Sri Lanka rail journey guide
Colombo to Avissawella train timetable and tickets
Updated 2026 Colombo to Avissawella train timetable, fares, classes & online booking. Official Sri Lanka Railways schedule for the scenic Kelani Valley line – Seethawaka Odyssey, botanical gardens and Ruwanwella Fort.
Check availability
Search Colombo to Avissawella tickets
Choose your travel date, then continue to 12Go to see the current options for this route.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
At a glance
Quick facts for this journey
Use these notes for planning, then confirm your service details before travel.
Service planner
Colombo to Avissawella train timetable
All times are planning guidance. Check the live search before you make arrangements.
| Train No. | Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Days | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Special) | Seethawaka Odyssey | 07:15 | 09:23 | 2h 08m | Sunday only | 1st, 2nd | Tickets |
| 9255 | Seethawaka Odyssey | 08:40 | 10:47 | 2h 07m | Saturday only | 1st, 2nd | Tickets |
| 9254 | 9254 (Slow) | 08:30 | 11:54 | 3h 24m | Daily | 2nd, 3rd | Tickets |
| 9292 | 9292 (Slow) | 16:25 | 19:10 | 2h 45m | Daily, except Sat | 2nd, 3rd | Tickets |
| 9262A | 9262A (Slow) | 16:45 | 19:31 | 2h 46m | Saturday only | 2nd, 3rd | Tickets |
| 9263 | 9263 (Slow) | 16:50 | 19:31 | 2h 41m | Daily, except Sat | 2nd, 3rd | Tickets |
| 9264B | 9264B (Slow) | 17:35 | 20:17 | 2h 42m | Saturday only | 2nd, 3rd | Tickets |
| 9264 | 9264 (Slow) | 17:45 | 20:30 | 2h 45m | Daily, except Sat | 2nd, 3rd | Tickets |
| 9271 | 9271 (Slow) | 20:00 | 22:44 | 2h 44m | Daily | 2nd, 3rd | Tickets |
Continue planning
Plan the full Avissawella journey
Keep the rail information and your destination planning connected without leaving the site.
Journey guidance
Fares, classes and practical route notes
Read the route guidance before you travel, then check the current operator and booking details.
Journey overview +
Powered by
💰 Colombo to Avissawella Train Fares (2026)
| Class | Approx. Price (LKR) | Approx. Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Class (Seethawaka Odyssey only) | 800-1200 | $2.50-$3.70 |
| 2nd Class (Reserved recommended) | 300 | $1.00 |
| 3rd Class (NOT recommended) | 160 | $0.50 |
*3rd class is extremely crowded, wooden benches, often you have to stand. Avoid unless no other option.
Choose Your Class: First, Second, and Third Class +
First Class – Air‑conditioned comfort (Seethawaka Odyssey only)
On this route, only the weekend Seethawaka Odyssey offers 1st class air‑conditioned compartments. This special tourist train features comfortable seating, air conditioning, and large windows – perfect for enjoying the scenic Kelani Valley in comfort. Book at least 1‑2 weeks in advance, as seats are limited to weekends.
Second Class – Best value (Reserved recommended)
Second class is available on all trains. We strongly recommend reserving a seat, especially for the 08:30 daily slow train (9254) and the weekend Seethawaka Odyssey. The journey is 2.5‑3.5 hours, and unreserved 2nd class can become crowded with local commuters. Reserved seats guarantee a place and better comfort.
Third Class – NOT RECOMMENDED
Third class is the cheapest option, but it comes with serious drawbacks. These carriages are often extremely crowded, filled with local commuters, leaving little room to relax. Seats are wooden benches, and they are unreserved – you may end up standing for the entire 3‑4 hour journey. We strongly advise tourists to avoid 3rd class altogether. The small saving is not worth the discomfort.
Plan Your Journey Upfront +
To ensure a seamless Colombo to Avissawella train journey, it is highly recommended to purchase your tickets in advance. For Seethawaka Odyssey, book online at least 1‑2 weeks ahead. For standard slow trains, 2nd class reserved seats can be booked a few days in advance. For Third Class, we recommend not using it at all.
Reserved vs Unreserved Ticket +
Reserved Tickets – Guaranteed Seating and Organized Experience (RECOMMENDED): Reserved tickets provide the advantage of guaranteed seating throughout your journey. This ensures you have a designated space, especially during peak travel seasons. With reserved tickets, you can enjoy a more organized and hassle-free experience, knowing that you have a seat waiting for you. Always choose reserved for 1st or 2nd class.
Unreserved Tickets – Flexibility and Spontaneity (Not recommended for tourists): Unreserved tickets offer greater flexibility, allowing you to board any train without a pre-assigned seat. However, you will almost certainly have to stand, especially on the busy Colombo to Avissawella route. This option is only for extreme budget travelers who don't mind discomfort.
Plan Your Departure from Colombo Fort +
Colombo Fort station is your departure point. Arrive at least 30-45 minutes early for the Seethawaka Odyssey and 30 minutes for other trains. The journey is 2.5‑3.5 hours – pack water and a light snack. The Kelani Valley line passes through lush countryside – bring a camera for the scenic views.
✅ Pre-departure Checklist
- Arrive at Colombo Fort station 45 minutes early for Seethawaka Odyssey.
- Carry printed or digital ticket (screenshot).
- Sit on the right side for scenic valley views.
- Pack water and light snacks – vendors are limited.
- Power bank for photos – the countryside is beautiful.
- Sunscreen and hat – the sun can be strong.
Where to Stay in Avissawella? +
🚍 Bus Station Nearby
Avissawella Bus Stand is 500 m from the railway station – a 5‑10 min walk or 2‑3 min tuk‑tuk. Buses run to Colombo, Kandy, Rathnapura.
🚖 Taxi in Avissawella
Book a Taxi Now →📅 Best Times to Visit Avissawella +
| Months | Weather | Activities | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec–Mar | Dry, sunny, 26-30°C | Botanical garden, fort | Best weather | Peak season, crowded trains |
| Apr–May | Hot, occasional showers | Sightseeing | Fewer tourists | Afternoon heat |
| Jun–Sep | Southwest monsoon, rain | Indoor activities | Low season, cheap hotels | Frequent rain |
| Oct–Nov | Inter-monsoon, mixed | Sightseeing | Green scenery | Unpredictable showers |
Tip: The best time for visiting Seethawaka Botanical Garden and Ruwanwella Fort is December-March. For a weekend getaway, Seethawaka Odyssey offers a perfect day trip from Colombo.
Colombo to Avissawella Train Stops +
Major stops: Colombo Fort → Maradana → Nugegoda → Maharagama → Homagama → Padukka → Waga → Avissawella.
If you travel beyond Avissawella, get off at the next station and take a train back. Trains run regularly on this line.
🚆 All Trains on This Route
Seethawaka Odyssey 9254 (Slow) 9292 (Slow) 9262A (Slow) 9263 (Slow) 9264B (Slow) 9264 (Slow) 9271 (Slow)
✨ View All Sri Lankan Trains →✈️ 🚌 🚂
Train Colombo to Avissawella 7 days a week support | Best price guarantee
About Us – Sri Lankan Train
We maintain and update this site regularly to ensure all information is current. If you find our guides helpful, please consider booking your train tickets through the affiliate links on this page – it costs you nothing extra and helps us keep this site running. Thank you for your support!
🙏 Safe travels and enjoy the ride!