From Colombo to Kandy: how to get there by train, car

View from the train

From the beautiful scenery that fills this island to the historic cities and cultural sites, there is a lot to see on the island of Sri Lanka. If you like cities and landscapes, Colombo and Kandy should be on your list of places to visit in Sri Lanka. Colombo, the commercial capital and largest city, is located on the west coast of the island. Here you will find interesting architecture that, on the one hand, shows Colombo as the financial heart of Sri Lanka and, on the other hand, reflects its long colonial history.

The parks and gardens are numerous and there are also good beaches. From here go to Kandy. The last capital of the era of the ancient king of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a beautiful city with a lake and surrounded by lush green hills. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth of Buddha and many other attractions.

Travel options from Colombo to Kandy

Two popular tourist destinations are relatively close to each other, so it is easy to get from Colombo to Kandy. By road, the shortest distance is only 116 kilometers (72 miles), but the road is quite winding, so it may take longer than you expect.

A private car, cab or minibus are good options if you want to travel by road, but there is also a train from Colombo to Kandy that must be booked at least 32 days in advance. This is an affordable and highly recommended experience, which we will tell you about below!

By Car or Taxi from Colombo to Kandy

Machines of Sri Lanka

Even though it is only 116 kilometers, you should plan quite a considerable amount of time to get from one town to the other. As mentioned above, the road can be quite winding as it loops among the hills, between tea plantations, treating you to great views along the way. However, it is quite long in time.

You can rent a car if you prefer to do everything at your own pace, making stops along the way for photos, but keep in mind that the main route, the A1, has toll sections, so be prepared for the unexpected. Even if you drove straight ahead and without stopping, the trip will probably last 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

The best way would be to take a cab or minibus from Colombo. This may seem like an expensive option, but if you are traveling with several friends or family, it may be quite affordable. The advantage of the service is that you will travel door to door and not have to worry about getting to the train station or finding your hotel once you arrive in Kandy, so cabs are great for convenience.

Stef Lanka Tours has three different options, depending on how many people are traveling. A regular comfortable car carrying two passengers costs the same as a minibus carrying up to 4 passengers, or if there are more of you, a regular bus can take up to 8 passengers. It costs more, but then the price will be split between more people. The travel time is 5 hours, and although in reality you will probably arrive sooner, plan for the maximum amount of time just in case.

Train from Colombo to Kandy

Train from Colombo to Kandy

While a trip by car is scenic, you'll see even more scenery if you travel by train! Trains in Sri Lanka have two major advantages over other modes of transportation - they are very affordable, and it's fun! Add to that the gorgeous views, why most travelers recommend the train more than anything else.

Trains are operated by the Sri Lankan railroads. If you have traveled much by train in Asia, you know that there can be a great contrast between trains in one country compared to another. Here in Sri Lanka, the cars are pretty basic. There are no sleeping berths, and general amenities are limited, but still the trains are comfortable and clean. And when you look out the window, minor inconveniences no longer matter!

Tickets for Sri Lankan rail seats must be booked at least 32 days in advance. This is an important factor to consider when determining how to travel from Colombo to Kandy.

Don't forget to leave a designated 32 days between booking and the day you want to travel. The good thing is that there are several trains each day, and you have a choice between a seat in 1st class or 2nd class. Both are very reasonably priced, and on most trains there is not much difference between the two classes. First class seats will be a little more comfortable, and some trains will have air conditioning.

The train from Colombo to Kandy departs from Colombo Fort as early as 5:55 a.m., other flights during the day. Scheduled travel time ranges from 2.5 hours to 3 hours and 17 minutes, depending on which train you take.

Giving the opportunity to see the beautiful scenery of the tea country, traveling by train through Sri Lanka is a great cultural experience. Cabs are good for groups, but the train from Colombo to Kandy is what we and many other travelers would recommend. Remember, the reservation rule is 32 days if you decide to take the train!

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