| Distance | 41 km (25.6 miles) |
| Price range | $4-$85 |
| Ride Duration Range | 2h 45m-5h 24m |
| Earliest Departure | 19:30 |
| Latest Departure | 23:30 |
| Most Popular Operator | Sri Lanka Railway |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Fastest bus: 4h
Cheapest bus: $15
Don't overlook Nuwara Eliya when traveling between Kandy and Ella; it's well worth a visit.
Nestled in the lush green hills of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, the small town has gained the nickname “Little England.” Its colonial-era architecture and cool climate bear a resemblance and offer a refreshing escape from the tropical heat of the lowlands.
Tea aficionados will love Nuwara Eliya. Since it’s the heart of tea country, you’ll learn where one of the world’s most popular drinks comes from and even give tea picking a go.
Can’t wait to be sipping delicious tea surrounded by nature? There are four ways to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya: train, bus, minivan and car.
This breathtaking journey takes anywhere between 3-6 hours, depending on your transport of choice.
Most people opt for the train to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, eager to witness some of the picture-perfect landscapes that have made this journey famous.
A private car or minivan is your best bet for the quickest way to get between the two.
What’s more important for you? An unforgettable journey or getting to the destination in the shortest time?
Nuwara Eliya boasts a slower pace of life, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to keep you occupied. Here are some of the best things to do:
Explore tea plantations — Nuwara Eliya is renowned for its lush tea estates. Take a tour of a tea plantation to learn about the tea-making process from cultivation to production, and try not to get too distracted by the insane views! Pedro Tea Estate and Blue Field Tea Gardens are two great options to visit.
Visit Horton Plains National Park — Located just a short drive away, Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning landscapes, unique flora and fauna, and the iconic World's End viewpoint offering breathtaking views. Or maybe it’s the hike to get there that takes your breath away?
Chase waterfalls — Sri Lanka is overflowing with waterfalls and it’s no different in Nuwara Eliya. Check out Lover’s Leap Falls, Devon Falls, and St. Clair’s Falls, and make sure to bring your swimsuit.
Hop on a boat at Gregory Lake — This stunning man-made reservoir in the heart of Nuwara Eliya has an array of boats to rent, but go for the swan-shaped pedal boat for a change.
Enjoy High Tea at the Grand Hotel — If you want to taste some of Sri Lanka’s terrific brews, accompanied by a traditional afternoon tea, there’s no better place than the Grand Hotel, which offers a spectacular five-star experience.
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to getting from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, as there are four ways to cover the 78 km (48 miles) — by train, bus, minivan, and car.
The train from Kandy to Ella (and vice versa) is one of the most famous train journeys in the world, and Kandy to Nuwara Eliya covers the first portion.
Taking the train may not be the fastest option, but it’s a journey you won’t forget anytime soon. The vibrant-green rolling tea plantations are more captivating than any TV show. Additionally, tickets start as low as $3.
The trip can take anywhere between 4-6 hours. However, trains in Sri Lanka rarely stick to the time advertised, so don’t hold your breath. It may sound like a long time, but with views like these, it’s never long enough.
Trains depart from either Kandy Train Station or Peradeniya Railway Station and arrive in Nanu Oya.
The train class that you choose has a pretty big impact on your experience. Here’s a quick rundown:
Third and second class: Often considered the best option for an authentic experience. The seats may be uncomfortable, but the doors and windows are wide open, allowing you to hang out of the train and capture those iconic Sri Lankan train shots.
First-class: These are air-conditioned cars with more comfortable, cushioned seats. The windows in this car don’t open, but you can always wander down the train to find some that do.
Observation class: These are only on certain trains, and the seats face backward. There are huge windows that don’t open but still provide amazing views of the scenery.
If you’re not fussed about the views and still want a cheap way to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, the bus is a great choice.
Taking around 4 hours, it’s reasonably comfortable and spacious with air conditioning. The bus does make rest stops along the way.
It leaves from the Kandy Goods Shed Bus Stand and arrives at Nuwara Eliya Main Bus Station. The cost starts at $15.
Minivans are a more convenient option compared to the bus as they offer door-to-door service. The journey time is 3-4 hours.
There’s only one departure every day with the shared minivans, so if you want ultimate convenience, consider booking a private van where you can choose the departure time.
Fitting up to 5 people, the private minivan can work out cheaper if there’s a group of you.
Don’t need a whole minivan? A private car is a great alternative if there are two of you and still want door-to-door service. Prices for the car start at $45.
As you won’t be picking up anybody else along the way, the trip takes just under 3 hours.
Your experience of the journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya depends on which transport option you choose.
If you take the train, you’re guaranteed one of the best train journeys in your life. The views are unbeatable and one of Mother Nature’s best masterpieces.
Pro tip: Make sure to sit on the right side of the train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya for the best views.
Don’t worry. Those traveling by road won’t miss out on the stunning landscapes entirely. The winding road still takes you through villages overlooking rolling hills.
The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya is between February and April. Temperatures vary from 20-30°C (68-86°F), and most days are dry.
Sri Lankan New Year and Tamil New Year fall in April, meaning it can be a busy but fun time to visit the town. Traditional and vibrant celebrations are held, including dancing, music shows, flower shows and golf tournaments.
July to October is monsoon season in Nuwara Eliya, which, although it means rainy days, also translates to lower prices and romantic misty mornings.
The number of days you spend in Nuwara Eliya depends on whether you’re pushed for time. Some people stay just for one night, giving them little time to explore a tea plantation and drink up the views.
If you have a bit more time and want to discover the town and the lush surrounding area, consider sticking around for 2-4 days.
Hop back on the train and continue your journey to Ella, another small town famous for its Nine Arch Bridge, waterfalls, Little Adam’s Peak and tea plantations.
It's home to some magnificent accommodations and delicious restaurants offering both Western and Sri Lankan cuisine.
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