How To Get From Colombo To Nallathanniya

Let us find out How to get from Colombo to Nallathanniya.
Nallathanniya is a small village in Sri Lanka and is known as the gateway to Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the country. Situated around 135 km from Colombo, the journey to Nallathanniya offers breathtaking landscapes, winding roads, and diverse travel experiences.
There are three ways to travel from Colombo to Nallathanniya, and this article rightly covers these three modes of transport.
Colombo to Nallathanniya By Taxi
One of the most convenient and hassle-free ways to reach Nallathanniya from Colombo is by taxi. This option is perfect if you are looking for comfort, speed, and flexibility. A taxi takes approximately 4–5 hours to reach Nallathanniya, depending on road conditions and traffic. That too by offering you a private and comfortable journey.
If you are traveling with your family or group of friends, privacy is of utmost importance. Hence, we recommend you book a taxi to travel on this route. You can also stop at scenic locations, restaurants, or rest areas along the way. By choosing a taxi, you eliminate luggage restrictions.
Sri Lanka Driver Guide is a reliable platform that connects travelers with professional drivers. Their service ensures a safe, comfortable, and informative journey.They have local drivers with experience of popular spots and quick routes.
They allow for an option to add sightseeing stops like Kithulgala (for white-water rafting) or Hatton tea plantations.
Estimated Taxi Fare
- Colombo to Nallathanniya: $70–$100 (depending on vehicle type and season)
- Luxury Vehicle Options: Additional charges for premium car services.
For booking, visit Sri Lanka Driver Guide’s website or contact their customer service.
Book With Sri Lanka Driver Guide – Get a Quote
Colombo to Nallathanniya By Train
Traveling by train from Colombo to Nallathanniya is a scenic and budget-friendly option, though it requires a combination of train and road transport. There is no direct train to Nallathanniya. You need to take a train from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Hatton and then a bus or taxi to Nallathanniya.
Trains from Colombo to Hatton operate daily. Podi Menike Express departs Colombo at 5.55 am and reaches Hatton at 10 am; UdarataMenike Express departs Colombo at 8.30 am and reaches Hatton at 12.45 pm, and Night Mail Train departs Colombo at 8 pm and reaches Hatton at 1 am. Once you reach Hatton, you can take a bus to reach Nallathanniya in 1.5 hours. Or else, you can hire a tuk-tuk or taxi.
The cost of a train journey depends on the class you choose. The costly ticket prices up to LKR 1500. If you book a local train class, then you can reach Hatton under LKR 500. The bus or tuk-tuk will cost you another LKR 200 approximately to reach Nallathanniya.
Colombo to Nallathanniya By Bus
For budget travelers, the bus is the most economical option to travel from Colombo to Nallathanniya. However, it involves multiple transfers.
Bus Route
- Colombo to Hatton – Take an intercity or normal bus from Colombo’s Central Bus Stand to Hatton.
- Hatton to Nallathanniya – Transfer to a local bus heading towards Nallathanniya.
Hatton to Nallathanniya Bus
- Departure Frequency: Every 30–45 minutes
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Fare: LKR 150 ($0.50)
You can also opt for another route via Rathnapura. From Colombo, you will reach Rathnapura in 2 hours and then you can choose a taxi to reach Nallathanniya in another 2-3 hours.
Pros and Cons of Traveling by Bus
Pros:
- Affordable: The cheapest option available.
- Frequent Services: Regular buses from Colombo to Hatton.
- Local Experience: Travel like a local and experience Sri Lankan culture.
Cons:
- Longer Travel Time: Buses take longer than taxis or trains.
- Comfort Issues: Non-AC buses can be crowded and uncomfortable.
- Multiple Transfers: No direct bus to Nallathanniya.
Colombo to Nallathanniya Best Route
Are you now clear about How to get from Colombo to Nallathanniya? Traveling in Sri Lanka offers various modes of transport but some routes require interchange. If you are eyeing comfort and privacy while you travel from Colombo to Nallathanniya, then a taxi is definitely the best option.
If you had a long flight to Colombo and now have another long journey to Nallathanniya, the taxi will allow you to rest well. For the best taxi experience, book your ride on Sri Lanka Driver guide. If you are traveling on a budget, then booking a bus or train can be an economical option.
But remember that you will have to follow the strict schedule and book your tickets in advance.

Editorial Staff is at Sri Lanka Driver Guides are Sri Lanka travel experts.