Kandy was the last capital of Sri Lanka's ancient kings. It sits around a lake in the hills, 95 kilometres (59 miles) inland from Colombo. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic still draws pilgrims all year. Flying is the quickest option, taking 30 minutes. Overland, the cheapest way to get from Colombo to Kandy is the bus at $1.20 (410 LKR). Trains between Colombo and Kandy have been suspended since late November 2025, after Cyclone Ditwah damaged the line.
Distance from Colombo to Kandy
Colombo and Kandy are about 95 km (59 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 115 km by road. The quickest way to get from Colombo to Kandy is by taking the flight, which takes around 30m.
6 ways to travel from Colombo to Kandy
There are six ways to travel from Colombo to Kandy. You can choose between the bus, minivan, taxi, guided day trip, flight, and train. The journey takes 30m – 4h and the quickest way is by flight. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $1.20 (410 LKR).
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Why Visit Kandy?
Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Nestled on a plateau surrounded by misty hills and tea plantations, it is home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country.
Also called the "Sacred City," people often stop with just the Temple of the Tooth when planning what to do in Kandy. But there are a few other places we recommend: like the World Buddhist Museum, Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Colombo to Kandy, roughly 95 kilometres (59 miles) apart. In all, there are 6 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $1.20 (410 LKR). The quickest trip takes 30m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Colombo to Kandy?
The distance from Colombo to Kandy is 95 kilometres (59 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Colombo to Kandy?
The fastest way to get from Colombo to Kandy is by flight and takes 30m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Colombo to Kandy?
The cheapest way to get from Colombo to Kandy is by bus with ticket costs starting from 410 LKR.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
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