There are 2 way(s) to get from Nuwara Eliya 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 extremely popular and seats, especially reserved ones, sell out quickly. Don't miss out on this bucket-list ride; book your tickets weeks ahead through platforms like 12go.asia to guarantee your spot.
Remember that iconic spots like Sigiriya, Dambulla, and Mirissa are not served by train. You'll need to plan for buses or private vans to reach these destinations. Don't assume a train link exists; always check your route.
For the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa), a private van can be a very sensible choice. While pricier, it offers door-to-door convenience, flexibility, and saves significant time compared to multiple bus transfers. It's often worth the investment.
For shorter distances between towns that aren't on a main train line, local buses are incredibly cheap and frequent. Don't shy away from them! They offer an authentic experience and are perfect for budget-friendly intercity travel.
Be honest about how much time you have. The hill-country trains are slow. If you're on a tight schedule, opt for buses or vans on some legs to cover ground faster. You can still enjoy the scenery without spending all day on a train.
🛣️ The journey experience
Traveling from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy offers a classic Sri Lankan experience, but it’s crucial to pick the right mode of transport for your travel style. While the iconic hill-country train is a bucket-list item for many, its primary allure is the scenic journey itself, not speed. For this particular leg, you have solid options between the train and a direct bus, each with its own advantages in terms of time, cost, and comfort. We'll help you decide which is best for your itinerary.
Your main choices for the Nuwara Eliya to Kandy route are the Sri Lanka Railway train or an intercity bus. The train journey typically costs around €2 for a 3rd class ticket and takes approximately 3 hours, winding through tea plantations and stunning landscapes. Buses are a bit faster, clocking in at about 1 hour and costing around €4. While the train offers unparalleled views, the bus is a practical choice if you're prioritizing speed and directness, often dropping you closer to Kandy city center.
When deciding, consider if you've already experienced the longer, more famous Kandy-Ella train ride. If so, taking the faster bus to Kandy might be the savvier move to maximize your time, as the scenic highlight for this region is often considered the Ella-Kandy direction. If you haven't, and you're not rushing, the train remains a charming option, but be realistic about the slower pace. It's about balancing the journey's charm with your schedule.
Frequently asked questions — Nuwara Eliya → Kandy
For scenery, the train is a wonderful option, offering picturesque views of tea plantations and mountains. However, it's slower, taking around 3 hours. If speed is your priority and you've already experienced scenic train rides (like Ella to Kandy), the bus is faster at about 1 hour and drops you centrally in Kandy. It truly depends on whether you value the journey's charm or efficiency more.
By train, the journey from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station) to Kandy typically takes around 3 hours. If you opt for an intercity bus, the travel time is significantly shorter, usually just about 1 hour. This difference in duration is a key factor when planning your day and onward connections.
Train tickets from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya station) to Kandy are astonishingly cheap, often around €2 for a 3rd class seat. Intercity bus tickets are slightly more expensive, usually costing about €4. Both are very budget-friendly options for independent travelers, with private vans being a considerably pricier, but more convenient, alternative.
While the Kandy-Ella train is highly recommended for advance booking, the Nuwara Eliya to Kandy leg (often departing from Nanu Oya station) is generally less crowded than the Ella-Kandy direction. You might find seats on the day, especially in 2nd or 3rd class. However, if you prefer a guaranteed reserved seat, especially in 1st class or observation cars, booking a few days ahead is still a good idea.
Many popular tourist destinations, especially beaches like Mirissa and Tangalle, and cultural sites like Sigiriya and Dambulla, are not directly accessible by train. For these places, you'll need to rely on intercity buses or private vans/taxis. It's crucial to check your specific route to avoid assuming a train connection where none exists, ensuring smooth onward travel.
✨ 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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