✈️ Getting from Colombo Airport to Kandy

Q: How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

The fixed fare rate for a Colombo Airport to Kandy transfer by taxi should be around €55.80 (LKR 17,820) for up to four passengers. To secure a set rate fare you can count on, we recommend booking with Welcome Pickups in advance.

If you’re planning a trip to the mountainous region of Kandy in Sri Lanka, you will more than likely be landing at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). From Colombo Airport to Kandy, the distance is 117 kilometers, which can be covered by taxi in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Overall, there are four main transport options when it comes to traveling from Colombo Airport to Kandy: a local taxi, bus, a Colombo Airport transfer, or a combined bus and train trip.

Catching a Colombo Airport taxi is the quickest and easiest way to travel, as the trip includes a door-to-door service in just 2 hours and 45 minutes. For a similar price, you can pre-book a private transfer and enjoy lots of extra perks like a guaranteed on-time pickup and the ability to pay in advance.

If you’re on a budget, you might consider taking two buses instead, which, all up, will take 4 hours and 50 minutes, not including wait and transfer times. Even still, a more affordable option is the scenic train journey from Colombo to Kandy, although this first requires taking a bus to the city center.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Colombo at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€55.80	165min	24/7
Bus	€35.40	290min	06:00–23:00
Bus + Train	€26.4	200min	06:00–17:45
Welcome Airport Transfer	€55	165min	24/7

How to get from Colombo Airport to Kandy by taxi

The only way to travel directly from Colombo Airport to Kandy is by taxi. Colombo Airport taxis take just under 3 hours to reach Kandy under normal traffic conditions and offer fixed fares to your destination. Vehicles are air-conditioned and usually seat four passengers.

Colombo Airport to Kandy taxi fare

Official airport taxis provide fixed fare rates to destinations all across the country, switching to a per-kilometer rate only if you request to travel beyond your original destination. From Colombo Airport to Kandy, the taxi price is set at €55.80 (LKR 17,820) for up to four passengers.

If you’d prefer to pay for your ride in advance with the peace of mind that an English-speaking driver will be waiting for you when you land, you can book in advance with Welcome Pickups instead.

Cost

€55.80

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 45 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Colombo Airport.

Where do I find a taxi at Colombo Airport?

It’s very easy to take a taxi from Colombo Airport to Kandy, no matter what time you land. Taxis will be lined up at a rank directly outside the Arrivals Hall, or you can book one at the taxi counter inside the terminal.

Convenience

Taxis and private transfers from Colombo Airport to Kandy are the only direct ways to travel, making them very convenient transfer options. You won’t have to wait for your ride and your driver can drop you off directly at the door of your hotel in just 2 hours and 45 minutes, almost half the time of public transport options. If you haven’t booked a private transfer in advance, taxis are there for you on-demand.

Editor’s Note

Taxis are ideal for those on business or with limited time in Sri Lanka who haven't booked a ride in advance.

Useful Tips

To ensure a smooth and easy taxi transfer, we recommend pre-booking your Colombo Airpot taxi with a world-renowned company such as Welcome Pickups.

Be sure to agree on a price with your driver before leaving the airport.

If you're traveling with lots of luggage, you may only be able to fit three passengers in your Colombo taxi.

Your driver may charge an extra surcharge to cover some of their return journey.

How to get the Bus from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

Catching the bus from Colombo Airport to Kandy requires at least one transfer and takes 4 hours and 50 minutes, making this the slowest and least convenient transport option. Nevertheless, it’s also a very cheap way to travel, so long as you’re not in a hurry.

You will first need to take the Colombo Luxury Express bus to Colombo Main Bus Stop, which takes 50 minutes. From there, walk across to Colombo Fort Station and catch a bus toward Kandy for approximately 4 hours.

How much is the bus from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

The cost of a one-way ticket on the Colombo Express bus is €9.40 (LKR 3,000), and the cost of a ticket on an air-conditioned bus to Kandy is €8.30 (LKR 2,647).

That brings the total cost for the Colombo Airport to Kandy bus to €17.70 (LKR 5,647) per person. This adds up quickly and makes private transfers a better value for your money.

Cost

€17.70

Trip Duration

4 Hrs. 50 Min.

*There's a wait time of up to 3 hours for the Airport Express bus, and 30 minutes for the onward bus to Kandy.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Expess bus runs daily from 06:00 to 18:00. The Luxury bus from Colombo city center to Kandy departs between 03:30 and 23:00.

Where do I find the bus at Colombo Airport?

You can find the Colombo Express bus in front of the Arrivals Hall. Turn left as you exit and follow the signs; the bus is a large blue coach.

Convenience

The Luxury Express bus from Colombo Airport to Kandy is the slowest and least convenient transfer option. Not only will you have to navigate through the city center of Colombo and wait for the bus to arrive, but services stop operating from the airport after 18:00, leaving you with the choice of a crowded public bus or taxi.

Timetables

Bus Timetable

Colombo Fort Station – Kandy

Editor’s Note

If you're looking for a cheap transfer option from Colombo Airport to Kandy, the train is quicker and more comfortable than the bus.

Useful Tips

You can't pre-book seats on the bus, so we recommend arriving early.

Be sure to bring change in rupees to pay for your ticket at the bus counter.

Check the Colombo Airport to Kandy bus timetable upon arrival, otherwise, you could be waiting up to 3 hours for the next service.

The 187 public bus also departs from the highway, about a 15-minute walk from the terminal. This option is much cheaper and the wait time is around 30 minutes, however, it is much more crowded and less convenient.

Luxury buses are much more comfortable than public buses as they are air-conditioned and have a designated luggage storage area.

How to get from Colombo Airport to Kandy by Train

One of the most famous train journeys in Sri Lanka is the one from Colombo Airport to Kandy. Similar to the bus, you’ll first need to take the Colombo Luxury Express bus from the airport to the city center, and then walk to the Colombo Fort Railway Station. From there, you can take a 2-hour and 30-minute train ride to Kandy. The total journey time is 3 hours and 20 minutes.

How much is the train from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

A one-way ticket on the Colombo Express bus costs €9.40 (LKR 3,000), and the cost of a second-class train ticket starts at €3.80 (LKR 1,200) per person. This brings the total price of the journey by bus and train to at least €13.20 (LKR 4,200) per traveler.

Cost

€13.20

Trip Duration

3 Hr. 20 Min.

*There's a wait time of up to 3 hours for both the bus and train.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The trains run from 05:55 to 17:45 and the Colombo Express bus runs from 05:30 to 20:30.

Where do I find the train at Colombo Airport?

Since there isn’t a train from Colombo Airport, you will first need to take the Colombo Luxury Express bus from the bus stop located in front of the Arrival Hall. You will be dropped at Colombo Main Bus Stop, which is a 5-minute walk to Colombo Fort Railway Station, where the train to Kandy departs from.

Convenience

The Colombo Airport to Kandy train option is the most affordable way to travel, and arguably the most entertaining. However, having to first transfer by bus and then find alternate transport to your hotel in Kandy adds time, cost, and stress to your journey. If it’s your first time visiting Colombo, you may find a direct and private Colombo Airport transfer more relaxing, especially if you have lots of luggage.

Timetables

Train Tickets

Colombo Fort Station – Kandy

Editor’s Note

If you're traveling in a group, it may be more beneficial and convenient to share the cost of a private transfer or taxi, rather than taking the train.

Useful Tips

A first-class train ticket starts at €6.30 (LKR 2,000) per person and includes an air-conditioned carriage.

The train doesn't run after 17:45, so be sure to check your flight landing time.

There's limited luggage storage on the train, be sure to travel light.

The train leaves from Colombo Fort Railway Station, not the airport.

How to get from Colombo Airport to Kandy by private transfer

If you’re looking for a comfortable, hassle-free, and enjoyable Colombo Airport transfer to your Kandy hotel – we’ve got you covered. Welcome Pickups offers world-class 24/7 customer service, unbeatable fixed fare prices, professional English-speaking drivers, door-to-door transfers, and tailored experiences.

Furthermore, as you make your way into the heart of Kandy, your driver will gladly point out famous landmarks and sights of interest to ensure your stay is extra special. Let Welcome take care of your Colombo Airport to Kandy transfer, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

How much is a private transfer from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

Arranging a private transfer with Welcome Pickups couldn’t be easier. Not only will you receive a fully inclusive upfront cost, but the whole process takes less than a minute when booked either via our website or the Welcome Pickups app.

For instance, your trip to Kandy in a stylish sedan that seats three passengers will set you back €55 (LKR 17,500), or if you need a more spacious vehicle, one of our minivans will do the trick, comfortably seating up to 12 passengers and their luggage for €140 (LKR 44,542), with no need to worry about surcharges or haggling your driver for the best price.

Cost

€55

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 45 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged at any time of day from Bandaranaike International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

As soon as you land at Colombo Airport, your driver will be waiting for you outside the Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name. After providing you with the most friendly welcome to Sri Lanka, your driver will lend a hand with your luggage and lead you to your pre-selected vehicle so that your ride can begin.

Convenience

For the same price or less than a taxi, a private transfer offers a personalized service that can be customized to suit your needs. Whether you need a minivan, a booster seat, or simply want to ensure you’ll reach your destination quickly and seamlessly, this is your best transfer option.

Editor’s Note

Private transfers are the easiest way to upgrade your travel itinerary to be as smooth and comfortable as possible.

Useful Tips

At Welcome Pickups, we provide all our drivers with live updates on any changes to your flight time. This means that if your flight is delayed or arrives early, your driver will always be there to greet you when you land.

A few days before your transfer, you'll receive an email with your driver's contact details and a recent photo.

While you're not obligated to tip in Sri Lanka, with longer journeys such as this one, you might like to leave a little something extra if you've received good service.

We suggest selecting a pickup time at least 40 minutes after your flight’s scheduled arrival time to ensure you have enough time to pass through Immigration and collect any luggage.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Colombo. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€60.0

NIGHTTIME

€72.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

The fixed fare rate for a Colombo Airport to Kandy transfer by taxi should be around €55.80 (LKR 17,820) for up to four passengers.

To secure a set rate fare you can count on, we recommend booking with Welcome Pickups in advance.

How do I get to Kandy from the airport?

There are four different ways to cover the distance from Colombo Airport to Kandy: taxi, bus, private transfer, or train. Taking a Colombo Airport taxi or private transfer will cost around €55.80 (LKR 17,820) and take 2 hours 45 minutes.

If you prefer to use public transport, the bus from Colombo Airport to Kandy will take 4 hours and 50 minutes and costs €17.70 (LKR 5,647), or you can take a combined bus and train trip that takes roughly 3 hours and 20 minutes, costing €13.20 (LKR 4,200) per traveler.

Is the train from Colombo to Kandy worth it?

The train is a very cheap transport option and perfect for those looking for an adventure. It does require an initial journey by bus though, which can be tiring and also overwhelming due to the language barrier.

However, if you manage to line up the bus and train timetables with your flight schedule, this option is usually quicker than the bus.

How long is the bus from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

It takes almost 5 hours to cover the distance from Colombo Airport to Kandy by bus. Not only will you need to make a transfer in Colombo City, but the wait time in between services can increase your journey time further.

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How to get from Colombo Airport to Kandy by taxi

Colombo Airport to Kandy taxi fare

Cost

€55.80

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 45 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 from Colombo Airport.

Where do I find a taxi at Colombo Airport?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get the Bus from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

How much is the bus from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

Cost

€17.70

Trip Duration

4 Hrs. 50 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Expess bus runs daily from 06:00 to 18:00. The Luxury bus from Colombo city center to Kandy departs between 03:30 and 23:00.

Where do I find the bus at Colombo Airport?

Convenience

Timetables

Bus Timetable

Colombo Fort Station – Kandy

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Colombo Airport to Kandy by Train

How much is the train from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

Cost

€13.20

Trip Duration

3 Hr. 20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The trains run from 05:55 to 17:45 and the Colombo Express bus runs from 05:30 to 20:30.

Where do I find the train at Colombo Airport?

Convenience

Timetables

Train Tickets

Colombo Fort Station – Kandy

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Colombo Airport to Kandy by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

Cost

€55

Trip Duration

2 Hr. 45 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged at any time of day from Bandaranaike International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

How do I get to Kandy from the airport?

Is the train from Colombo to Kandy worth it?

How long is the bus from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

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The best way to arrive in Colombo

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