3:25. The fare in the 1st class car will cost 24.53 dollars or 4470 LKR. The fare in cars of the 2nd and 3rd class will be cheaper, but to book tickets for seats in these cars on the site will not work. The advantages of travel by train compared to the bus will be saving time and more scenic views from the window.
The train from Colombo to Anuradhapura
How to get from Colombo to Anuradhapura by taxi
From the largest city of Sri Lanka to Anuradhapura you can take a taxi. It will be beneficial to those people, who travel in a large company. On the website of the international service KiwiTaxi you can pre-book a place in the car or mini-bus. A trip of 1-3 people in a car from any point of Colombo (hotel, street, park, sights, etc.) to Anuradhapura will cost 130 USD or 23,647 LKR. 1-4 people can order an economical option: a car for 132 dollars or 24010 LKR. Traveling in a minivan for 4-7 people will cost 165 USD or 30013 LKR. Luggage included.
KiwiTaxi from Colombo to Anuradhapura
We hope, that this information will help you decide on the type of transport, that will take you from Colombo to the rich architectural monuments of the city of Anuradhapura. We wish you a good trip and bright emotions from beautiful Sri Lanka!