How to get from Colombo to Kandy

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

Colombo to Kandy is Sri Lanka’s most-traveled upcountry route. Choose between the classic blue-train ride (scenic and comfy if you book seats), frequent intercity buses, a door-to-door car/van (great with luggage or kids), or self-drive if you want stops at Pinnawala or Peradeniya Gardens. Steps, booking links, and map planners below.

At A Glance (Colombo to Kandy)

Mode Duration Best For
🚆 Intercity Train (Colombo Fort → Kandy) ~2h30–3h10 Scenery, comfort, predictable ride
🏷️ Cost: ~LKR 600–2,500 depending on class/service » compare trains
🚌 Intercity Bus (AC / Semi-Luxury) ~3–4h (traffic-dependent) Frequent departures, low cost
🏷️ Cost: ~LKR 500–1,500 one-way » compare buses
🚐 Private Car/Van (Door-to-Door) ~3–3.5h (via A1 or expressway + A1) Families, lots of luggage, odd hours
🏷️ Cost: ~LKR 24,000–48,000 per vehicle » get quotes
🚘 Self-Drive / Car Rental ~3–4h (stops add time) Flex stops (Pinnawala, Peradeniya)
🏷️ Cost: From ~LKR 12,000–24,000/day + fuel » compare rentals
🌿 Guided Day Tour / Transfer with Stops ~8–10h (with sightseeing) First-timers, curated stops
🏷️ Cost: From ~US$60–150 pp (private/group) » see tours | Klook picks

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

  • Most scenic & comfy: Intercity train—book a reserved seat in 1st/2nd class if possible.
  • Cheapest & frequent: Intercity bus from Bastian Mawatha to Kandy Goods Shed.
  • Door-to-door with luggage/kids: Private transfer (pickup anywhere in Colombo or CMB airport).
  • Flex itinerary/stops: Self-drive or a guided day tour with Pinnawala/Peradeniya en route.

How to Book and Practical Tips

  • Reserve seats: Trains and popular buses sell out—compare options on 12Go or book locally.
  • Ride-hailing: PickMe and Uber operate in Colombo/Kandy for station/terminal transfers. For fixed intercity pricing use GetTransfer.
  • Luggage storage: If you need to roam before/after, check Radical Storage Colombo or Radical Storage Kandy.
  • Seat classes: On trains, 1st/2nd reserved are best; 3rd can be crowded. AC intercity buses are the most comfortable road option.
  • Monsoon & traffic: Allow buffer during heavy rain/holiday weekends—road times can increase.

🚆 Option #1 — Intercity Train (Scenic & Comfortable)

Scenic Reserved seating Fixed timetable

  • Overview: Frequent trains run Colombo Fort → Kandy via Peradeniya Junction. Expect tea-country views, wide seats, and dependable timings.
  • How to book (with price): ~LKR 600–2,500 depending on class/service. Compare/book on 12Go (trains). Official: Sri Lanka Railways seat reservations (when available).
  • Pros: Comfort, scenery, city-center arrival. Cons: Popular departures sell out; limited luggage space overhead.

Step-by-step: Intercity Train

  1. Get to Colombo Fort Railway Station using PickMe/Uber or taxi from your hotel; arrive 30–45 minutes early.
  2. Buy/collect your ticket (e-ticket/PNR or counter). For assured seating, book 1–2 days ahead on 12Go.
  3. Board the correct class coach (signs on platform/coach sides). Keep your small bag with you; larger bags by the coach ends.
  4. Ride ~2h30–3h10 to Kandy Railway Station. On arrival, take a short tuk/ride-hail to your hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Colombo Fort & Kandy Station)

  • Colombo Fort Station: Central Pettah area; well-signed, busy concourse with ticket counters.
  • Kandy Station: Walkable to central hotels/Mall; tuk-tuks queue outside.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — Intercity Bus (Frequent & Budget-Friendly)

Low cost Departures all day Traffic-dependent

  • Overview: AC intercity and semi-luxury buses run from Colombo’s Bastian Mawatha (Pettah) to Kandy’s Goods Shed terminal. They’re frequent and cheap.
  • How to book (with price): Usually pay on board or at counters; expect ~LKR 500–1,500 depending on type. Check aggregated options on 12Go (buses).
  • Pros: Many departures, lowest cost. Cons: Comfort varies; roadworks/traffic can extend the trip.

Step-by-step: Intercity Bus

  1. Ride PickMe/Uber/taxi to Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal (Pettah). Ask for AC intercity to Kandy.
  2. Buy a ticket at the kiosk or from the conductor; store large luggage in the bus hold if offered.
  3. Ride ~3–4 hours (more at peak). Keep small change for quick snack/comfort stops.
  4. Alight at Kandy Goods Shed Bus Station; continue by tuk/ride-hail to your stay.

Getting to the main embarking points (Bastian Mawatha & Goods Shed)

  • Bastian Mawatha (Colombo): Near Pettah market; busy—watch belongings.
  • Goods Shed (Kandy): Central; next to Kandy railway station area.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #3 — Private Car/Van (Door-to-Door, Most Convenient)

Door-to-door Space for luggage Higher cost

  • Overview: A driver collects you anywhere in Colombo (or CMB airport) and drops you at your Kandy hotel. Great with kids, late arrivals, or lots of bags.
  • How to book (with price): From ~LKR 24,000–48,000 per vehicle depending on size/time. Compare fixed quotes on GetTransfer or browse options on GetYourGuide / Klook.
  • Pros: Fastest city-to-door, no transfers. Cons: More expensive than bus/train; traffic still applies.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

  1. Enter pickup address/time (or flight number if from CMB) when requesting quotes on GetTransfer.
  2. Confirm inclusions (tolls, waiting time, child seats), vehicle size, and luggage capacity.
  3. Meet your driver at hotel lobby/arrivals; share your Kandy hotel location and preferred break points en route.
  4. Arrive at your Kandy accommodation; pay any remaining balance as agreed.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotels / CMB Airport)

  • Hotel pickups: Available across Colombo, Mount Lavinia, Negombo (longer ride).
  • CMB Airport: Meet-and-greet at arrivals; drivers track flight delays.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive / Car Rental (Flexible, Add Stops)

Freedom Scenic detours Local driving

  • Overview: Drive the A1/Kandy Road (or partial expressway segments + A1). Add stops at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya.
  • How to book (with price): From ~LKR 12,000–24,000/day for a compact. Compare rentals on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
  • Pros: Leave when you want; easy to add sights. Cons: Left-hand traffic, busy city driving; parking around Kandy Lake can be tight.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

  1. Pick up your car in Colombo/CMB; ensure insurance, roadside support, and a local SIM/GPS.
  2. Set navigation to Kandy with waypoints like Pinnawala and Peradeniya Gardens if desired.
  3. Follow A1 (or expressway segment) toward Kegalle–Peradeniya; expect ~3–4h plus stop time.
  4. Park near your Kandy hotel or the city’s public car parks; avoid peak temple hours for easier access.

Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Waypoints)

  • Colombo/CMB depots: Airport desks have longer hours; downtown branches may close early on Sundays/holidays.
  • Waypoints: Pinnawala (between Kegalle and Rambukkana) and Peradeniya Gardens (before Kandy).
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🌿 Option #5 — Guided Day Tour / Transfer with Sightseeing

Curated stops Hotel pickup Fixed itinerary

  • Overview: Door-to-door day trips include transport, guide, and key stops (Pinnawala, spice garden, Peradeniya, Temple of the Tooth).
  • How to book (with price): From ~US$60–150 depending on inclusions. Compare itineraries and reviews on GetYourGuide or Klook.
  • Pros: No planning, cultural context, timed entries. Cons: Less free time in Kandy; set routes.

Step-by-step: Guided Day Tour

  1. Select a tour with your preferred inclusions (entrance fees, lunch, hotel pickup) on GetYourGuide or Klook.
  2. Be ready in your hotel lobby at the stated pickup time; carry water, sun protection, and modest attire for temples.
  3. Follow the guide through planned stops; confirm drop-off in Kandy or return to Colombo, depending on the product.
  4. Tip your driver/guide if service was great; confirm tomorrow’s plans.

Getting to the main embarking points (Hotel Pickup / Key Sights)

  • Hotel pickup: Most central Colombo/Negombo hotels included; others by request.
  • In Kandy: Many tours finish centrally (Temple area/Kandy Lake) or return you to Colombo—check your voucher.
  • Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Colombo to Kandy)

Train or bus—which is better?
Train is more scenic and comfortable if you get a reserved seat; buses are cheaper and more frequent but depend on traffic.

How far is Kandy from Colombo?
About 115–125 km by road depending on route; ~3–4 hours by car/bus, ~2.5–3+ hours by train.

Which train class should I choose?
1st or reserved 2nd class for comfort. Unreserved 2nd/3rd can be crowded, especially weekends/holidays.

Can I hire a car with driver one-way?
Yes—request a one-way transfer on GetTransfer; your hotel can also arrange a car/van at fixed rates.

Is there luggage storage at the stations?
Limited. Use your hotel or third-party lockers like Radical Storage Colombo / Radical Storage Kandy.

What’s the best time to travel?
Early morning trains/buses are less crowded and avoid peak Colombo traffic; avoid heavy-rain windows when possible for road travel.

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