There are 2 way(s) to get from Colombo to Kandy
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
The Kandy–Ella scenic train is highly popular and often sells out. If it's on your bucket list, book your reserved seats (especially 1st or 2nd class observation carriages) several weeks in advance via platforms like 12go.asia. Don't risk missing this iconic ride!
Remember that iconic sites like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and popular beach towns like Mirissa and Tangalle are not served by train. For these destinations, you'll need to use intercity buses or private vans/taxis. Plan your routes accordingly to avoid surprises.
For shorter distances or when no train is available, local buses are incredibly cheap and frequent. While they might be less comfortable than trains, they offer an authentic local experience. Just jump on; pay the conductor on board. Use Google Maps for routes.
When time is tight or you're traveling with luggage, a private van or taxi can be a sane choice, especially for routes like from Colombo Airport directly to Kandy, or to the Cultural Triangle. It's pricier but offers door-to-door convenience and speed.
While trains offer scenic views, they are generally slower than buses, especially the hill-country lines. For example, Kandy to Ella can take 6-7 hours by train, while a bus might shave off an hour or two. Always check real journey times for each option.
🛣️ The journey experience
Navigating Sri Lanka's transport options can feel a bit like solving a puzzle, especially when you're balancing iconic train rides with the need for speed to hit all your must-see spots. For the Colombo to Kandy leg, you're in luck: both train and bus are excellent, direct options. Forget overpaying for a private van on this route; save that for destinations like Sigiriya or Mirissa, which lack train stations.
The train from Colombo to Kandy offers a comfortable, scenic journey for as little as €3 in 3rd class, taking around 2.5 to 3 hours. It's a fantastic introduction to Sri Lanka's rail travel. Alternatively, intercity buses are slightly faster, getting you there in about 2 hours for approximately €4. They depart frequently from Colombo's main bus terminal, providing a flexible and efficient way to reach Kandy.
Your best bet for Colombo to Kandy is often the train for its experience and value. However, if schedules don't align or you prefer a slightly quicker journey, the bus is a solid second choice. The key is knowing which transport suits each leg of your journey, avoiding the common mistake of assuming a train goes everywhere. For Kandy, both options are winners.
Frequently asked questions — Colombo → Kandy
For Colombo to Kandy, both the train and intercity bus are excellent choices. The train offers a more scenic and relaxed experience at a very low cost (€3-€20 depending on class), taking about 2.5-3 hours. The bus is slightly faster, around 2 hours, and also very affordable (approx. €4). A private van is an option if you prioritize door-to-door convenience or have heavy luggage, but it will be significantly more expensive and not necessarily faster than the bus.
By train, the journey typically takes between 2.5 and 3 hours. Ticket prices are remarkably cheap, starting from around €3 for 3rd class up to approximately €20 for a reserved tourist seat, if available. By intercity bus, you can expect a travel time of about 2 hours, with tickets costing around €4. These are honest door-to-door times, excluding potential delays or time spent getting to and from stations.
Absolutely, for the Kandy–Ella scenic train, reserving your seats well in advance (weeks, if possible) is highly recommended, especially for 1st or 2nd class carriages, as it's a very popular route. For the Colombo to Kandy train, advance booking isn't usually necessary for local carriages, though reserved seats (if offered) can provide peace of mind. For intercity buses on most routes, you can generally just show up and buy a ticket on the spot.
Many popular destinations in Sri Lanka, including the historical sites of Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa (part of the Cultural Triangle), as well as the southern beach towns of Mirissa, Tangalle, and Arugam Bay on the east coast, do not have direct train access. For these, intercity buses are the main public transport option, often requiring a transfer to a local bus or tuk-tuk from the nearest bus station. Private vans or taxis are also a popular choice for convenience.
✨ Why visit Kandy?
- ✓ Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site
- ✓ Stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya, famous for its orchids
- ✓ Explore the Ceylon Tea Museum and learn about Sri Lanka's tea production
- ✓ Enjoy a cultural show featuring traditional Kandyan dance and drumming
- ✓ Discover the panoramic views from Arthur's Seat viewpoint overlooking Kandy Lake
☀️ When to visit Kandy?
TROPICAL MOUSSONNELLE HUMIDE
December to April — dry season with pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What to do in Kandy?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
⏱️ How long to visit Kandy?
For an independent traveler, 2 to 3 days are ideal to explore Kandy's main attractions without rushing. One day allows you to see the Temple of the Tooth and the lake, but you'll miss the botanical gardens and cultural shows. Allocate at least two full days to fully appreciate the city and its surroundings.
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