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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 75 kilometre distance from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. 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 4 ways to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. You can choose between the train, shared minivan, taxi, bus. The most affordable option is by train, starting from $4. The fastest route is by taxi (2h 45m).
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2h 45m
$49
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3h
$18
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3h 30m
$4
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4h
$180
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Nuwara Eliya is a popular destination in Sri Lanka for its temperate climate and rolling tea estates. But you can get a close look at these plantations and their farmers even before you set foot in the city if you take the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.
You can buy tickets at the train station on the day of your trip. But most probably only unreserved seats will be available, with fares starting at 170 LKR.
Because this is such a busy route, you might want to book reserved seats online at least a month before your trip. Train ticket prices start at $4. The 1st class cabin is air-conditioned, but we prefer the open windows in 2nd class—tickets are cheaper, and the seats are perfect for photo ops!
Trains depart from Kandy Railway Station at the city centre and arrive at Nanu Oya Railway Station, 10 km west of Nuwara Eliya city centre.
From Nanu Oya, you will have to take a tuk-tuk or a bus for 20 minutes to get to the city centre. You can easily find a tuk-tuk outside the station and they normally charge 500 LKR. Taking a bus is a lot cheaper at 20 LKR. But you will have to walk about 50 m to the bus stop and the buses run only every 20 to 30 minutes.
The ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is picturesque anywhere you look, but we think it is best to sit on the right side of the train for this journey. You can check the train schedule below.
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 taxi from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya costs around 7,000 LKR if you book via Uber, but fares can be slightly cheaper or more expensive depending on availability.
If you want to do everything to get the cheapest rates, you can also check the taxi apps PickMe and TaxiGo. But, unfortunately, these apps have limited availability outside the capital city, Colombo.
If you are unable to book with any of the above options, you can also book a taxi via BookAway starting at .
Although neither as comfortable nor as scenic as taking the train, taking a bus is a cheap way to travel like a local from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya.
Intercity buses operate daily, with buses leaving every 30 minutes. Tickets cost $180 for an air-conditioned bus and 250 LKR for an ordinary bus.
Buses depart from Goods Shed Bus Stop, a short tuk-tuk ride from Kandy city centre. They arrive at Nuwara Eliya Bus Station in the city centre.
Although more expensive than a local bus, taking a tourist bus is a good alternative for its comfort, cleanliness and speed. Passengers of local buses often complain about dirty seats and uncomfortable journeys. Brown Tours is also a trusted company and receives good reviews.
You can easily book a tourist bus ticket online through BookAway or 12Go.Asia.
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Carbon Footprint
This 75 km journey produces approximately 7 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.
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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