Buying train tickets on the day at Colombo Fort?
I missed out on reserved tickets online. How early do I need to show up at Colombo Fort station to buy an unreserved 2nd class ticket to Galle?
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3 Answers from travellers
Unreserved tickets never sell out. You can buy them 30 minutes before departure at the ticket counter. Go to Counter 2 for the coastal line. Just be aware that having a ticket does not guarantee a seat, only the right to board the train.
If it is a weekend or public holiday, expect to stand the entire way to Galle. It gets packed.
Show up an hour early. Once you buy the ticket, go stand on the platform exactly where the train will pull in, and be ready to push your way on to grab a seat when the doors open.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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