Quick answer
Kandy to Ella is about 140 km by road and takes roughly 3 to 4 hours by car, longer with stops in tea country. The Kandy to Nanu Oya rail section is closed after Cyclone Ditwah, so the most popular option now is to drive to Nanu Oya and take the train from there to Ella.
Your options compared
| Option | How | Typical time | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private car + train from Nanu Oya | Drive from Kandy to Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya), ride the train to Ella while your driver brings the luggage | A full day with stops | You still get the famous train ride on the open section | Seats can sell out; trains can be late |
| Private car all the way | Kandy to Ella by road, usually through Nuwara Eliya | About 3–4 hours driving | Flexible; tea factories and waterfalls on the way | Winding roads; motion sickness for some |
| Public bus | A few direct buses from Kandy, or change at Badulla or Nuwara Eliya | About 6 hours or more | Cheap | Long and tiring; limited luggage space |
| Train all the way | Kandy to Ella on the hill-country line | Not running at present | One of the world's great rail journeys when open | Kandy–Nanu Oya section closed for repairs; no confirmed reopening date |
Times are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and stops. Check current timetables and fares before you travel.
Stops worth making on the way
- Ramboda FallsA tall waterfall beside the road on the climb towards Nuwara Eliya.
- Tea factoriesSeveral factories on the way welcome visitors for tours and tastings.
- Nuwara EliyaGregory Lake and colonial-era town; a good overnight stop.
- Nine Arch BridgeThe famous viaduct just outside Ella.
The drive, step by step
From Kandy, the road climbs south through Peradeniya and Gampola, then through tea country towards Ramboda, with views of the Kotmale reservoir and Ramboda Falls. It reaches Nuwara Eliya, the highest town on the route, then descends through Welimada and Bandarawela to Ella.
With stops at a tea factory, the falls and Nuwara Eliya, this makes a full and rewarding day.
Combining road and rail
Our usual recommendation while the Kandy–Nanu Oya line is closed: drive to Nanu Oya near Nuwara Eliya, take the train for the scenic section to Ella, and let the driver meet you at Ella station with your luggage.
Tips for this journey
- Break the journey with a night in Nuwara Eliya if you can; it turns a long day into two easy ones.
- Book reserved seats from Nanu Oya to Ella as early as possible in busy months.
- Carry a light layer: the hill country is much cooler than Kandy.
At each end
Kandy to Ella: frequently asked questions
Is the Kandy to Ella train running?
Not the whole route. As of October 2026, trains run between Nanu Oya, Ella and Badulla, but the Kandy to Nanu Oya section is closed for repairs.
How long is the drive from Kandy to Ella?
About 3 to 4 hours of driving for roughly 140 km, plus time for stops.
What's the best way to travel from Kandy to Ella now?
Drive to Nanu Oya and take the train to Ella, with your driver meeting you at Ella station. It keeps the best part of the rail journey.
Can I stay overnight on the way?
Yes. A night in Nuwara Eliya splits the journey and lets you visit a tea estate and Gregory Lake.
Journey information checked October 2026 using: GeckoRoutes, Newsfirst: Badulla–Nanu Oya trains resume (June 2026).