How to Get From Kandy to Ella
Bus · Train · Shared Minivan · Taxi
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 140 kilometre (87 miles) distance from Kandy to Ella. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Ella as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 4 ways to travel from Kandy to Ella?
There are four ways to travel the 140 km distance from Kandy to Ella. You can choose between the bus, train*, shared minivan, and taxi.
The journey takes between 1h 45m–6h and the quickest way is by train* (1h 45m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 1,360 LKR ($4.10).
6h
1,360 LKR ($4.10)
1h 45m - 2h 45m
1,560 LKR ($4.80)
5h
11,000 LKR ($33)
3-4h
15,000 LKR ($46)
Where to stay in Ella?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Ella at the bottom of this page.
Already in Ella?
Onward from Ella
Once you're in Ella, here's where to next — 2 researched onward routes to pick from.
Kandy to Ella by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Kandy to Ella, with fares starting from 1,360 LKR ($4.10). The journey takes around 6h.
There are only a few direct intercity buses on this route, so it’s best to plan ahead.
From Kandy Bus Stand, take Bus #10 and ask the bus driver to drop you off in Ella.
If you miss the direct bus, you can still travel from Kandy to Ella via Badulla.
Take Bus #21 to Badulla for around 470 LKR ($1.40), which takes about 5 hours. From Badulla Bus Station, catch any bus going to Ella. Tickets cost around 600 LKR ($1.80), and the journey takes about 2 hours.
Kandy to Ella by Train
Train schedule from Kandy to Ella
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on 12Go.Asia.
Viceroy II
Another train option which is only available on 12Go.Asia is the more luxurious Viceroy II. It is not as adventurous as a 2nd class train but it is a scenic ride all the same.
Be prepared that Viceroy II costs twice the amount of a 1st class cabin from the regular Sri Lankan Railway train.
In return, you will get an air-conditioned train, soft seats, wi-fi on-board, and pleasant lighting, reassuring you will have a very comfortable 6-hour journey. It also has a fully-stocked bar, but as drinks are a quite expensive, think of bringing your own food and drinks for the journey.
Viceroy II operates from Kandy to Ella on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Departs at 12:35 from Peradeniya, a suburb located west of Kandy’s city centre
- Arrives at 18:27 at Ella Railway Station in the city centre
- Tickets cost 7,300 LKR ($22). You can book your Viceroy II ticket via 12go.Asia or in the link below.
Unreserved seats
If you missed all changes to book a reserved seat, you can also buy a ticket for an unreserved seat from Kandy to Ella at the train station on the day of your trip. You can find the exact schedules beforehand on the Sri Lanka Railways website.
Tickets for a 3rd class seat cost 125 LKR ($0.40) while 2nd class seats cost 230 LKR ($0.70). These are unlimited so buying a ticket should be easy enough.
For the best chances to get a seat, consider to board the train one station before Kandy, which is Kadugannawa. A lot of passengers are expected to get off in Kandy and when they do, you will be able to get their seats before the mass of passengers in Kandy Station get inside the train.
Kandy to Ella by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Kandy to Ella costs around 11,000 LKR ($33). What we like about this option is that some minivan companies offer free hotel pickup and drop-off. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to and from bus stations.
There are one companies operating on this route.
Tuktukdude Leisure runs a regular shared minivan from Kandy to Ella, with a travel time of about 3.5 hours. If you have more time, we recommend the scenic transfer with Magical Sri Lanka. It’s cheaper and includes stops at seven tourist spots along the way.
You'll get 5-20 minutes to explore each of these locations:
- Ramboda Waterfalls
- Ramboda Falls View Point
- Tea Estate and Tea Factory
- Red Post Office in Nuwara Eliya
- Gregory Park Lake in Nuwara Eliya
- Ashok Vatika Hindu Temple
- Seetha Amman Kovil Hindu Temple
The full journey takes around 5 hours, but it feels more like a relaxed sightseeing trip than just a transfer.
Shared Minivan schedule from Kandy to Ella
Kandy to Ella by Taxi
A private transfer from Kandy to Ella is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 3-4h, 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 15,000 LKR ($46) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 5,700 LKR ($17) each.
You can also check the taxi apps PickMe and TaxiGo to compare rates.
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 23,000 LKR ($69).
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 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Kandy to Ella. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Kandy to Ella is 140 km.
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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.
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