Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by train, van, taxi from LKR 7,474

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Destination Reviews

Martina

Terrible experience. The drive drove like crazy, surpassing cars in the middle of turns with vehicles coming from the opposite direction, constantly honking at anyone. I’ve been on a lot of car rides in different countries and I very rarely get anxious or scared, but this ride really made me feel uncomfortable and not safe. He made a number of stops without any explanation, just getting out of the car to talk with some people; then he wanted us to stop at a tea factory and, even after me and the other passenger said we were not interested, he got down the car and came back twenty minutes later with us just waiting there.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Van Scenic Minivan, Magical Sri Lanka, Oct 13, 2026

Peter A

Safe driver and friendly.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, taxi Comfort 3pax, Real Lanka Holidays (Real Lanka Holidays), Feb 27, 2026

Nico R

Super friendly driver, very helpful and perfectly save driving skills

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, taxi Standard 2pax, Magical Sri Lanka, Feb 9, 2026

Maiko K

They were supposed to pick us up at 7:00 a.m., but the car didn’t arrive until 7:30. I was extremely thirsty and really needed to use the restroom. After that, we were taken to a tea factory and ended up spending 30 minutes there. I was supposed to arrive at 10:40, but instead we were dropped off in front of the Nuwara Eliya post office and told it would be a 30-minute break. I couldn’t take it anymore, so I walked to my hotel carrying my heavy luggage...

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Van Scenic Minivan, Magical Sri Lanka, Jan 24, 2026

Debbie W

Pick up was from the hotel I was staying in which was really convenient. Driver was friendly and efficient, safe and alert.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Van Scenic Minivan, Magical Sri Lanka, Jan 7, 2026

Markus P

It was not close to be on time. Mentioned pick up time in Kandy was the same for all guests. So some of them had to wait for almost an hour. Arrival time was late too, almost 2 hours.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Van Scenic Minivan, Magical Sri Lanka, Dec 29, 2025

Erich H

driver was very helpful the way, driving slow and very good , pick up on time. nice experience

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, taxi Standard 2pax, Magical Sri Lanka, Nov 16, 2025

Lucy A

A fantastic experience, beautiful scenery, comfortable seating & clean toilets. The departure time was a little later than stated but didn’t cause us any issues, we’d do it again regardless. Very easy to navigate the train stations & find our reserved seats. The train staff let you know when great photo ops are coming so you don’t miss anything. Would highly recommend!

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Train #11127 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Nov 13, 2025

Shan

The allocated seating is very confusing, as you don't get to sit together always. Unless the higher number is even, you're sitting in front/behind each other! People queue to hang out the train, so if you want that, prepare to queue. The tea & snacks are reasonably priced & good. Views are phenomenal & you pass through some really quaint places.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Train #11127 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Nov 6, 2025

Jyoti L

The booking experience was great. The train service was also good. The cleanliness of the train, comfortable seating and not to mention the consideration to rotate the seats in the dirwction of the train so that passengers don't motion sickness. Just that the train was late, but everything else wa great. We also didn't need to print the tickets. The station masters were helpful in providing information and so were the announcements.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Train #1015 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Nov 6, 2025

4.6

181 customer reviews

68%

22%

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Schedule

Type	Operator	Class	Departure Time	Arrival Time	Price	Rating
Taxi	Tours with Stef Lanka	Comfort 2pax	Any time	+2h 20m	$49.45
Train	Sri Lanka Railway	Observation class	03:30	08:54	$6.35	4.4
Train	Sri Lanka Railways	1st Class Seat	06:00	09:45	$37.38	4.7
Van	Magical Sri Lanka	Scenic Minivan	07:00	10:40	$15.00	4.2
Train	Ella Odyssey	First Class	08:10	12:10	$35.00
Train	Sri Lanka Railways	2nd Class Reserved Seat	08:46	12:39	$13.14	4.4
Train	Sri Lanka Railway	First Class Seat	09:40	13:09	$19.05	4.8
Bus	AKMT Holidays	Standard	10:00	14:00	$12.00
Train	Sri Lanka Railway	First Class Seat	11:03	14:50	$6.35	4.8
Bus	AKMT Holidays	Standard	14:00	18:00	$12.00
Train	Sri Lanka Railway	First Class Seat	17:20	21:19	$6.35	4.8
Train	Sri Lanka Railways	1st Class Seat	22:00	02:40	$14.00	5.0

How to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Travelling between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya is possible by Train, van and taxi. Taxi guarantees the fastest travel on this route. Train is the slowest option.

The most expensive ticket will cost you USD 180.52 if you go by taxi; to keep it budget-friendly, opt for a van which will set you back mere USD 22.59.

How long does it take to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?

It can take you anywhere between 1 and 4 hours to travel between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya depending on the means of transport you choose.

Taxi is the fastest way to travel between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Taxi will bring you to your destination in 46m. Train does a much slower job and take about 3h 59m to reach Nuwara Eliya.

How much does it cost to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?

Travelling between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya can be as cheap as USD 22.59 if you opt for a Magical Sri Lanka van and as expensive as USD 180.52 if you buy a Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver taxi ticket.

Here is the list of how much you can expect to pay travelling by each means of transport available for this route.

What mode of transportation is the best one for my route?

Taxi

Some travellers consider taxi to be the most convenient form of overland transport thanks to flexible departure times, a possibility to choose the size of the car you need, and a hassle-free door-to-door service.

Things to remember: If you are planning to make detours during your trip, discuss it with your driver or service provider in advance as it may affect the price.

Companies offering charters between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya

Daytrip private transfer with English speaking driver, Glorious Transfer, Lakpura, Magical Sri Lanka, TaxiBazaar

Train

Train is a often a great choice for long-haul travel especially if you opt for a night sleeper train with berths which will allow you to sleep all your journey through. To make the most of your train journey, choose the class of your ticket wisely.

Note that there are air-conditioned and fan-only carriages; private compartments for 2 or 4; hard and soft seats.
Though the upper class you get the smoother is your journey, often second class air-conditioned or fan-only sleepers are a good money saving alternative.

Van

Vans are a great alternative - or, in many cases - your only option - if you need to travel overland within one and the same province or neighbouring provinces or states. Vans ply the roads between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, too.

Things to remember: When travelling by van with huge luggage buying a separate seat for your suitcase or backpack is a good idea. Do not expect there is a roomy luggage compartment in a van - there is actually none and your fellow passengers are unlikely to appreciate your luggage stuck under their feet, alas.

Companies operating vans between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya

Magical Sri Lanka

Transportation from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Buses are not available

Ferries are not available

Flights are not available

Facts about the transport from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Cheapest Transport	$5
Fastest Transport	46m
Earliest Departure	8:47 AM
Latest Departure	5:20 PM
Departures per day	12
Distance	39 kilometers
Transport Companies	Glorious Transfer, Lakpura, Magical Sri Lanka, TaxiBazaar

Popular Routes

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya