Jaffna Railway Station.

Jaffna railway station is the main Railway station for the people living in the Northern Province. This beautiful station used to handle thousands of long distance and short distance passengers every day. Goods too are transported through the goods trains running between Colombo and Jaffna. Also cargo trains used to bring petrol, Diesel and Kerosene oil for this district. This is not a busy station like Colombo or Kandy, except for the time of Colombo bound trains' arrival and departure time. It is located near to the Jaffna city center at the end of the Martin Road which is called as station road from the junction of Hospital road. Jetwing North Gate Hotel is located just on the left side of the Jaffna Railway station. It is actually walking distance from the train station to this Jetwing North Gate Hotel. In addition in this year 2024, the Jaffna Railway Station is functioning back to normal as was in the year 2019. In January, 2024 due to rail track repair works on the Nothern Line, less people are using this station. Most of the passengers are using the Colombo - Jaffna bound Luxuary bus service.

Notice.

Jaffna bound trains are not running on full stretch due to track repairs. Colombo Jaffna direct train service will operate by August, 2024.

Jaffna Railway Station is now functioning in full Swing. Passengers can buy train tickets and can reserve their train seats here. Currently it is handling 6 direct Colombo Jaffna trains daily. New train service Jaffna Odysey train service is special for the Nallur Temple festval season. This is a fast train that will be fully air conditioned. The train is expected to have total of 10 compartments where 8 of them will be first class. The other two will be second class ones. The first class compartment will be priced at Rs 4,000 for a Colombo bound passenger.

Newly renovated Jaffna station houses latest technologies' and facilities for the staff and the passengers. Facilities for the disabled passengers to access it for train travel. You can find Rest rooms here with beds at reasonable price. Sri Lanka passengers can access free Wi-Fi in this railway station area. To connect to the internet through the Smartphones and tablets you need login to the Government webpage. One SLTB bus service is operating from this railway station to the Jaffna city bus stand when the Colombo bound train use to arrive here. Current bus fare is Rs 34/- per passenger. There are private tuk tuk and private hire cars are available at the station entrance. Bargain for the tariff as they don't have Tariff Meters in them.

Lot of three wheels (Tuk Tuk) are operating around this area. You can find them during the Colombo bound trains' arrival time. Before you get in to any of these tuk tuk, ask wether they have meter. If not ask for the price for the journey. Don't get in to it, without agreeing the price. There are many old taxis too are available which too can be arranged after bargaining the tariff for the trip. To reach the Jaffna bus stand, walk along the station road and turn to the right at the first junction at the hospital road. If you walk along this road you will pass Jaffna Government hospital and then about 50 meters onwards, you will see the city bus stand. (Distance about 800 Meters).

To reach Sri Naga Vihara Buddhist Temple and its pilgrims resting complex, once you are out of the station, turn on the right side lane and keep walking in this narrow lane. You will reach Point Pedro road and the railway level crossing, there turn to the right and keep walking on the right side. You can view the temple and the building complex on the left side of it. You can view a small pond called Ariya kulam. (Distance 750 Meters.)

Getting Train From Jaffna Railway Station.

Be there at least 10 minutes before the arrival of your train.
At the entrance ask the "Gate Keeper" on which platform your train is coming.
Display your ticket and ask on which place your compartment will stay. (In the front, middle or on the rear side of the platform)
If the Train is not coming on the Number ONE platform, use the underground passage to reach the other platforms.

Foreign Backpackers. (Tourists)

Foreign backpackers who are coming to Jaffna need to take note of this. Jaffna railway station may look good place for you to spend your night. But it is not advisable, as it will turn in to a deserted place in the night times.

Passengers can use rest rooms and wash rooms in this station. Canteen facility is too available inside of this station, specially during the time of Colombo bound trains departure time. You can buy snacks and mineral water bottles from the nearby tea shops that are located in front of the railway station.