Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is only 73 km from Kandy by Google’s route, but the road climbs from about 500 m to almost 1,900 m, so the drive takes about two and a half hours.

• 73 km by road from Kandy
• about 2 h 30 min driving time (Google)
• from $38.98 one way, City car
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup

Fares from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

Just 23 km of this ride lie beyond the 50 km in the starting price, and only those are charged at the vehicle’s rate per km.

VehicleSeatsBagsOne wayReturn

City carSuzuki Wagon R or similar2 seats2 bags$38.98one way$77.96 returnBook Station wagonHonda Shuttle or similar3 seats5 bags$41.98one way$83.96 returnBook Economy carToyota Prius or similar3 seats3 bags$45.15one way$90.30 returnBook Standard carToyota Premio or similar3 seats3 bags$51.31one way$102.62 returnBook SUVSsangYong Kyron or similar4 seats6 bags$52.48one way$104.96 returnBook Luxury SUVToyota Prado or similar4 seats6 bags$125.65one way$251.30 returnBook Mini vanToyota Hiace or similar7 seats10 bags$53.64one way$107.28 returnBook Mini busToyota Hiace High Roof or similar14 seats14 bags$67.14one way$134.28 returnBook 20-seat coachToyota Coaster or similar20 seats20 bags$83.30one way$166.60 returnBook 37-seat coach37 seats37 bags$128.25one way$256.50 returnBook 45-seat coach45 seats45 bags$149.90one way$299.80 returnBook 51-seat coach51 seats51 bags$181.55one way$363.10 returnBook

Fares from the centre of Kandy to the centre of Nuwara Eliya, 73.3 km by Google’s route, as the booking form works them out. Your hotels may be a little nearer or further: enter both addresses in the form for their own fare.

Get the fare for your address Ask on WhatsApp

The drive

The A5 leaves Kandy past Peradeniya and follows the Mahaweli valley to Gampola, then climbs steadily through Pussellawa into the tea estates. Near Ramboda the road passes Ramboda Falls, and higher up the Labookellie estate has a tea centre beside the road where many travellers stop for a cup.

Going on

From Nuwara Eliya, Ella is closer than from Kandy, and the train from Nanu Oya, the station for Nuwara Eliya, runs on to Ella through some of the finest tea country. For the direct ride by car, see Kandy to Ella.

Other routes between towns