How to Get From Negombo to Kandy
Bus · Taxi · Train
%2Cpin-s-b%2B8B4513(80.627881%2C7.294488)%2F80.2507782%2C7.2476424%2C7%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 100 kilometre (62 miles) distance from Negombo to Kandy. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Kandy 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 3 ways to travel from Negombo to Kandy?
There are three ways to travel the 100 km distance from Negombo to Kandy. You can choose between the bus, taxi, and train.
The journey takes between 3h–4h and the quickest way is by taxi (3h). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 820 LKR ($2.50).
4 hours
820 LKR ($2.50)
3h
13,000 LKR ($39)
3h 30m
2,350 LKR ($7.10)
Already in Kandy?
Onward from Kandy
Once you're in Kandy, here's where to next — 6 researched onward routes to pick from.
Negombo to Kandy by Bus
From Negombo Bus Terminal, take bus #1/245 bound for Kandy. A ticket for an air-conditioned bus costs 820 LKR ($2.50), and the journey takes about 4 hours, depending on traffic.
You’ll also find regular buses for about 450 LKR ($1.40), but they’re not the best option for a trip this long. They’re less comfortable, don’t have air conditioning, make more stops, and usually take longer to reach Kandy.
Negombo to Kandy by Taxi
A private transfer from Negombo to Kandy is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 3h, 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 13,000 LKR ($39) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 4,400 LKR ($13) 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 18,000 LKR ($54).
Negombo to Kandy by Train
Step 1: Negombo to Gampaha Railway Station by Taxi/Tuk-tuk
The easiest way to reach Gampaha Railway Station from Negombo is by taxi. You can hail one from the street, but it would be easier to book via Uber or PickMe. Fares start at 2,150 LKR ($6.50) and travel time is about 1 hour.
You’ll also find tuk-tuks for slightly cheaper, but they’re usually slower and less comfortable.
Step 2: Gampaha to Kandy by Train
Booking Tip
If you want to get reserved train tickets, it is best to book them at least a month prior to your trip. For this route, you can do that through a local travel agency or you can buy at any train station if you are already in Sri Lanka.
With reserved tickets, you will not have to worry about crowded trains and the risk of not getting a seat. Check out our guide on how to book train tickets in Sri Lanka for more info.
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Negombo to Kandy. 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 Negombo to Kandy is 100 km.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Kandy?
Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Nestled on a plateau surrounded by misty hills and tea plantations, it is home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country.
Also called the "Sacred City," people often stop with just the Temple of the Tooth when planning what to do in Kandy. But there are a few other places we recommend: like the World Buddhist Museum, Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
How We Research
Every route on Gecko Routes is independently researched and regularly verified.
500+
ROUTES RESEARCHED
Every route is personally travelled and documented by our team, covering Southeast Asia's most popular and off-the-beaten-path connections.
Monthly
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.
Verified
BY TRAVELLERS
Tips and corrections from our community of travellers help keep routes accurate between team visits. Your experience makes this guide better for everyone.
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.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
Reader Comments
1 commentLeave a Comment