How to get from Colombo Airport to Kandy

Cultural & Heritage · Sri Lanka · Urban & Cultural · Colombo · Colombo Airport · Kandy

Travelling from Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo Airport) to Kandy is straightforward once you know the pros and cons of each route, from fast private transfers to scenic trains and budget buses.

At A Glance (Colombo Airport to Kandy)

Mode Duration Best For
🚕 Private Taxi / Pre-booked Transfer (CMB → Kandy) ~2–3 hours door-to-door Fastest, easiest, late-night arrivals
🏷️ Cost: ~LKR 18,000–30,000 per car (up to 3–4 passengers) » compare transfers | driver-guide transfers | airport car options
🚆 Airport Bus/Taxi → Train via Colombo Fort ~4–5.5 hours total (bus/taxi + train) Scenic ride, moderate budget
🏷️ Cost: ~LKR 2,000–4,500 per person (bus/taxi + 2nd/1st class train) » check train options | official seat reservations | reserved seats packages
🚌 Airport Bus → Intercity Bus via Colombo ~4–6 hours total (connections & traffic-dependent) Lowest cost, backpackers, day-time travel
🏷️ Cost: ~LKR 1,000–2,500 per person (all buses) » sample bus times | official bus info
🚗 Self-drive Car Rental & Ride-hailing Mix ~3–4 hours driving (plus paperwork) Road-trippers, small groups sharing costs
🏷️ Cost: Rental from ~US$45–70/day + fuel & tolls » compare CMB car rentals | scooters & motorbikes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Book transfers and taxis online for fixed prices: Platforms like 12Go, GetYourGuide, Klook, Welcome Pickups and GetTransfer let you pre-book a car or van and see the price in advance.
  • Use local ride-hailing for short hops: Around the airport and in Colombo, the PickMe app (Sri Lanka’s main ride-hailing service) and Uber are popular alternatives to street taxis—great for getting to the bus or train station if you don’t want a full private transfer.
  • Reserve train seats if travelling in high season: For Colombo–Kandy trains, book ahead via the official Sri Lanka Railways seat reservation portal or use agents via 12Go or Trip.com for reserved-seat tickets.
  • Travel by day whenever possible: Roads into the hill country are winding, and buses can be crowded. Aim to arrive in Kandy before dark, especially if you are taking Option #2 or #3.
  • Check arrival time vs. last train/bus: If your flight lands late evening, trains and most intercity buses may already have finished for the day—factor this in before deciding against a private transfer.
  • Keep some Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) in cash: Small buses, station snacks and some taxis are still cash-based. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall at Colombo Airport and all around Kandy.
  • Consider luggage storage if you have a long layover: If you want to explore Colombo before heading to Kandy, worldwide networks like Radical Storage or other luggage-storage services can be handy to avoid carrying bags all day.
  • Book Kandy stays in advance in peak months: From December to March and around Perahera festival time, book accommodation early via Booking.com or Trip.com, especially if you want central hotels near Kandy Lake or the Temple of the Tooth.

🚕 Option #1 — Private Taxi / Pre-booked Transfer (Fastest, Most Convenient)

Fastest Door-to-door Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver meets you at Colombo Airport arrivals and takes you directly to your hotel or guesthouse in Kandy. Road distance is roughly 100 km and the journey usually takes about 2–3 hours, depending on traffic and weather.
  • How to book (with price): Expect to pay roughly LKR 18,000–30,000 (about €55–90) for a standard car for up to 3–4 people. You can pre-book online via 12Go transfers, GetYourGuide, Klook, Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, or arrange a taxi at the official counters in the arrivals hall.
  • Pros: Most comfortable option; no need to change vehicles; ideal with kids, surfboards, or heavy bags; works well for late-night or very early-morning flights.
  • Cons: Significantly more expensive than public transport; you still sit in traffic leaving Colombo area; not as social or scenic as taking the train.
  • Good to know: Ask whether expressway tolls are included in the quoted price. If you prefer on-the-spot booking, you can also compare fares with the local ride-hailing apps PickMe or Uber for airport pick-ups and intercity rides.

Step-by-step: Private Taxi / Transfer

  1. After landing, follow signs for Arrivals and clear immigration and customs at Bandaranaike International Airport.
  2. Once in the public arrivals hall, look for your driver holding a sign with your name if you’ve booked through services like Welcome Pickups, GetYourGuide or Klook.
  3. If you didn't pre-book, head to the official taxi counters near the exit doors, where staff can quote a fixed price to Kandy and assign a licensed airport taxi.
  4. Confirm whether the fare is inclusive of expressway tolls and whether you will pay in LKR cash, card, or online. Withdraw cash from airport ATMs if needed.
  5. Share your Kandy accommodation address or drop a pin via your maps app so the driver knows exactly where to go.
  6. Enjoy the ride: you'll likely use the Colombo–Katunayake Expressway first, then continue inland through Kurunegala or other hill-country routes toward Kandy.
  7. On arrival in Kandy, pay your driver, collect all luggage, and confirm your pickup time if you plan to book the return journey with the same operator.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Taxi Counters & Pickup Zones)

  • From the baggage reclaim area, follow signs for "Taxi" or "Ground Transport". Official taxi counters are located just after customs on the landside of the terminal.
  • For ride-hailing (PickMe / Uber), check the app for the designated pickup lane. Often this is just outside arrivals near the car park; the app will show the precise point.
  • If you have booked with Welcome Pickups or a similar service, your confirmation email usually states a clear meeting point inside the terminal.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚆 Option #2 — Airport Bus/Taxi + Train via Colombo Fort (Scenic, Good Value)

Scenic Moderate cost Requires connection

  • Overview: Travel from the airport to Colombo Fort Railway Station by bus or taxi, then take a train to Kandy Railway Station. The train leg alone takes roughly 2.5–3 hours, with total travel time from the airport around 4–5.5 hours.
  • How to book (with price): The airport–Colombo bus (Route 187) costs roughly LKR 150–300; a taxi or PickMe from the airport to Colombo Fort is usually LKR 6,000–10,000 depending on vehicle and traffic. Train tickets from Colombo to Kandy range from about LKR 600–2,000 depending on class and whether you reserve seats. Reserve via the official Sri Lanka Railways seat portal or agents like 12Go or Trip.com.
  • Pros: Classic Sri Lankan rail experience; more comfortable than buses; very budget-friendly compared with private transfers; good scenery as you climb into the hills.
  • Cons: Requires a transfer in Colombo; trains can sell out in high season and can be delayed; seats may be limited if you don't reserve in advance.
  • Official info: Check timetables and seat availability on the official online train schedule or seat reservation services operated by Sri Lanka Railways before you travel.

Step-by-step: Airport Bus/Taxi + Train

  1. From airport to Colombo: After leaving arrivals, you can either:
    • Take the Route 187 express bus from the airport to Colombo Fort (runs frequently and uses the expressway), or
    • Order a PickMe/Uber, or take a metered taxi directly to Colombo Fort Railway Station.
  2. Buy or collect train tickets: At Colombo Fort, go to the ticket counters. If you booked online via the official Sri Lanka Railways reservation system or 12Go Sri Lanka Railways, follow the instructions to collect your ticket or show your reservation details.
  3. Choose the right train: Look for trains heading to Kandy (or "Kandy via Peradeniya"). Intercity or express services are usually faster and more comfortable than all-stops locals.
  4. Board early: Arrive on the platform at least 15–20 minutes before departure to find your coach, especially if you have reserved seats or large luggage.
  5. Ride to Kandy: Enjoy the journey—keep your valuables close, and hold onto handrails when moving around the train as it can sway.
  6. On arrival in Kandy: From Kandy Railway Station, you can walk or take a short tuk-tuk/PickMe to most central hotels and the Kandy Lake area.

Getting to the main embarking points (Colombo Fort Railway Station)

  • From the airport, the Route 187 express bus typically boards outside the terminal and terminates near Colombo Fort and the main bus terminal. Confirm "Fort" with the conductor before boarding.
  • By taxi or PickMe/Uber, set your destination to "Colombo Fort Railway Station" to be dropped near the main entrance.
  • Inside the station, follow signs to the ticket counters and then to the designated platform for Kandy-bound trains.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #3 — Airport Bus + Intercity Bus via Colombo (Cheapest)

Lowest cost Frequent departures Less comfort, more changes

  • Overview: Take an airport bus to Colombo, then change to an intercity or "Kandy" bus at the main bus terminals (Pettah/Bastian Mawatha or nearby private bus stands). Total travel time is typically 4–6 hours depending on traffic, waiting times and the type of bus.
  • How to book (with price): Buses are usually pay-on-board. The airport–Colombo leg (~45–60 minutes) costs around LKR 150–300, and the Colombo–Kandy intercity bus usually costs LKR 500–1,500 depending on whether you choose an A/C express or standard service. Some operators and longer routes can be found on platforms like 12Go buses, but most local buses are simply boarded at the terminal.
  • Pros: Extremely budget-friendly; departures are frequent during the day; a good way to travel like locals.
  • Cons: Can be crowded and noisy; luggage space is limited; less comfortable for tall passengers; not ideal late at night or if you have heavy bags.
  • Official info: For regulated bus services and timetable initiatives, you can consult the National Transport Commission's official resources when planning.

Step-by-step: Airport Bus + Intercity Bus

  1. Airport to Colombo by bus: From outside the terminal, board the Route 187 bus to Colombo Fort. Confirm it is going to "Fort" or "Colombo" and keep your ticket handy.
  2. Walk to the bus terminals: The 187 bus usually stops near Colombo Fort and Pettah, where both state-run and private buses depart. Look for signs or ask locals for the Kandy buses.
  3. Choose your Kandy bus:
    • A/C express buses (often larger coaches) are more comfortable and faster, with fewer stops.
    • Regular intercity buses are cheaper and more frequent but may be crowded and stop more often.
  4. Buy your ticket: Either purchase from a small ticket office at the platform or pay the conductor on board. Keep small notes (LKR 100/500) ready.
  5. Ride to Kandy: The bus will wind through towns and hills on the way to Kandy, often terminating at Kandy Central / Bogambara bus stand. Keep an eye on your belongings and confirm with the conductor where to get off for central Kandy.
  6. Final hop to your hotel: From Kandy bus stand, walk or take a short tuk-tuk/PickMe ride to your accommodation.

Getting to the main embarking points (Colombo Fort & Pettah Bus Terminals)

  • From the 187 airport bus drop-off area, follow the crowd toward the main Pettah/Bastian Mawatha bus stands; ask for "Kandy bus" if you're unsure.
  • State-run buses usually have route numbers and destinations in Sinhala, Tamil and English on the front; look specifically for Kandy or ask station staff.
  • For added comfort, look for A/C express coaches or "Intercity" services towards Kandy, often leaving from marked bays.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚗 Option #4 — Self-drive Car Rental & Ride-hailing Mix (Most Flexible)

Flexible Good for groups Driving confidence required

  • Overview: Pick up a rental car at Colombo Airport and drive yourself to Kandy, or combine a short ride-hailing trip to Colombo with a rental or scooter from the city. Driving time is usually 3–4 hours depending on traffic and how often you stop.
  • How to book (with price): Car rentals at CMB typically start around US$45–70 per day for a basic car (plus insurance, fuel and deposit). Compare options at Booking.com car rentals. For two-wheelers and bikes in Colombo, platforms like BikesBooking list scooter, motorbike and bicycle rentals.
  • Pros: Maximum flexibility and privacy; great for groups who can split the cost; easy to stop at viewpoints, roadside fruit stalls, or attractions like Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage along the route.
  • Cons: Sri Lanka drives on the left; traffic can feel hectic near Colombo; hill roads are winding and require confident driving; parking in central Kandy can be tight.
  • Good to know: You generally need a valid driving licence plus an International Driving Permit or local endorsement. Check rental conditions carefully for mileage limits, deposits and insurance coverage.

Step-by-step: Self-drive / Ride-hailing Mix

  1. Pre-book your vehicle: Reserve a car online for pickup at Colombo Airport via CMB car rentals, or arrange a scooter/bike in Colombo city via BikesBooking.
  2. Collect your rental at CMB: After clearing customs, follow signs to the rental desks. Present your passport, licence and booking confirmation, inspect the car and take photos of any existing damage.
  3. Plan your route: Use offline maps or data to plan a route from the airport to Kandy, often via the expressway and main highways (for example, via Kurunegala or through the central provinces).
  4. Drive safely: Keep to speed limits, watch for buses pulling out, and be cautious on mountain curves, especially in rain. Avoid night driving if possible.
  5. Use ride-hailing inside cities: In both Colombo and Kandy, you can park your car at your hotel and rely on PickMe or Uber for short hops, avoiding tricky city traffic and parking.
  6. Return or continue: You can either keep the car for further hill-country exploration (e.g., Nuwara Eliya, Ella) or drop it back in Colombo depending on your rental agreement.

Getting to the main embarking points (Airport Rental Desks & City Rentals)

  • At Colombo Airport, follow signs to "Car Rental" desks in the arrivals hall or nearby car-park buildings; staff will direct you to your vehicle.
  • If you prefer to rent a bike or scooter in Colombo city instead, take a PickMe/Uber or bus into Colombo and then follow the address provided by your rental company (many are clustered in central and coastal neighbourhoods).
  • Always check where you are allowed to return the vehicle—some rentals offer drop-off in Kandy or other cities for an extra fee.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Colombo Airport to Kandy)

What is the easiest way to get from Colombo Airport to Kandy?
The easiest and most straightforward way is usually a private taxi or pre-booked transfer that takes you directly from the airport arrivals hall to your hotel in Kandy in about 2–3 hours, with no changes.

What is the cheapest way to travel between Colombo Airport and Kandy?
Generally the cheapest option is Option #3 — airport bus plus intercity bus via Colombo, which can cost around LKR 1,000–2,500 per person in total if you use regular buses. It is slower and less comfortable than trains or taxis but great for budget travellers.

Is the train from Colombo to Kandy worth it if I'm arriving by air?
If your flight lands early enough, combining the airport bus or taxi with the Colombo–Kandy train is a lovely way to see the countryside. It takes longer than a direct taxi but is more scenic and often cheaper, especially in 2nd or 3rd class.

How long does it take to get from Colombo Airport to Kandy?
A direct taxi or private transfer usually takes about 2–3 hours, depending on traffic. With a train connection via Colombo, expect about 4–5.5 hours door-to-door, and by all-bus routes it can take 4–6 hours.

Can I arrive late at night and still get to Kandy?
Yes. If your flight arrives late at night, public trains and many intercity buses will have stopped, so a pre-booked taxi or transfer is strongly recommended. Some services track your flight and adjust pickup if you're delayed.

Is it safe to travel with luggage on buses and trains?
It is generally safe, but keep valuables with you at all times and avoid leaving bags unattended. On buses and trains, keep backpacks on your lap or between your feet, and consider locking zippers in very crowded conditions.

Do ride-hailing apps work from Colombo Airport to Kandy?
Local app PickMe and Uber both operate around Colombo and often offer intercity rides to Kandy, though availability late at night can vary. If you prefer guaranteed pickup and a fixed fare, pre-booking via transfer services can be more reliable.

Where should I stay in Kandy after I arrive?
Many visitors choose hotels and guesthouses near Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth for easy sightseeing. You can compare a wide range of stays via Booking.com Kandy hotels or Trip.com depending on your budget and style.

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