Sri Lanka

How to get from Kandy to Sigiriya

In this in-depth route guide, you’ll find the best ways to travel the 90 kilometres (56 miles) distance from Kandy to Sigiriya. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Sigiriya as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.

Written by Maarten - Trip Planning ExpertReviewed by Ela - Senior Travel WriterLast updated: November 11, 2024

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What are the 3 ways to travel from Kandy to Sigiriya?

There are 3 ways to travel the 90 kilometres (56 miles) from Kandy to Sigiriya. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan and taxi. The journey takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours and the quickest way is by shared minivan. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 245 LKR ($0.80).

Transport

Duration

Pricing

Transport Options

Bus

From 245 LKR ($0.80)

Shared Minivan

2h 30m

From 6,100 LKR ($20)

Book Tickets

Taxi

2h 30m

From 14,000 LKR ($45.50)

Book Tickets

Kandy to Sigiriya by Bus

Duration: 3h

Costs: 245 LKR ($0.80)

Duration: 3h

Costs: 245 LKR ($0.80)

There are no direct buses operating from Kandy to Sigiriya. You will first have to take a bus to Dambulla and then transfer to another bus bound for Sigiriya.

Step 1: Kandy to Dambulla by Bus

Duration: 2.5 hours

Costs: 200 LKR ($0.70)

Duration: 2.5 hours

Costs: 200 LKR ($0.70)

From the Kandy Goods Shed Bus Stand, take a bus bound for Kaduruwela (#41-2), Anuradhapura (#42-2) or Trincomalee (#45). Fares start at 200 LKR ($0.70) for an ordinary bus and travel time is about 2.5 hours.

Only buses bound for Anuradhapura offer air-conditioned rides. However, these are not as common as ordinary buses and may have an interval of 1 to 2 hours. A ticket costs 420 LKR ($1.40).

We recommend that you depart from Kandy very early in the morning so that you can start your hike in Sigiriya before the sun is in full force. The first bus departs at 05:30 in the morning. Make sure you ask your hotel beforehand about the bus intervals so you can time your arrival at the bus station.

Get off at Dambulla Bus Stand.

Step 2: Dambulla to Sigiriya by Bus

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 45 LKR ($0.10)

Duration: 30 minutes

Costs: 45 LKR ($0.10)

From Dambulla Bus Stand, buses bound for Sigiriya depart at least twice per hour. Travel time is about 30 minutes and you can get a ticket for at least 45 LKR ($0.10). The bus will drop you off at the park entrance.

Kandy to Sigiriya by Shared Minivan

Duration: 2h 30m

Costs: 6,100 LKR ($20)

Duration: 2h 30m

Costs: 6,100 LKR ($20)

A minivan ride from Kandy to Sigiriya costs around 6,100 LKR ($20). The minivan journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Magical Sri Lanka is operating on this route.

What we like about this option is that they offer free hotel pickup and drop-off. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to and from bus stations.

Shared Minivan options from Kandy to Sigiriya

Kandy - Any hotel

Standard

Sigiriya - Any hotel

06:30

2h 30m

09:00

Magical Sri Lanka

6,100 LKR ($20)

Get Your Tickets

Kandy to Sigiriya by Taxi

Duration: 2h 30m

Costs: 14,000 LKR ($45.50)

Duration: 2h 30m

Costs: 14,000 LKR ($45.50)

You can get a taxi from Kandy to Sigiriya for around 7,000 LKR ($23) via Uber, but fares can be slightly cheaper or more expensive depending on availability.

You can also check the taxi apps PickMe and TaxiGo if you’re hoping for cheaper rates. But, unfortunately, these apps have very limited availability outside the capital city, Colombo.

Just in case none of the above options is available, you can also book a taxi via BookAway for 14,000 LKR ($45.50).

Taxi options from Kandy to Sigiriya

Standard

Standard Car 2 PAX

Price per person = 6,900 LKR ($23)

Magical Sri Lanka

14,000 LKR ($45.50)

Get Your Tickets

Standard

Standard Minivan 5 PAX

Price per person = 5,300 LKR ($17.50)

Magical Sri Lanka

26,000 LKR ($88)

Get Your Tickets

Rounding it up

We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Kandy to Sigiriya. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.

PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!

Frequently Asked Questions about Kandy to Sigiriya

What is the distance from Kandy to Sigiriya?

The distance from Kandy to Sigiriya is 90 kilometres (56 miles).

What is the fastest way to get from Kandy to Sigiriya?

The fastest way to get from Kandy to Sigiriya is by shared minivan and takes 2 hours 30 minutes.

What is the cheapest way to get from Kandy to Sigiriya?

The cheapest way to get from Kandy to Sigiriya is by bus with ticket costs starting from 245 LKR ($0.80).

About the author(s)

Maarten

Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.

Ela

Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.