Colombo To Kandy: Distance, Train Time, Tickets And Travel Options

The journey from Colombo to Kandy in Sri Lanka is one of the most picturesque and loved routes in South Asia. While Colombo is known as Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital, Kandy is renowned as its cultural heartland. Hence, the journey is one of those that you would find on every true traveler’s list. Whether it is your first time witnessing the misty Central Highlands of exploring the botanical gardens and ancient temples, choosing the right transport mode while travelling from Colombo to Kandy is important! Let's understand it better. 

Guide: Colombo To Kandy

Colombo To Kandy Distance

Colombo is located at sea level along the Indian Ocean, whereas Kandy is located at an elevation of roughly 500 meters above sea level. Hence, the climb is set to bring noticeable changes in the temperature as well as humidity as you travel inland.  The views (tea plantations, cliff faces, and more) that this journey will give you are surely going to be unforgettable. You will travel past Gampaha, Polgahawela, and Rambukkan before you move to Kadugannawa Pass. 

If you look at the geographical distance between Colombo and Kandy, it is about 115 to 123 km, which is 71 to 76 miles by road. This varies according to the highway chosen or the main arterial route. The distance as per the rail route is approximately 121 km along the Main line Track. 

Colombo To Kandy Train

If you are traveling from Colombo to Kandy, the train is widely regarded as the most authentic, scenic, and comfortable option. The rail line passes through mountain passes, lush tropical countryside, and historic tunnels that were constructed during the 19th century. 

The departure station is Colombo Fort Railway Station (Pettah), while the arrival station is Kandy Railway Station or Peradeniya Junction. The journey by train takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes. There are approximately 8 to 10 direct daily departures with price that ranges from LKR 300 to LKR 3,000. 

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Train Services:

Sri Lanka Railways operates multiple services from Colombo to Kandy. 

Intercity Express

The Intercity Express is the fastest service with minimal stops, which takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes. 

Express Trains

There are standard long-distance express trains that continue on to Ella or Badulla, such as Udarata Menike, Podi Menike, etc. The journey takes about 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes. 

Passenger Trains

These services are slower as they stop at local stations. These trains are, as such, not recommended for this route, especially for international travelers carrying luggage. 

You can opt for 1st Class air-conditioned saloon, 2nd class reserved, 3rd class reserved, and 2nd & 3rd class unreserved. 

Train Timetable

Podi Menike Express (05:55 AM to 08:45 AM)

Udarata Menike Express (08:30 AM to 11:00 AM)

Kandy Intercity Express (07:00 AM to 09:30 AM)

Express (10:35 AM to 02:00 PM)

Evening Intercity Options (03:35 PM to 06:05 PM or 05:20 PM to 08:00 PM)

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How To Buy Tickets

Reserved Seats 

The bookings for reserved tickets open 30 days prior to travel at 10:00 AM Sri Lanka time. But you need to book these tickets as soon as the window opens, as they sell out quickly for morning departures. You can book the tickets online via the official Sri Lanka Railways seat reservation portal or authorized third-party platforms like Bookaway, 12GoAsia, etc. 

Unreserved

You can walk into the Colombo Fort Station about 30 to 45 minutes before departure. Then you can purchase an unreserved 2nd or 3rd class ticket. These are available at counter 8 or 2. 

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Alternative Travel Options

If train schedules do not align with your flight or hotel schedules, you can opt for road transport. 

Private Taxi or Car Transfer

The travel time if you use a private taxi is 2.5 to 3.5 hours. The time taken completely depends on traffic conditions. The best part of this service is that it offers direct pickup and door-to-door service. It has a higher cost compared to public transit. 

Buses (Non-AC Standard or Air-Conditioned Express)

The non-AC standard buses depart every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day. It is extremely low cost but can get bumpy and noisy. The AC Luxury Intercity buses depart from Bastian Mawatha Bus Station in Pettah. It has fixed seating and is equipped with air conditioning. 

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Note: This article was compiled after verifying current publicly available business information. 

Summing Up

If you are planning to travel from Colombo to Kandy, train transport is surely the most recommended option. It is more comfortable, exceptionally scenic, and also the most economical option.