How long is the train journey from Colombo to Anuradhapura?

The intercity express from Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura typically takes around four hours, covering approximately 204.9 km. Slower stopping services can take five hours or more. Booking a reserved seat in advance is advisable for the intercity service, especially on weekends and Poya days.

Is there a direct train from Kandy to Anuradhapura?

There is no direct rail connection between Kandy and Anuradhapura; the two lines do not link directly. Travellers usually travel by road between the two cities, which takes roughly two to three hours by private vehicle or bus via Dambulla.

How do I get from Anuradhapura station to the ancient ruins?

The station is in Anuradhapura's New Town, around 3–4 km from the main archaeological sites. Three-wheelers are available at the station exit, bicycle hire is popular given the flat terrain, and private transfers can be arranged in advance. Cycling is a particularly convenient way to move between scattered monuments in the sacred zone.

Can I visit Wilpattu National Park from Anuradhapura?

Yes. Wilpattu National Park's main entrance is around 30 km west of Anuradhapura, making the city a natural base for safari trips. Most operators run early-morning game drives, so staying overnight in Anuradhapura allows you to reach the park at dawn when wildlife activity is highest.

What is the station telephone number for Anuradhapura Railway Station?

The station contact number is 025-2222271. You can call to ask about current schedules or platform information, though for the most up-to-date timetables, checking with Sri Lanka Railways or a local agent is recommended.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance for the Anuradhapura train?

Reserved seats in first and second class on intercity services should be booked in advance, particularly during public holidays, Poya days, and the Poson festival period in June. Third-class unreserved carriages are available without prior booking but can be very crowded on busy travel days.

Which station do I get off at for Mihintale?

Mihintale Junction is the neighbouring station north of Anuradhapura on the Northern Line. From there, three-wheelers and buses make the short trip up to the sacred hill complex at Mihintale, which is a key site associated with the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

What is the best time of year to travel to Anuradhapura?

The driest and most comfortable months for visiting are roughly May through September and then December through February. The Poson Poya period in June is culturally significant but draws large pilgrim crowds. Avoid travelling during the peak of the north-east monsoon in November if possible, as rains can be heavy.

Anuradhapura Railway Station

Anuradhapura Railway Station is a station on the Northern Line of Sri Lanka Railways, in the Anuradhapura District, North Central Province. It lies 204.9 km from Colombo Fort along the line.

22 trains call at Anuradhapura on a typical day. The full timetable — departure time, destination and which days each service runs — is listed below.

Neighbouring stations on the Northern Line: Anuradhapura Town (towards Colombo) and Mihintale Junction.

Station telephone: 025-2222271.

New Town.

See the whole network on the Sri Lanka railway station list or the railway map.

Anuradhapura — horaires de la gare

22 trains desservent Anuradhapura en moyenne par jour.

Ligne du Nord · 204.9 km de Colombo Fort · Province du Centre-Nord

Téléphone de la gare : 025-2222271

Départ	Direction	Train	Circule
12:30 am	Kankesanthurai	Mail	Tous les jours
01:40 am	Colombo Fort		Dimanche uniquement
02:20 am	Kankesanthurai
05:00 am	Colombo Fort		Tous les jours
05:15 am	Medawachchiya · part d'ici		Jours ouvrables uniquement
07:13 am	terminus ici · depuis Medawachchiya		Jours ouvrables uniquement
08:15 am	terminus ici · depuis Talaimannar		Tous les jours
09:15 am	Colombo Fort	Uttara Devi	Tous les jours
09:17 am	Colombo Fort	Intercity	Tous les jours
10:45 am	Kankesanthurai	Yal Devi	Tous les jours
01:42 pm	terminus ici · depuis Colombo Fort	Intercity	Samedi uniquement
01:45 pm	Medawachchiya · part d'ici		Jours ouvrables et dimanche uniquement
02:00 pm	Mount Lavinia	Yal Devi	Tous les jours
03:31 pm	terminus ici · depuis Medawachchiya		Jours ouvrables et dimanche uniquement
03:35 pm	Kankesanthurai	Uttara Devi	Tous les jours
04:32 pm	Mount Lavinia		Tous les jours
05:00 pm	Colombo Fort · part d'ici		Dimanche uniquement
05:00 pm	Medawachchiya · part d'ici		Tous les jours
05:00 pm	Talaimannar Pier · part d'ici		Tous les jours
06:40 pm	terminus ici · depuis Medawachchiya		Tous les jours
06:45 pm	Vavuniya		Tous les jours
11:10 pm	Colombo Fort	Night Mail	Tous les jours

Horaires reproduits depuis les fiches officielles de Sri Lanka Railways, dernière vérification le 2026-09-21. Les horaires peuvent changer sans préavis — veuillez confirmer auprès de la gare avant de voyager. Découvrez l'ensemble du réseau sur le liste des gares ferroviaires du Sri Lanka.

Lieux à proximité

9 lieux dans un rayon d'environ 25 km, du plus proche au plus éloigné.

Ancient Small-Tank Irrigation Sri Lankamoins de 1 km
Anuradhapuramoins de 1 km
Anuradhapura Districtmoins de 1 km
‎Anuradhapura Kingdommoins de 1 km
Buddhist Sitesmoins de 1 km
God Maniakkhikamoins de 1 km
Monastic complexmoins de 1 km
Dakkhina Stupa3 km
Horiwiala Railway Station4 km

Anuradhapura Railway Station

Anuradhapura — horaires de la gare

Lieux à proximité

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