How to get from Kandy to Negombo
What are the 3 ways to travel from Kandy to Negombo?
There are 3 ways to travel the 100 kilometre (62 miles) distance from Kandy to Negombo. You can choose between the bus, taxi and train. The journey takes 3 to 4 hours and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at 820 LKR ($2.60).
Kandy to Negombo by Bus
From Kandy Good Shed Bus Station, take bus #1/245 to Negombo. We recommend that you take an air-conditioned bus for a little more comfort. A ticket costs 820 LKR ($2.60) and the travel time is about 4 hours.
You’ll also find regular buses for about 450 LKR ($1.40), but they’re not the best option for a trip this long. They’re less comfortable, don’t have air conditioning, make more stops, and usually take longer to reach Kandy.
Kandy to Negombo by Train
There are no direct trains from Kandy to Negombo. First, take a train to Gampaha, then continue to Negombo by taxi or tuk-tuk.
Step 1: Kandy to Gampaha by Train
From Kandy Railway Station, the earliest train to Negombo departs at 04:30 on weekdays. Travel time is around 2.5 hours, and a 2nd-class unreserved ticket costs about 200 LKR ($0.60).
You can check all trains running from Kandy to Gampaha here.
The above rates are for a 2nd class unreserved seat. First and 2nd class reserved tickets are also available, but you have to book them weeks or even a month prior to your trip.
Sri Lankan trains can get very crowded, especially during peak hours. Booking an unreserved seat means there is no assurance that you will be able to get a seat at all.
Check out our page on how to book train tickets in Sri Lanka for more info.
Step 2: Gampaha to Negombo by Taxi/Tuk-tuk
From Gampaha, Negombo is about 25 km away. You can find a taxi or tuk-tuk outside Gampaha Railway Station. Taxi fares start from 1,920 LKR ($6), and the journey takes around 1 hour.
A tuk-tuk ride costs slightly less at around 1,600 LKR ($5), but it will also be slower.
Kandy to Negombo by Taxi
A private transfer from Kandy to Negombo is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 3 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 16,000 LKR ($50) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 4,000 LKR ($12.50) 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 17,000 LKR ($54).
Taxi options from Kandy to Negombo
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Kandy to Negombo. 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 Negombo
What is the distance from Kandy to Negombo?
The distance from Kandy to Negombo is 100 kilometre (62 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Kandy to Negombo?
The fastest way to get from Kandy to Negombo is by taxi and takes 3 hours.
What is the cheapest way to get from Kandy to Negombo?
The cheapest way to get from Kandy to Negombo is by bus with ticket costs starting from 820 LKR ($2.60).
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.
