Ella is a small hill town wrapped in tea plantations. The Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak are the big draws. It lies 66 kilometres (41 miles) southeast of Kandy. The famous scenic train has been suspended since late November 2025, because the Kandy–Nanu Oya section is still closed after Cyclone Ditwah. The bus is the cheapest option at $4.10 (1,360 LKR).
Distance from Kandy to Ella
Kandy and Ella are about 66 km (41 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 138 km by road. The quickest way to get from Kandy to Ella is by taking the taxi, which takes around 3-4h.
4 ways to travel from Kandy to Ella
There are four ways to travel from Kandy to Ella. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, taxi, and train. The journey takes 3h – 7h and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $4.10 (1,360 LKR).
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Our favourite places to stay in Ella
Here are our favourite places to stay in Ella for every budget.
Will Guest Homestay
An exceptional homestay with stunning mountain views. You will feel right at home here with the friendly and welcoming staff. Bike and car rentals are available on-site and breakfast is included with your stay.
The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. You won’t want to check out of this homestay!
- Breathtaking mountain views
- Breakfast included
- Clean and comfortable
- Extremely friendly and helpful staff
Private room starts at $23 (7,600 LKR) per night
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Kandy to Ella, roughly 66 kilometres (41 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $4.10 (1,360 LKR). The quickest trip takes 3h.
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 Kandy to Ella?
The distance from Kandy to Ella is 66 kilometres (41 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Kandy to Ella?
The fastest way to get from Kandy to Ella is by taxi and takes 3-4h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Kandy to Ella?
The cheapest way to get from Kandy to Ella is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,360 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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