The journey at a glance
Updated 2026 Colombo to Vavuniya train timetable, fares, classes & online booking. Official Sri Lanka Railways schedule for the scenic northern route – AC Intercity, Yal Devi, Uttara Devi and more.
While Colombo Fort and Vavuniya are separated by 255.8 kilometers, traveling between them is a breeze thanks to Sri Lanka's efficient railway system. Several trains operate on this route, offering convenient options for your trip. Currently, several trains operate between Colombo to Vavuniya.
Train departures
Imported from the original route guide. These times have not been verified for current travel. Confirm directly before booking.
| Train No. | Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Days | Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4021 | AC Intercity (Intercity) | 05:45 | 10:05 | 4h 20m | Daily | 1st, 2nd |
| 4077 | Yal Devi (Long Distance) | 06:35 | 11:45 | 5h 10m | Daily | 1st, 2nd, 3rd |
| 4093 | 4093 (Express Train) | 09:40 | 16:23 | 6h 43m | Saturday only | 2nd, 3rd |
| 4017 | Uttara Devi (AC Intercity) | 11:50 | 16:23 | 4h 33m | Daily | 1st, 2nd |
| 4085 | Rajarata Rejini (Express) | 13:45 | 20:17 | 6h 32m | Daily | 1st, 2nd |
| 4003 | Intercity Express (AC Intercity) | 15:55 | 21:06 | 5h 11m | Daily | 1st, 2nd |
| 4089 | Night Mail Train | 20:30 | 02:09 | 5h 39m | Daily | 2nd, 3rd |
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Confirm the service
Schedules and operations can change. Verify the date, boarding station and train number before leaving.
Choose your seat
Check available classes and whether the ticket includes a reserved seat, especially for longer journeys.
Plan your arrival
Allow time for the station, luggage and onward travel after you reach Vavuniya.
More about this journey
These notes were carried forward from the original guide. Confirm operational details before travel.
1st Class – Air‑conditioned comfort (AC Intercity – 4021, 4017, 4003)
First class air‑conditioned compartments are available on 4021, 4017 (Uttara Devi), and 4003 (Intercity Express). These offer comfortable reclining seats, large windows (sealed), and a quiet atmosphere. Perfect for a long journey of 4‑5 hours. Book at least 2‑3 weeks in advance – these sell out quickly.
2nd Class – Best value (Reserved recommended)
Second class is available on all trains. Reserved 2nd class on Yal Devi (4077), Uttara Devi, and Rajarata Rejini (4085) offers comfortable seating with open windows – ideal for enjoying the rural scenery. Unreserved 2nd class can be crowded. We strongly recommend reserving a seat for this 5‑6 hour journey.
3rd Class – NOT RECOMMENDED for this long route
Third class is available on Yal Devi, 4093 and Night Mail. For a 5‑6 hour journey, 3rd class wooden benches are extremely uncomfortable, and carriages are often overcrowded. Avoid 3rd class for Colombo–Vavuniya unless you are an extreme budget traveler. The small saving is not worth the discomfort.
Plan Your Journey Upfront
For the fastest journey, take AC Intercity 4021 (05:45) – only 4h 20m. For a comfortable morning departure with open windows, Yal Devi (06:35) is a classic choice. For those wanting to save on accommodation, Night Mail (20:30) is a budget option, but you'll miss the scenery. The best views are on the right side (east) as you head north – you'll see paddy fields, coconut plantations, and the dry zone landscape.