How to Choose Your Ideal Colombo to Kandy Route: A Guide for Every Traveler's Budget

There are trains from Colombo to Kandy that depart from the Colombo Fort Railway station and follow the beautiful route through the greenery and central highlands. The journey will take about 2.5 to 3 hours and is one of the most breathtaking rides in Asia. You will get to experience the tea plantations, misty hills, and colonial-era railway stations. The train will start from Colombo Fort and has several stops along the way like Gampaha, Peradeniya, and lastly at Kandy. The train is ideal for budget travellers and those who want to enjoy the scenic route. There are multiple compartment classes available from first-class observation decks to second and third-class seats for a more local experience. The first-class compartments are air-conditioned and you need to reserve seats early. The second class is fan-cooled and has reserved and unreserved seats. Tickets can be booked online or through the Sri Lankan railway app. Third class doesn’t require any reservations and best to get an authentic local experience. It is also important to find accommodation closer to the main transport routes. There are many boutique hotels like Theva Residency with all the modern luxuries, and beautiful views located just 10-15 minutes from the train station.

Buses from Colombo to Kandy take two main routes. First is the expressway route which starts from Colombo central bus stand at Pettah and then goes via the Colombo-Katunayake expressway (EO3) and central expressway (E04) before reaching Kandy bus stand. This journey will take about 2.5 hours. The scenic route goes via the A1 highway. Traditional buses take the slower A1 route, stopping at major towns before reaching Kandy. This journey will take about 3.5- 4 hours. Buses are the cheapest way to travel in Sri Lanka and most express buses are faster than trains. There are multiple departures daily from early morning to late evening. Luxury buses can be pre-booked online through bus booking platforms while normal buses are available at Pettah bus stand without reservations. Make sure to carry cash with you, as they don’t accept card payments. If you are taking the bus, a Boutique Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka will serve as the perfect place to stay as most will be located close to the main road and along the bus routes. This will save time and money while giving you an unforgettable experience.

Driving from Colombo to Kandy gives you the flexibility to choose between the express route or the scenic A1 route. The express route will pass main cities like Mirigama and Kurunegala before reaching Kandy. With minimal stops, the trip will take about 3 hours. However, if you are taking a taxi, you can explore famous cities like Kurunegala on the way to Kandy. The A1 route will pass beautiful cities like Kegalle, and Peradeniya before reaching Kandy and the trip will take about 4 hours. You can stop at beautiful locations to capture some amazing pictures. You can also stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage or Kadugannawa Viewpoint along the way.  A private car or a taxi is more expensive than public transport. So, make sure to double-check the price or discuss the price beforehand with the drivers. It is also advisable to use PickMe and Uber to travel. If you are travelling with your family or a group of people and are looking for a more comfortable and flexible way to travel, this will be ideal.

Even if you decide to drive, the routes available are the Expressway route and the A1 Kandy route. Depending on the type of car you rent, the price may vary. However, this will give you more flexibility and freedom to explore. You and make stops along the way to enjoy the scenery and is not restricted by time limitations or taxi waiting fares. Roads are generally in a good condition but mountain driving experience is helpful.

Most shuttle services will take the expressway route to minimize the time travel time. They have pick-up and drop-off services, making it convenient for travellers. It is affordable and comfortable.