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Badulla is the end of the Main Line railway, and the road and railway that lead from there to Kandy cross the hills of the tea country. Kandy is the cultural capital and home of the Temple of the Tooth. You can ride the railway or travel by road.
Badulla to Kandy by Train
Sri Lanka Railways lists intercity and express trains on Colombo Fort to Badulla and a Kandy to Badulla slow train with an observation saloon.[1] Badulla is 183.43 km from Kandy on the official fare table. The fare from Badulla to Kandy is LKR 1,300 in first class, LKR 650 in second class and LKR 340 in third class.[2]
The line was damaged by Cyclone Ditwah in late 2025 and reopened in stages. Train services between Badulla and Nanu Oya resumed in June 2026.[3] In October 2026 the railway's timetable page was temporarily unavailable,[4] so use the seat reservation site to check which trains run on your day.
Badulla to Kandy by Private Transfer
A private transfer is flexible and direct, useful for heavy luggage or photo stops on the way. A standard car from Badulla is listed at about $67 per vehicle and about 2 hours 44 minutes (October 2026).[5]
Ella to Kandy by Van and Private Transfer
Many travelers stop in Ella first. From Ella, a Scenic Minivan leaves at 13:30, costs about $31 and takes about 5 hours. Private transfers from Ella to Kandy are listed at about $54 to $152 per vehicle, depending on the vehicle size, with journeys of up to about 4 hours. Classes include sedans, comfort cars for 2 or 3 passengers and vans for 6, 8 or 12 passengers.[5]
Ella to Peradeniya by Transfer
Peradeniya, just outside Kandy, is home to the Royal Botanical Gardens. If you stay on the western side of Kandy or want to visit the gardens first, a transfer to Peradeniya makes sense. It is listed at about $82 to $113 per vehicle for a sedan, hatchback or SUV.[5]
Comparing Your Options
| Mode | Price | Duration | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private transfer from Badulla | About $67[5] | About 2h 44min | High |
| Scenic Minivan from Ella | About $31[5] | About 5h | Medium |
| Private transfer from Ella | About $54 to $152[5] | Up to about 4h | High |
| Private transfer, Ella to Peradeniya | About $82 to $113[5] | About 1h 15min | High |
Tips for Traveling from Badulla to Kandy
- Prepare for Curves: The road is winding. If you suffer from motion sickness, take medication before the trip or choose a larger vehicle such as an SUV.
- Book in Advance: During peak travel seasons (December to March and July to August), reserved train seats and private drivers can sell out quickly.
- Check the Weather: The highlands are prone to sudden mist and heavy rain, so travel can take longer during the monsoon months.
- Stop at Peradeniya: You can ask your driver to drop you at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya before you continue into Kandy.
Timetable
| Taxi Badulla - Kandy $ 66.65 2h 44m | |
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| Taxi Ella - Kandy $ 53.84–151.62 1h 13m – 4h | |
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| Van Ella - Kandy $ 31.13 5h | |
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| Taxi Ella - Peradeniya $ 81.84–112.74 1h 15m | |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Use the booking tool on this page to compare the transport options currently available from Badulla to Kandy, including current prices and schedules.
The train in third class is cheapest, at LKR 340 on the official fare table. By road, a Scenic Minivan from Ella is listed at about $31 (October 2026).
A private transfer from Badulla is listed at about 2 hours 44 minutes. Train times depend on the day's schedule, which you can check on the railway's reservation site.
Booking platforms list about 2 hours 44 minutes by private car from Badulla and about 5 hours by minivan from Ella.
The roads are narrow and winding as they pass through the mountains. It is best to travel in daylight for good visibility.
Yes, both the road and the railway pass through the tea country. With a private transfer you can ask the driver to stop at a viewpoint or tea factory.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Sri Lanka Railways: Sri Lanka Railways: Our Services and online seat reservation. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Sri Lanka Railways: Badulla - Passenger Ticket Rates. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Sri Lanka Railways: Train services from Badulla to Nanu Oya have resumed after restoration of the Ambewela-Nanu Oya railway section damaged by Cyclone Ditwa. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [4] Sri Lanka Railways: Train Schedule Notice. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [5] 12Go: 12Go timetable: Badulla to Kandy, Ella to Kandy and Peradeniya. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Guide prices and journey times are indicative, not live quotes. A booked package may include transfers and waiting time as well as the main journey. Check the selected offer, pickup point and current conditions before booking.