There are 2 way(s) to get from Kandy to Polonnaruwa
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Practical tips
Remember that some major tourist spots like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Mirissa are not served by train. Always confirm your next leg's transport to avoid assuming there's a station when there isn't, saving you time and hassle.
The Kandy-Ella scenic train is incredibly popular and seats, especially reserved tourist class, sell out fast. If you're planning this iconic journey, book your tickets online well in advance via platforms like 12go.asia to guarantee your spot.
Intercity buses are a fantastic, cheap, and flexible option for many routes in Sri Lanka, especially to towns not on the train line. They are frequent and often faster than trains on shorter distances, offering door-to-door convenience.
While trains are charming, they are often slow, particularly the hill-country lines. Local buses can also be subject to traffic. Always add a buffer to estimated travel times to account for delays and ensure a relaxed journey.
For destinations like Sigiriya or Dambulla, where there's no train, a private van or taxi can be the sane choice. While pricier, they offer comfort, speed, and door-to-door service, especially useful when travelling with luggage or a group.
🛣️ The journey experience
Navigating Sri Lanka's transport can feel like a puzzle, especially when balancing iconic train rides with reaching destinations off the rail network. For your Kandy to Polonnaruwa trip, you're looking for efficiency and clarity. Forget the worry of guessing which transport to take; we're here to give you the honest lowdown on door-to-door times and real prices, so you can make the smart choice for your journey to the ancient city.
From Kandy, you have two main options to reach Polonnaruwa: train or intercity bus. The train, operated by Sri Lanka Railways, offers a budget-friendly ride at around €3 and takes approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, an intercity bus will cost you slightly more, about €4, but shaves off some travel time, getting you there in roughly 1 hour. Both are straightforward and reliable choices for this route.
While the Kandy-Ella train is a scenic must-do, don't assume every route has a train – Polonnaruwa does, but popular spots like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Mirissa are bus or van only. For this Kandy to Polonnaruwa leg, both train and bus are viable, economical options. Your decision will depend on whether you prioritize a slightly faster journey by bus or the classic train experience at a marginally lower cost. You won't miss out on anything crucial by choosing either, so pick what suits your travel style best.
Frequently asked questions — Kandy → Polonnaruwa
For Kandy to Polonnaruwa, both train and intercity bus are excellent and economical choices. The bus is slightly faster (approx. 1 hour vs 2 hours by train) and a little more expensive (€4 vs €3). A private van would be significantly pricier and offers convenience but isn't strictly necessary for this well-served route unless you have specific needs.
By train, the journey typically takes around 2 hours and costs approximately €3 for a standard ticket. If you opt for an intercity bus, expect a travel time of about 1 hour with a ticket price of roughly €4. These are honest door-to-door times and real prices for independent travellers.
Yes, for the Kandy-Ella scenic train, reserving your seats well in advance, especially for reserved tourist classes, is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. For the Kandy to Polonnaruwa route, reservations are generally not required for either train or bus, as there's ample capacity, and tickets can usually be purchased on the day of travel.
Key destinations like Sigiriya (and Pidurangala), Dambulla, Mirissa, and Arugam Bay do not have train stations. To reach these places, you'll need to rely on intercity buses or private vans/taxis. It's crucial to factor this into your travel planning to ensure smooth transitions between your destinations.
From Kandy, reaching parts of the Cultural Triangle like Polonnaruwa is easy by train or bus. However, for Sigiriya/Dambulla, a bus or private van is your best bet. For the southern beaches (Galle, Mirissa, Tangalle), you'd typically take a train to Colombo Fort, then another train south, or opt for a direct bus/van for efficiency.
✨ Why visit Polonnaruwa?
- ✓ Explore the ancient city's well-preserved ruins, including the Royal Palace and the Quadrangle.
- ✓ Marvel at the majestic Gal Vihara, featuring four magnificent rock-cut Buddha statues.
- ✓ Visit the Lankatilaka Vihara and Thuparama Pilimage for their impressive brick structures.
- ✓ Cycle through the archaeological park to discover hidden stupas and bathing ponds.
- ✓ Discover the irrigation marvels of the Parakrama Samudra (Sea of Parakrama) reservoir.
☀️ When to visit Polonnaruwa?
TROPICAL SEC ET HUMIDE
November to March — dry season, offering comfortable temperatures for exploring the ruins.
What to do in Polonnaruwa?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
⏱️ How long to visit Polonnaruwa?
For independent travelers, 1-2 full days are ideal. A single day allows for a good overview of the main sites like the Royal Palace and Gal Vihara. With two days, you can explore the entire ancient city at a relaxed pace, including more remote stupas and museums, and enjoy a sunrise or sunset over the ruins. Consider renting a bicycle for maximum flexibility.
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