Transport
Getting to Kandy, and around it
Rail, bus, taxi and three-wheeler information for the city and district. Timetables are indicative; this portal does not sell or reserve travel.
Bus routes
Intercity and city services
Kandy is served by three stands. Long-distance departures use the Goods Shed terminal beside the railway station.
| Route | Destination | Frequency | Journey | Departs from |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kandy - Colombo (via Kadugannawa) | Every 15 minutes, 04:30 - 21:00 | 3 h 30 m | Goods Shed Bus Terminal |
| 5 | Kandy - Nuwara Eliya | Every 30 minutes, 05:00 - 18:00 | 3 h | Goods Shed Bus Terminal |
| 17 | Kandy - Peradeniya - Gampola | Every 10 minutes, 05:30 - 21:30 | 45 m | Clock Tower Bus Stand |
| 22 | Kandy - Bahirawakanda | Every 20 minutes, 06:00 - 20:00 | 15 m | Clock Tower Bus Stand |
| 43 | Kandy - Digana - Victoria | Every 20 minutes, 05:30 - 20:00 | 1 h 10 m | Torrington Bus Stand |
| 654 | Kandy - Matale - Dambulla | Every 15 minutes, 04:45 - 20:30 | 2 h 15 m | Goods Shed Bus Terminal |
Railway
The hill country line
Kandy sits on the main line from Colombo and at the head of one of the most scenic rail journeys in Asia.
Kandy - Colombo Fort
- Departures
- 05:00, 06:15, 10:30, 15:00, 16:45
- Journey time
- 2 h 45 m - 3 h 15 m
- Classes
- First, second and third class
The 06:15 and 15:00 services carry reserved observation saloons.
Kandy - Badulla (Hill Country line)
- Departures
- 08:47, 11:10
- Journey time
- 6 h 30 m - 7 h
- Classes
- First, second and third class
One of the most scenic rail journeys in Asia, through Nanu Oya and Ella.
Kandy - Matale
- Departures
- 06:30, 13:20, 17:40
- Journey time
- 1 h 15 m
- Classes
- Second and third class
Local service, no reservations required.
Hubs
Major transport hubs
Four interchanges cover almost every arrival into the city.
Main rail terminus
Kandy Railway Station
Station Road, 600 m west of the lake
Ticket office, reservation counter, tourist information desk, left luggage, step-free platform access
Long-distance and intercity buses
Goods Shed Bus Terminal
Off Station Road, adjacent to the railway station
Covered bays, timetable boards, food stalls, public toilets
City and suburban routes
Clock Tower Bus Stand
Dalada Veediya, city centre
Roadside bays, route boards, taxi rank alongside
Eastern district routes
Torrington Bus Stand
Torrington Square, 400 m east of the lake
Covered waiting area, ticket kiosks
Parking
Where to leave a vehicle
Two park-and-ride sites on the approaches keep private vehicles out of the sacred precinct.
Kandy City Centre Car Park
320 spaces over four levels
Daily 07:00 - 22:00
LKR 60 first hour, LKR 40 each additional hour
Closest covered parking to the temple precinct.
Lakeside Public Parking
140 spaces
Daily 06:00 - 20:00
LKR 50 per hour
Fills early during the Esala season and on poya days.
Bogambara Park-and-Ride
450 spaces
Daily 05:30 - 21:00
LKR 200 per day including shuttle
Shuttle to the city centre every 15 minutes.
Getambe Park-and-Ride
260 spaces
Daily 06:00 - 20:00
LKR 200 per day including shuttle
Recommended for vehicles arriving from Colombo or Peradeniya.
Taxi and tuk tuk
Getting around the city
Both are metered by law. Agreeing the fare or using the meter avoids the only common dispute.
Taxi
Metered and app-based taxis operate throughout the city, with ranks at the railway station, the clock tower and the larger hotels.
Metered from LKR 90 per km, minimum LKR 300. Airport transfer to Colombo approximately LKR 12,000.
- Agree a metered fare or use an app before setting off.
- Ranks at the station and clock tower are staffed until 22:00.
- Ask for a vehicle with a working seatbelt in the rear if travelling with children.
Tuk Tuk
Three-wheelers are the quickest way around the city centre and the only practical option on the narrow lanes above the lake.
Metered from LKR 60 per km, minimum LKR 150. Bahirawakanda return with waiting time approximately LKR 1,200.
- Choose a metered three-wheeler where possible, or agree the fare first.
- Short city hops rarely exceed LKR 400.
- Drivers waiting at temple entrances often offer fixed sightseeing circuits; confirm the stops before agreeing.