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Kandy sits in Sri Lanka's central hills, a world away from the coast at Negombo. The city wraps around a lake and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Negombo to Kandy at $2.40 (820 LKR), though it takes 4 hours. A taxi is the quickest option at 3h, and the train takes you up into the hills if you'd rather watch the climb.
Distance from Negombo to Kandy
Negombo and Kandy are about 89 km (55 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 120 km by road. The quickest way to get from Negombo to Kandy is by taking the taxi, which takes around 3h.
3 ways to travel from Negombo to Kandy
There are three ways to travel from Negombo to Kandy. You can choose between the bus, train, and taxi. The journey takes 3h–4h and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $2.40 (820 LKR).
2 legs — see itinerary
- Negombo→Gampaha Railway Station1h
- Gampaha→Kandy2h 30m
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1Negombo to Kandy by Bus
From Negombo Bus Terminal, take bus #1/245 bound for Kandy. A ticket for an air-conditioned bus costs $2.40 (820 LKR), and the journey takes about 4 hours, depending on traffic.
You’ll also find regular buses for about $1.30 (450 LKR), 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 Train
*Important update: As of July 2026, the Kandy railway line is still closed following the Cyclone Ditwah damage of November 2025. Trains from the west currently run only as far as Rambukkana, and Kandy is expected to be reconnected around late 2026. For now, use the bus or a car/taxi for the Kandy leg.
There are no direct trains from Negombo to Kandy, so you’ll first need to take a taxi or tuk-tuk to Gampaha Railway Station. From here, you can continue your journey 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 $6.40 (2,150 LKR) 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
All services arrive at Kandy
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.
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 $38 (13,000 LKR) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $13 (4,490 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 $54 (18,000 LKR).
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.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Negombo to Kandy, roughly 89 kilometres (55 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $2.40 (820 LKR). The quickest trip takes 3h.
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 Negombo to Kandy?
The distance from Negombo to Kandy is 89 kilometres (55 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Negombo to Kandy?
The fastest way to get from Negombo to Kandy is by taxi and takes 3h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Negombo to Kandy?
The cheapest way to get from Negombo to Kandy is by bus with ticket costs starting from 820 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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