Kandy is Sri Lanka's hill capital, built around a man-made lake. It holds the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the island's most revered Buddhist shrine. The town lies 66 kilometres (41 miles) northwest of Ella. The taxi gets you from Ella to Kandy in 3-4h. The bus is the cheapest option at $4.10 (1,360 LKR), though the ride is long.
Distance from Ella to Kandy
Ella and Kandy are about 66 km (41 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 136 km by road. Depending on the option, the trip takes between 3h and 7h.
4 ways to travel from Ella to Kandy
There are four ways to travel from Ella to Kandy. You can choose between the bus, minivan, taxi, and train. The journey takes 3h – 7h and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $4.10 (1,360 LKR).
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ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Kandy?
Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Nestled on a plateau surrounded by misty hills and tea plantations, it is home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country.
Also called the "Sacred City," people often stop with just the Temple of the Tooth when planning what to do in Kandy. But there are a few other places we recommend: like the World Buddhist Museum, Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Ella to Kandy, roughly 66 kilometres (41 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $4.10 (1,360 LKR). The quickest trip takes 3h.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Ella to Kandy?
The distance from Ella to Kandy is 66 kilometres (41 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Ella to Kandy?
Journey times from Ella to Kandy overlap: bus 5h, minivan 3h 30m - 5h, taxi 3-4h, train 6-7h. Depending on the departure, no single option is always the fastest.
What is the cheapest way to get from Ella to Kandy?
The cheapest way to get from Ella to Kandy is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,360 LKR.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
Senior Travel Writer
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.
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