How to Get from Kandy to Colombo by Train
Are you looking for how to get from Kandy to Colombo by train? Colombo is the perfect place to end your Sri Lanka Itinerary.
As the train journey between Kandy and Colombo takes about 2.5-3.5 hours, we recommend you choose this mode of transport and enjoy the scenic views while traveling.
Although the most famous train journey is from Kandy to Ella, this route is less crowded, and the scenery is similarly beautiful.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll find how to get from Kandy to Colombo by train, including train ticket prices, train schedule, travel time, and where to buy online train tickets.
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How far is Kandy from Colombo?
The distance between Colombo and Kandy is about 120 km, which is 2.5-4 hours, depending on traffic and mode of transport.
How to Get from Kandy to Colombo by Train
If you’re looking for the best way to reach Colombo, we recommend taking the train instead of the bus.
The Kandy Railway Station is in the city center, about a 20-minute walk from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Kandy Lake. You can easily get there by taxi or tuk tuk (check the prices on the PickMe/Uber app).
The train journey from Kandy to Colombo takes 2.5-3.5 hours, depending on the type of train. There are usually a few local vendors selling food on the train. But take enough water and snacks with you!
As the train is one of the most popular and cheapest modes of transport in Sri Lanka, the reserved seats sell out quickly at the train station! Therefore, we recommend buying them days in advance (especially in high season) or online.
The best view is from the right side of the train between Kandy and Colombo. So sit next to a window on the train or enjoy the scenery at the door on the right side.
Kandy to Colombo Train Ticket Price
Second-class train tickets are available at the Kandy Railway Station for 500 LKR (1,55 USD), and third-class train tickets for 240 LKR (0,75 USD) without reserved seats. The reserved seats sell out very quickly!
It’s good to know that if you want reserved seats, you must book your train ticket online at least one month before your travel date! It costs 2000 LKR (6 USD) for first class, 1200 LKR (4 USD) for second class, and 900 LKR (3 USD) for third class.
Train Classes from Kandy to Colombo
- The first-class carriages are air-conditioned, and the seats are padded and comfortable. But there are limited numbers of first-class train tickets available!
- Second-class carriages have no air conditioning. But there are fans, and windows & doors are usually open during the journey, so carriages are well-ventilated. Not all train types have first class available, so second-class train tickets are the best choice.
- Third-class carriages have bench seats, but not all carriages have fans. The seats are not as comfortable as in second class. If you have a lot of luggage, we do not recommend you buy third-class train tickets.
Kandy to Colombo Train Online Booking
The most reliable way to buy tickets online is to use 12Go or Bookaway. The first class reserved seats start from 15 USD, and the second class seats from 12 USD per person.
Kandy to Colombo Train Timetable
The trains run several times a day daily between 4:30 AM and 4 PM.
You must arrive at the railway station boarding point at least 30 minutes before departure.
Kandy to Colombo Fort Train Schedule
- 04:30-07:12
- 05:00-08:10 (Saturday & Sunday only)
- 05:45-08:21 (Mondays only)
- 06:15-08:50
- 06:20-09:45
- 10:40-14:05
- 13:10-15:47
- 15:00-17:36
- 15:25-18:39
- 16:00-18:57
- 16:50-19:40 (Saturday, Sunday & Holidays only)
Train schedules are subject to change, so always check the up-to-date timetable between Kandy and Colombo here.
It’s good to know that trains are often delayed in Sri Lanka, so plan a few extra hours to get from one city to another.
Other Ways to Get from Kandy to Colombo
By Taxi
One of the most comfortable and fastest ways to reach Colombo is by taxi.
A taxi cost from Kandy to Colombo Airport starts from 65 USD. If you are not traveling alone, the price is affordable! The journey time is 2.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Keep reading → From Colombo Airport to City Center
TIP
The taxi drivers do not accept card payments, so you should bring local money!
Alternatively, you can book a private transfer starting from 45 USD.
By Bus
Take the No. 1 bus from Kandy to Bastian Mawatha bus station (Pettah) in Colombo. The bus tickets start at around 4 USD per person, and the journey takes 4 hours, depending on traffic.
The local buses are uncomfortable as they are often overcrowded, and not all have air conditioning. We do not recommend traveling by bus if you have a lot of luggage as you may have to pay extra for luggage.
Between Kandy and Colombo, buses run frequently (from 3:55 AM to 9:20 PM), departing every 30-45 minutes.
TIP
If you want to travel by bus, bring local money, as you can buy your bus ticket after boarding.
The A/C buses run from the Kandy Clock Tower bus station to the Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal, and the journey takes 4 hours.
Air-conditioned bus tickets start from 9 USD, and 15 kg of luggage is allowed per person. These buses are very comfortable and include toilet stops.
A/C Bus schedule
- 11:00-15:00
- 13:00-17:00
- 15:00-19:00
Where to Stay in Colombo
Although most people end their Sri Lanka trip in Colombo, you can easily spend 1-2 days in Colombo and explore the city’s attractions or visit Negombo.
Colombo has some luxury hotels, but accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.
Best hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Luxury: Shangri-La Colombo or Hilton Colombo
- Mid-Range: Mandarina Colombo
- Budget: Grand Oriental Hotel
More Travel Guides about Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Itinerary for 14 Days
- 7 Best Things to Do in Sigiriya
- How to Visit Ambuluwawa Tower
- 9 Best Things to Do in Ella
- 7 Epic Things to Do in Kandy
- Tuk Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka
- 9 Best Things to Do in Mirissa
We hope our post on how to get from Kandy to Colombo by train will help you plan your next trip to Sri Lanka. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.
Travel Resources
Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway
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