How To Get From Negombo To Mannar

Let us discuss How to get from Negombo to Mannar.

Negombo is a coastal town near Colombo and is a popular starting point for travelers heading to Mannar. It is a historical and cultural gem in northern Sri Lanka. Covering a distance of approximately 297 km, the journey offers multiple transport options, including taxis, trains, and buses. Each mode of transport varies in terms of comfort, cost, and travel time.

This article discusses everything you need to know about traveling from Negombo to Mannar using different travel modes.

Negombo to Mannar by Taxi

For a hassle-free and comfortable journey, booking a private taxi is the best option. Sri Lanka Driver Guide provides reliable taxi services with professional drivers, ensuring a smooth and stress-free trip. There are endless benefits to choosing a taxi to travel from Negombo to Mannar.

First of all, you get door-to-door service without the need for transfers. You get to travel in air-conditioned vehicles that also have a lot of space for comfortable sitting and luggage. A taxi is the fastest mode of transport and requires less than 6 hours to reach Mannar from Negombo. Not only this, you can also make stops at scenic locations and enjoy the beauty of Sri Lanka.

A private taxi from Negombo to Mannar may cost between LKR 20,000 and 30,000 ($60 and $90), depending on the vehicle type and number of passengers. Booking through Sri Lanka Driver Guide ensures a reliable service with competitive rates. You can book a taxi through Sri Lanka Driver Guide’s website, mobile app, or by contacting their customer support. We suggest booking in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Negombo to Mannar by Train

For budget-conscious travelers who enjoy scenic journeys, taking a train from Negombo to Mannar is an excellent choice. Though there is no direct train from Negombo to Mannar, you must make a transfer in Colombo or Anuradhapura.

Train Route:

1. Negombo to Colombo Fort: Board a train from Negombo Railway Station to Colombo Fort Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
2. Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura: Take an intercity or express train from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura. This leg takes around 3.5 to 4 hours.
3. Anuradhapura to Mannar: From Anuradhapura, board a train to Mannar. The journey lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours.

Train Schedule & Tickets:

• Train Frequency: Multiple trains operate daily from Colombo to Anuradhapura, and a few continue to Mannar.
• Ticket Prices:
  • Second Class: LKR 400-700 ($1.50-$2.50)
  • First Class (Observation Car): LKR 1000 – 1500 ($3.50 – $5)
• Booking: Train tickets can be booked at railway stations or online via the Sri Lanka Railways website.

Undoubtedly, the train journey from Negombo to Mannar is affordable, scenic, and comfortable, but it requires multiple transfers, has potential delays, and comes with limited availability of direct Mannar trains

Negombo to Mannar by Bus

Taking a bus from Negombo to Mannar is the most economical travel option, although it requires patience due to multiple transfers.

Bus Route:

1. Negombo to Colombo: Take a bus from Negombo Bus Terminal to Colombo Central Bus Stand. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours and costs around LKR 150–250 ($0.50–$1).
2. Colombo to Mannar: From Colombo Central Bus Stand, board a long-distance bus to Mannar. The journey takes 6 to 7 hours and costs between LKR 700 and 1000 ($2.50 and $3.50).

Bus Schedule & Tickets:

• Colombo to Mannar buses operate multiple times a day, including both normal and semi-luxury buses.
• Departure Points: Colombo Central Bus Stand (Pettah) or Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal.
• Ticket Purchase: Buy tickets at the bus station or onboard.

If you do not want to spend much on travel, then choosing a bus is the cheapest travel option. There are frequent services available but it takes really a long time to reach your destination and buses are often crowded.

Negombo to Mannar Best Route

If you are still not able to decide How to get from Negombo to Mannar, let us summarize the whole article for you. For utmost comfort, flexibility, and lesser travel time, opt for a taxi by booking it on the Sri Lanka Driver Guide official website. The driver will come to your doorstep in Negombo to pick you up.

If you want a comfortable journey in a budget but multiple transfers are okay for you, then choose a train by booking tickets in advance. For the cheapest travel option but the longest travel time, you may opt for a bus.

Editorial Staff

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