Quick answer
Colombo to Kandy is about 115 km by road and takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours by car. Buses take about 4 hours. Since Cyclone Ditwah, trains from Colombo Fort run only as far as Peradeniya, on the edge of Kandy, so the last few kilometres are by road.
Your options compared
| Option | How | Typical time | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private car with driver | From the airport, Negombo or your Colombo hotel to Kandy | About 3–3.5 hours | Comfortable; stop at Pinnawala or a viewpoint on the way | Traffic leaving Colombo can add time |
| Train (partial) | Colombo Fort to Peradeniya, then a short drive or tuk-tuk into Kandy | Varies; check current timetable | Scenic climb through the hills | Trains do not yet reach Kandy station; check the current service before you travel |
| Public bus | From Colombo's Bastian Mawatha bus station to Kandy; ordinary and air-conditioned buses | About 4 hours | Cheap and frequent | Crowded at peak times; luggage space limited |
Times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and stops. Check current timetables and fares before you travel.
Stops worth making on the way
- PinnawalaElephant orphanage area close to the route near Kegalle; see our responsible travel guide before visiting.
- Kadugannawa passViewpoints as the road climbs into the hill country.
- KandyArrive in time for the evening ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth.
The drive, step by step
From Colombo, the route heads north-east through towns such as Kadawatha and Nittambuwa, then climbs gradually past Kegalle into the hills. The final climb, through the Kadugannawa pass, gives views back over the lowlands before the road descends into Kandy.
Traffic leaving Colombo is the biggest variable, so early starts help. Parts of the Central Expressway can shorten the first section.
From the airport
From Bandaranaike International Airport, it is usually similar or slightly shorter than from Colombo, as you avoid the city centre. Many travellers start their trip by driving straight to Kandy or to the Cultural Triangle.
Tips for this journey
- From the airport, many travellers go straight to Kandy and skip Colombo; it's a good first day with a driver.
- If you take the train, confirm which station it terminates at; at present it is Peradeniya, not Kandy.
- Avoid Colombo's morning and evening rush hours when leaving the city by road.
At each end
Colombo to Kandy: frequently asked questions
How long does it take from Colombo to Kandy?
About 3 to 3.5 hours by car and around 4 hours by bus, depending on traffic.
Is the Colombo to Kandy train running?
Partly. Since 2 October 2026 trains run from Colombo Fort to Peradeniya; the Peradeniya–Kandy section is still being repaired. Check with Sri Lanka Railways before you travel.
Can I go from the airport straight to Kandy?
Yes. A private transfer from Bandaranaike International Airport to Kandy is a common way to start a trip.
What is worth stopping for on the way?
Popular stops include a spice garden and a cashew stall around Kegalle, and Pinnawala if you plan for it. Ask us, and we'll plan the stops around your interests.
Journey information checked October 2026 using: GeckoRoutes, Newsfirst: Colombo–Peradeniya trains to resume (Sept 2026).