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Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress rising from the jungle, 74 kilometres (46 miles) north of Kandy. You climb a staircase past centuries-old frescoes to the palace ruins on top. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Kandy to Sigiriya at $1.90 (630 LKR), but it takes 3h and needs a change along the way. The taxi is another option, and a shared minivan runs direct for less.
Distance from Kandy to Sigiriya
Kandy and Sigiriya are about 74 km (46 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 89 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 2h 30m and 3h.
3 ways to travel from Kandy to Sigiriya
There are three ways to travel from Kandy to Sigiriya. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, and taxi. The journey takes 2h 30m–3h and the quickest way is by shared minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $1.90 (630 LKR).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Kandy→Dambulla2h 30m
- Dambulla→Sigiriya30m
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Kandy to Sigiriya by Bus
Step 1: Kandy to Dambulla by Bus
From the Kandy Goods Shed Bus Stand, take a bus bound for Kaduruwela (#41-2), Anuradhapura (#42-2) or Trincomalee (#45). Fares start at $1.60 (530 LKR) for an ordinary bus, and travel time is about 2.5 hours.
Only buses bound for Anuradhapura offer air-conditioned rides. However, these are not as common as ordinary buses and may have an interval of 1 to 2 hours. A ticket costs $3.00 (1,000 LKR).
We recommend that you depart from Kandy very early in the morning so that you can start your hike in Sigiriya before the sun is in full force. Make sure you ask your hotel beforehand about the bus times so you can plan when to arrive at the station.
Get off at Dambulla Bus Stand.
Step 2: Dambulla to Sigiriya by Bus
Kandy to Sigiriya by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Kandy to Sigiriya costs around $15 (4,940 LKR). The minivan journey takes about 2h 30m - 3h, depending on traffic.
There are two companies operating on this route: Real Lanka Holidays and Magical Sri Lanka.
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.
Shared Minivan schedule from Kandy to Sigiriya
Shared Minivan tickets are available on Bookaway.
Kandy to Sigiriya by Taxi
A private transfer from Kandy to Sigiriya is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 2h 30m - 2h 40m, 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 $31 (10,000 LKR) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $15 (5,100 LKR) 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 $61 (20,000 LKR).
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Kandy to Sigiriya, roughly 74 kilometres (46 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $1.90 (630 LKR). The quickest trip takes 2h 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 Kandy to Sigiriya?
The distance from Kandy to Sigiriya is 74 kilometres (46 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Kandy to Sigiriya?
Journey times from Kandy to Sigiriya overlap: bus 3h, shared minivan 2h 30m - 3h, taxi 2h 30m - 2h 40m. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Kandy to Sigiriya?
The cheapest way to get from Kandy to Sigiriya is by bus with ticket costs starting from 630 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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