There are 2 way(s) to get from Nanu Oya 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-to-Ella (and vice-versa, covering Nanu Oya) hill-country train is incredibly popular. To avoid missing out on a reserved seat or having to stand for hours, especially in 2nd or 3rd class reserved carriages, book your tickets online well in advance via platforms like 12go.asia. It guarantees a comfortable journey.
While the train is scenic, it's generally slower than a bus on similar routes. For Nanu Oya to Kandy, the train takes 3 hours, compared to 1 hour by bus. Factor this into your itinerary if you're on a tight schedule. Don't underestimate how long the slow hill trains really take.
Crucially, many popular destinations like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Mirissa do not have train stations. Assuming there's a train to these spots will lead to disappointment. For these routes, you'll need to rely on intercity buses or private vans. Plan your transport accordingly to avoid surprises.
On certain legs, like Nanu Oya to Kandy, you can choose between a slower, incredibly scenic train or a faster, more direct bus. Decide what your priority is for each segment of your trip. Sometimes paying a little more for a van can save significant time for specific connections, making it the sane choice.
When booking trains, buses, or vans online, stick to recognized platforms like 12go.asia. They provide clear comparisons of price, time, and comfort, ensuring you get honest door-to-door times and real prices, avoiding overpaying a tuk-tuk or van when a cheap train or bus would suffice.
🛣️ The journey experience
Traveling from Nanu Oya to Kandy, you're at a crossroads where the iconic Sri Lankan train journey meets practicality. Many independent travelers, just like you, want to know if this leg is a scenic train ride worth booking ahead, a simple bus trip, or if a private van is the sane choice. Let's cut straight to the chase: while the train offers incredible views, it's essential to understand the real door-to-door times and costs for both options to make an informed decision for your adventure.
For this specific route, you have two main options: the train and the bus. The train journey with Sri Lanka Railway from Nanu Oya to Kandy costs a mere €2 and takes approximately 3 hours. It's a continuation of the famous hill-country line, offering breathtaking vistas. Alternatively, an intercity bus will set you back around €4 but gets you to Kandy in a much quicker 1 hour. Private vans are available but significantly pricier, making them less ideal for this particular short leg unless you have specific needs.
Your main concern is knowing which leg is a scenic train worth booking and when a bus or van is better. For Nanu Oya to Kandy, the train is a fantastic scenic option, a perfect continuation of your hill-country experience, and booking in advance for a reserved seat is highly recommended, especially during peak season. However, if time is of the essence, the bus is surprisingly efficient. Remember, for routes without train access like Sigiriya or Mirissa, a bus or private van will always be your best choice, but for this stretch, enjoy the train if you can!
Frequently asked questions — Nanu Oya → Kandy
For Nanu Oya to Kandy, the train is highly recommended for its scenic beauty, continuing the iconic hill-country journey. However, it's slower (3 hours). If time is a priority, the intercity bus is a faster option (1 hour) and very affordable. A private van is the quickest but most expensive, usually justified only for door-to-door convenience with luggage or a group.
By train, the journey from Nanu Oya to Kandy takes approximately 3 hours and costs around €2 for a standard ticket. If you opt for an intercity bus, the travel time is significantly shorter, about 1 hour, with a ticket price of approximately €4. Private vans will be faster but expect to pay considerably more.
Yes, reserving your train seats in advance, especially for the popular hill-country line (which includes Nanu Oya to Kandy), is highly recommended. This ensures you get a reserved seat, particularly in 2nd or 3rd class reserved carriages, preventing you from having to stand for the entire journey. Platforms like 12go.asia allow you to book ahead.
Many popular destinations, crucial for independent travelers, do not have train stations. These include Sigiriya (famous for Lion Rock), Dambulla (known for its Cave Temple), Mirissa (a popular south coast beach), and Arugam Bay (east coast surf spot). For these locations, your main transport options will always be intercity buses or private vans/taxis.
✨ 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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