Getting There and Away

Lively street scene with colonial-era buildings and tuk-tuks in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Gihan Bandara, Pexels

Kandy's main transport hubs include the Kandy Railway Station and the adjacent Kandy Goods Shed Bus Stand, also known as the Kandy Multimodal Transport Terminal. Both are centrally located, a short walk from the city center.

By Air:

The closest international airport is Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, approximately 150 kilometers away. A road journey from the airport to Kandy typically takes around 4 hours. Cinnamon Air offers seaplane connections to the Polgolla Reservoir, which is about 30 minutes from Kandy city center.

By Train:

Kandy Railway Station is a major railway hub. Direct trains operate between Colombo and Kandy, with travel times ranging from approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours. The popular scenic train route to Ella also originates from Kandy. Reserved train tickets, particularly for the Kandy to Ella route, should be booked in advance as they often sell out quickly.

By Bus:

Kandy's bus terminal provides extensive connections across the island. Air-conditioned intercity buses travel frequently to and from Colombo, with departures every 15-20 minutes and a journey time of about 3.5 hours. Fares for an AC semi-luxury bus from Colombo to Kandy are approximately 410 LKR, while normal service costs around 246 LKR. Public buses offer a more budget-friendly option.

By Taxi/Private Transfer:

Taxis and private cars are widely available for journeys to and from Kandy. A private transfer from Colombo to Kandy takes around 3.5 hours. This mode of transport offers comfort and safety but is generally the most expensive option.