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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 115 kilometre distance from Kandy to Colombo. Whether you prefer the scenic overnight train, a convenient bus+ferry combo, or the fastest flight option — we've got all the details you need.
There are 5 ways to get from Kandy to Colombo. You can choose between the train*, taxi, shared minivan, flight, bus. The most affordable option is by train*, starting from $4. The fastest route is by flight (0h 30m).
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30m
$28
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2h 30m
$4
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2h 40m
$18
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2h 50m
$13
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4h
$408
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*Important update: The last time we checked (March 2026), trains between Kandy and Colombo were still unavailable. Cyclone Ditwah caused significant damage to parts of the Sri Lanka Railways network, and repair work is still ongoing. We suggest taking the bus or minivan from Kandy to Colombo instead.
You can get a 1st-class train ticket on Kandy to Colombo for as low as 500 LKR. But that’s if you can avail them at the train station, where reserved 1st and 2nd class tickets sell out fast.
Trains depart from Kandy Railway Station and arrive at the Fort Railway Station in Colombo. Both stations are in the city centre and are a short tuk-tuk ride to your hotel.
You can find the train schedules below, as well as a booking link to BookAway for easy reservation. Online ticket prices start from $4. Remember that you should book a month before your desired travel date when booking this train online.
A private transfer from Kandy to Colombo is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes , and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Uber is the most budget-friendly option for this route, with prices starting at for a -seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about each.
If you prefer booking in advance, platforms like BookAway or 12GoAsia are great choices. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at 50 USD.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Koh Tao is a premier diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand, widely known as one of the most affordable places in the world to obtain your PADI certification. Beyond diving, the island offers beautiful bays, pristine beaches, stunning viewpoints, coral gardens, and abundant marine life.
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A minivan ride from Kandy to Colombo costs around . The minivan journey takes about , depending on traffic.
There are companies operating on this route: .
Minivan tickets are more expensive than the bus, but you can book them online in advance.
Also, what we like about this option is that some minivan companies offer free hotel pickup. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to and from bus stations.
Taking a flight from Kandy to Colombo might look like the fastest option, but it is also the most expensive at $28, excluding taxi transfers. And worst of all, short-haul flights are really polluting for the environment (up to 10x more polluting than trains or buses).
Apart from being unsustainable and expensive, it also wouldn’t be that fast if you count the travel times to and from the airports. You will be leaving from Polgolla Reservoir Airport, which is 5 km north of Kandy city centre and you will arrive at Diyawanna Oya Airport, which is 12 km south of Colombo city centre.
Considering the traffic, especially in Colombo, the time to reach the airport could range between 45 minutes to 2 hours.
The upside of taking a flight from Kandy to Colombo is the view. You will be taking a small plane and will have a very good view of the Tea Country. If you book at least 60 days prior to your departure, Cinnamon Air also offers a 25% discount.
You can book a flight in the link below.
The bus is an affordable way to get from Kandy to Colombo. Bus fares start from $408, and the journey takes around 4h.
Both ordinary and air-conditioned buses operate on Route 1, connecting the two cities.
Ordinary Buses
If you’re travelling on a tight budget, ordinary buses are the cheapest option, with tickets costing $408.
However, these buses offer only wooden seats. They also make a lot of stops, making the travel time longer.
Air-conditioned Buses
For a more comfortable journey, we recommend taking air-conditioned buses. You’ll get cushioned seats, fewer stops, and a faster trip overall.
Tickets for AC buses cost 740 LKR, and buses usually depart every 30–45 minutes.
Departure Stations
Bus #1 operates several daily buses from Kandy to Cambodia. You have two options to get on this bus:
Most travelers base themselves near the main beach for easy access to transport, restaurants, and activities.
Popular budget resort with pool, located on Sairee Beach. Walking distance to dive shops and restaurants.
800 THB/night ($24)
Beachfront bungalows with balconies overlooking Sairee Beach. On-site restaurant and dive center.
2,200 THB/night ($66)
Luxury resort with private beach, infinity pool, and spa. Perfect for couples wanting extra comfort.
6,500 THB/night ($195)
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UPDATES
Routes are reviewed on a regular cycle to catch schedule changes, new operators, and price updates. Every guide shows when it was last verified.
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Carbon Footprint
This 115 km journey produces approximately 10 g CO2 by bus. Taking public transport is one of the lowest-emission ways to travel this route.
Used the Songserm ferry from Koh Samui. Cheaper than Lomprayah but takes a bit longer. Still a perfectly fine crossing. The views approaching Koh Tao are stunning either way.
OOliver S.November 2025Ferry
Train via Surat Thani was our pick. More scenic than Chumphon route and the Lomprayah catamaran from Tapee Pier is very comfortable. Book the special express train for the quickest ride.
The overnight bus with Montanatip was okay but not great. The bus was older and the seats didn't recline much. Ferry portion was fine though. If you're on a tight budget it works.
Took the sleeper train to Chumphon — magical! Woke up to palm trees and transferred to the Lomprayah catamaran. Whole journey felt like an adventure.
Lomprayah bus+ferry combo from Khao San Road was seamless. Departed at 6am, arrived Koh Tao by 3pm. Well organized.
Flew to Koh Samui and took Lomprayah catamaran. More expensive but saved a full day. Worth it if your holiday is short.
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