Colombo to Kandy: Train, Bus or Car?

The journey from Colombo to Kandy is the first leg of most trips around Sri Lanka. It's only about 115 km, and it climbs from sea level to the hills at roughly 500 metres. You can do it by train, bus or car. Each has its advantages, and the right choice depends on your luggage, your budget and how much you want to see along the way.

At a glance

Option	Time	Best for
Train	2.5 to 3.5 hours	Scenery and comfort at low cost
Bus	3 to 4 hours	Lowest cost and frequent departures
Private car	3 to 3.5 hours	Stops on the way, door-to-door travel

Times vary with traffic, the day of the week and the type of service.

By train

The train is the most enjoyable way to travel. Several services a day leave Colombo Fort station for Kandy, including faster intercity expresses.

• The route. The first hour crosses flat country and paddy fields. After Rambukkana, the line climbs steeply through tunnels and along ledges cut into the hillside, with views across the valley to Bible Rock. Sit on the right-hand side when travelling towards Kandy for the best views.
• Classes. First class is usually an air-conditioned carriage with reserved seats, and on some trains an observation car. Second class has reserved or unreserved seating, with windows that open. Third class is the most basic and the most crowded.
• Booking. Reserved seats go on sale about a month ahead, and they can sell out, especially in peak season and around holidays. Book online through the Sri Lanka Railways reservation site or at a station. Unreserved second and third class tickets are sold on the day and never sell out, but you may have to stand.
• Luggage. There's limited space for large bags. Keep valuables with you.

If you plan to continue from Kandy into the hills, read our Kandy to Ella train guide, and for other lines, the best train journeys.

By bus

Buses to Kandy leave Colombo throughout the day and into the night from the main bus stands in Pettah.

• Air-conditioned intercity buses are the best choice. They are small coaches with reserved seating, they make few stops, and they cost only a little more than ordinary buses.
• Ordinary buses are cheaper, slower and crowded, with loud music and fast driving.

Luggage space is tight on all buses, and you may be asked to pay for a second seat for a large bag. The Kandy bus stand is close to the railway station and the lake.

By car

A private car with a driver takes about 3 to 3.5 hours on the A1 road, depending on traffic leaving Colombo and through the towns on the way. Sections of a new Central Expressway have been opening in stages, which will shorten the trip as it's completed. A car costs far more than the train, and it's good value for families and groups, or if you want to stop. Our guide to hiring a driver explains prices and what to agree.

Self-drive is possible with the right permit, but traffic is heavy and driving standards are challenging. See driving in Sri Lanka.

From the airport

Kandy can be reached directly from the international airport at Katunayake without going into Colombo. A pre-booked car takes about 3 hours. This is the most practical option after a long flight. Budget travellers can go to Colombo Fort and take the train, or take a bus from the airport area. Our airport arrival guide has the details.

Stops worth making by road

• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. A short detour at Kegalle. Read about the welfare concerns before you decide.
• Cadjugama. A village where women sell freshly roasted cashew nuts from roadside stalls.
• Kadugannawa Pass. A viewpoint over the hills, with the rock tunnel of the old road and a small railway museum nearby.
• Gadaladeniya and the three temples. Reached from Pilimatalawa. See our three temples loop.
• Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Just before Kandy, and well worth two hours.

Which should you choose?

• Take the train if you have light luggage and can get reserved seats.
• Take a car if you're arriving from the airport, travelling with children or keen to stop on the way.
• Take the bus if you're on a tight budget or the trains are full.

For the bigger picture, see our guide to getting around Sri Lanka.