How to get from Kandy to Ella
What are the 4 ways to travel from Kandy to Ella?
There are 4 ways to travel the 140 kilometre (87 miles) distance from Kandy to Ella. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, taxi and train*. The journey takes 1 hour 45 minutes to 6 hours and the quickest way is by train*. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 1,360 LKR ($4.30).
Where to stay in Ella?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Ella at the bottom of this page.
Kandy to Ella by Bus
The bus is an affordable way to get from Kandy to Ella, with fares starting from 1,360 LKR ($4.30). The journey takes around 6 hours.
There are only a few direct intercity buses on this route, so it’s best to plan ahead.
From Kandy Bus Stand, take Bus #10 and ask the bus driver to drop you off in Ella.
If you miss the direct bus, you can still travel from Kandy to Ella via Badulla.
Take Bus #21 to Badulla for around 470 LKR ($1.50), which takes about 5 hours. From Badulla Bus Station, catch any bus going to Ella. Tickets cost around 600 LKR ($1.90), and the journey takes about 2 hours.
Kandy to Ella by Train*
*Important Update:Â The last time we checked (April 2026), the Kandy to Ella train route was still not fully operational following the railway disruption caused by Cyclone Ditwah. We recommend travelling to Ella by minivan or private car instead.
The train ride from Kandy to Ella is the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. It is also the busiest. Aside from locals, many tourists compete for highly coveted seats on this famous route.
Booking your train ticket online will secure you a seat, but bear in mind that you need to book train tickets in Sri Lanka at least 1 month before your trip.
Although it is often still possible to book your tickets a few days in advance at the railway station, they might be sold out. If you miss the chance of booking a reserved ticket, be prepared to stand for a part of this 6-hour journey. You can get a 2nd-class unreserved ticket for 500 LKR ($1.60).
Online tickets start from 1,520 LKR ($4.80). They are more expensive, but worth it if you want to be assured of a good seat. First-class cabins are air-conditioned, and ticket prices start from 7,100 LKR ($22). If you prefer open windows for your photo ops, you can go for second-class cabins at 5,600 LKR ($17.50).
Trains depart from Kandy Railway Station and arrive at Ella Railway Station. Both stations are in the city centre.
PRO TIP: This route is beautiful anywhere you look, but if you are free to choose which side to sit on, go for the right side when travelling from Kandy to Ella.
Train schedules from Kandy to Ella
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you’re eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on 12Go.Asia.
Viceroy II
Another train option which is only available on 12Go.Asia is the more luxurious Viceroy II. It is not as adventurous as a 2nd class train but it is a scenic ride all the same.
Be prepared that Viceroy II costs twice the amount of a 1st class cabin from the regular Sri Lankan Railway train.
In return, you will get an air-conditioned train, soft seats, wi-fi on-board, and pleasant lighting, reassuring you will have a very comfortable 6-hour journey. It also has a fully-stocked bar, but as drinks are a quite expensive, think of bringing your own food and drinks for the journey.
Viceroy II operates from Kandy to Ella on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
- Departs at 12:35 from Peradeniya, a suburb located west of Kandy’s city centre
- Arrives at 18:27 at Ella Railway Station in the city centre
- Tickets cost 7,300 LKR ($23). You can book your Viceroy II ticket via 12go.Asia or in the link below.
Unreserved seats
If you missed all changes to book a reserved seat, you can also buy a ticket for an unreserved seat from Kandy to Ella at the train station on the day of your trip. You can find the exact schedules beforehand on the Sri Lanka Railways website.
Tickets for a 3rd class seat cost 125 LKR ($0.40) while 2nd class seats cost 230 LKR ($0.70). These are unlimited so buying a ticket should be easy enough.
PRO TIP: For the best chances to get a seat, consider to board the train one station before Kandy, which is Kadugannawa. A lot of passengers are expected to get off in Kandy and when they do, you will be able to get their seats before the mass of passengers in Kandy Station get inside the train.
Kandy to Ella by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Kandy to Ella costs around 11,000 LKR ($33). What we like about this option is that some minivan companies offer free hotel pickup and drop-off. This saves you the hassle and extra cost of finding your way to and from bus stations.
There are one companies operating on this route.
Tuktukdude Leisure runs a regular shared minivan from Kandy to Ella, with a travel time of about 3.5 hours. If you have more time, we recommend the scenic transfer with Magical Sri Lanka. It’s cheaper and includes stops at seven tourist spots along the way.
You’ll get 5-20 minutes to explore each of these locations:
- Ramboda Waterfalls
- Ramboda Falls View Point
- Tea Estate and Tea Factory
- Red Post Office in Nuwara Eliya
- Gregory Park Lake in Nuwara Eliya
- Ashok Vatika Hindu Temple
- Seetha Amman Kovil Hindu Temple
The full journey takes around 5 hours, but it feels more like a relaxed sightseeing trip than just a transfer.
Shared Minivan options from Kandy to Ella
Kandy to Ella by Taxi
A private transfer from Kandy to Ella is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Uber is the most budget-friendly option for this route, with prices starting at 15,000 LKR ($47.50) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 3,800 LKR ($11.90) each.
You can also check the taxi apps PickMe and TaxiGo to compare rates.
If you prefer booking in advance, platforms like BookAway or 12GoAsia are great choices. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at 22,000 LKR ($69).
Taxi options from Kandy to Ella
Best places to stay in Ella
Will Guest Homestay - Budget Friendly
An exceptional homestay with stunning mountain views. You will feel right at home here with the friendly and welcoming staff. Bike and car rentals are available on-site and breakfast is included with your stay.
The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. You won’t want to check out of this homestay!
- Breathtaking mountain views
- Breakfast included
- Clean and comfortable
- Extremely friendly and helpful staff
Private room starts at $23 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Kandy to Ella. 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 Ella
What is the distance from Kandy to Ella?
The distance from Kandy to Ella is 140 kilometre (87 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Kandy to Ella?
The fastest way to get from Kandy to Ella is by train* and takes 1 hour 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to get from Kandy to Ella?
The cheapest way to get from Kandy to Ella is by bus with ticket costs starting from 1,360 LKR ($4.30).
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 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.
