Written by Finn Weber, Karen Price, Chamara Perera
12/08/2025
Sachith Ravishka Kodikara, Pexels
Trincomalee is served by its railway station, a central bus stand, and a domestic airport. The Trincomalee Railway Station is the eastern end of the Trincomalee Line, connecting to Colombo. The Trinco Bus Stand, located near the clock tower and market, is a primary hub for various bus services. Trincomalee Airport (China Bay Airport) handles domestic flights.
By Air:
Domestic flights operated by Cinnamon Air connect Trincomalee Airport (TRR) with Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Batticaloa (BTC), and Sigiriya (GIU).
A flight from Colombo (CMB) to Trincomalee (TRR) typically takes around 45 minutes.
Indicative one-way domestic flight costs can start from approximately $96 USD, though charter flights may be more expensive (e.g., INR 16,000-39,000 for a 30-minute flight).
There are no direct international flights to Trincomalee; international travelers will connect via Colombo.
By Train:
Direct train services are available from Colombo Fort to Trincomalee, including a daily night mail train.
The train journey from Colombo Fort to Trincomalee can take between 6 hours 25 minutes and 8 hours.
Ticket prices from Colombo Fort to Trincomalee range from approximately Rs 1,300 to Rs 9,500, depending on the class (e.g., 2nd class sleeperettes around Rs 520, 3rd class Rs 325).
Connections are also possible via Galoya Junction, with trains to Trincomalee taking about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 12 minutes, costing around Rs 140 (2nd class) or Rs 80 (3rd class).
By Bus:
Direct bus services operate frequently from Colombo (Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal/Pettah) to Trincomalee.
The travel time by bus from Colombo to Trincomalee is generally between 6 to 10 hours, varying with the type of service (express, AC, or standard).
Bus fares from Colombo to Trincomalee range from approximately INR 110-150 for standard buses to INR 650-1,200 or €5-€10 for AC/express services.
Buses also connect Trincomalee with other cities such as Kandy (5-7 hours, from 250 rupees) and Anuradhapura (2-3 hours, from 350 rupees / €1.75).
Local buses, like the Trincomalee-Pulmodai route, facilitate travel between nearby beach areas such as Uppuveli and Nilaveli.
By Taxi/Private Car:
A direct taxi from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to Trincomalee typically takes 3 hours 58 minutes to 4 hours 30 minutes.
The cost for a taxi from CMB to Trincomalee can range from approximately INR 6,000-8,000, or 25,000-35,000 LKR ($75-100 USD).
From Colombo city, a taxi to Trincomalee takes about 3 hours 56 minutes and costs approximately Rs 10,523–15,199 or around €75.
Car rentals are available, starting from around $40 USD per day.
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