📍 Key Information : Colombo to Beliatta Qucik Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Route | Coastal Line (also called the Southern Line), a major scenic route along the west and south coasts. |
| Distance | Approximately 157.88 km from Colombo Fort to Beliatta station. |
| Typical Duration | About 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the train service. The fastest express trains can take around 3 hours and 11 minutes. |
| Key Stops | Colombo Fort → Mount Lavinia → Kalutara South → Aluthgama → Ambalangoda → Hikkaduwa → Galle (major hub) → Weligama → Matara (major hub) → Beliatta. |
| Available Train Classes | 1st Class (Air-Conditioned), 2nd Class, and 3rd Class compartments are available on express services. Most local “slow” trains offer only 2nd and 3rd class. |
| Number of Trains (Weekly) | Multiple daily express and local services. For example, on a given day, there are at least 5 direct express trains from Colombo/Maradana to Beliatta. This results in 35+ weekly departures for the full route, with even more services terminating at Galle or Matara. |
| Ticket Prices (Approx.) | One-way fares in Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) for the full Colombo Fort to Beliatta journey are approximately: • 1st Class: LKR 900 • 2nd Class: LKR 500 • 3rd Class: LKR 400 |
| Best For | Scenic coastal views, efficient travel to southern beach towns, and accessing the new railway extension past Matara. |
Colombo to Beliatta Train Time Table
| Starting from | Colombo | Beliatta | Frequency | Train Type | Train |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maradana 6:25am | 6:50am | 11:31am | Daily | Express | 8050 |
| Mahawa 6:40am | 10:30am | 3:00pm | Daily | Express | 4086, 8086 |
| Maradana 2:30pm | 2:40pm | 6:46pm | Daily | Express | 8056 |
| Maradana 4:20pm | 4:46pm | 8:13pm | Sunday to Friday | Express | 8096 |
Colombo to Beliatta Train Online Booking
Colombo to Beliatta Train Guide
During the Colombo to Beliatta train ride, you will pass through lush green hills, coconut plantations, and picturesque villages. Though the journey takes about 4 hours, it is an ideal way to experience Sri Lanka’s culture and see the country.
The train ride starts at Colombo Fort Railway Station, which is the main railway station in the capital city of Colombo. As the train continues south, it passes through the suburbs of Colombo, as well as Panadura, Kalutara, and Aluthgama. After Aluthgama, the train climbs into the hills, passing through tea plantations and rubber estates.
It continues to Hikkaduwa, a popular tourist destination due to its beaches and coral reefs, where it stops at Ambalangoda, a traditional mask carving center. After Hikkaduwa, the train stops at Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a historic center.
From Galle, the train continues south along the coast, passing through Matara and Mirissa. The train then reaches its final destination, Beliatta, a small town located on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka.
Colombo to Beliatta The Route Breakdown
Phase 1: Colombo to Kalutara (Urban to Resort Coast)
- Key Stops: Mount Lavinia, Panadura, Kalutara.
Highlights: Views of Colombo’s cityscape transitioning into the wider coastline. The Kalutara Bodhiya shrine and beach are visible near Kalutara.
Phase 2: Kalutara to Galle (The Iconic Beach Run)
- Key Stops: Aluthgama (for Bentota), Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa.
Highlights: The train runs close to the palm-fringed shore.
Look for:
- Bentota: Famous for beaches and water sports.
- Ambalangoda: Traditional mask-making workshops.
- Hikkaduwa: A vibrant beach town and coral sanctuary.
Phase 3: Galle to Beliatta (Fort & New Frontiers)
- Key Stops: Galle, Weligama, Mirissa, Matara, Beliatta.
Highlights:
- Galle Fort: A magnificent 17th-century Dutch fort, a UNESCO site. Trains reverse direction here.
- Weligama & Mirissa: Famous for stilt fishermen (Weligama) and whale watching (Mirissa).
- Matara: A major hub with a historic Dutch fort.
- New Extension: Past Matara, experience the modern engineering of Sri Lanka’s newest railway.
💡 The Route: Practical Travel Tips
- Booking Tickets: For a guaranteed seat, especially in 1st or 2nd Class, book in advance via this link. Unreserved 2nd and 3rd Class tickets can be purchased at the station on the day.
- Choosing a Train: Opt for named Express services (e.g., Ruhunu Kumari, Galu Kumari) for a faster, more comfortable journey with fewer stops.
- At Galle Station: The station is a terminus. The train will pause, change direction, and then continue south. You do not need to change trains.
🏨 Where to Stay in Beliatta?
Beliatta itself is a small town and serves more as a transport gateway than a major tourist hub. Most visitors stay in nearby coastal areas, which offer a wider range of accommodations.
| Area | Vibe/Description | Travel Time from Beliatta Station |
|---|---|---|
| Dickwella / Hiriketiya | Trendy surf town with a bohemian vibe, cafes, and a beautiful crescent bay. | ~15-20 mins by tuk-tuk |
| Tangalle | Larger area with a mix of serene beaches, luxury resorts, and budget guesthouses. | ~30 mins by tuk-tuk |
| Beliatta (local) | Basic local guesthouses for a simple, authentic stopover. | In town |
You can find highly-rated hotels and guesthouses in these nearby areas on platforms like Booking.com.
🏄 Things to Do from Beliatta
Beliatta is your gateway to the southern coast’s attractions:
- Explore Hiriketiya Beach: A short ride away, this popular cove is perfect for swimming, beginner surfing, and relaxing at beachside cafes.
- Visit the Hummanaya Blow Hole: Located near Dickwella, this is Sri Lanka’s only known natural blow hole, where seawater spurts high into the air.
- Day Trip to Tangalle: Explore its beautiful beaches like Mawella or Medaketiya, or visit the tranquil Mulkirigala Rock Temple.
- Continue Southwards: Use Beliatta as a starting point to travel further to places like Hambantota (for wildlife parks) or the sacred city of Kataragama, once the rail extension is complete.
