Nuwara Eliya is Sri Lanka's hill-country tea town, 39 kilometres (24 miles) south of Kandy. Cool air, clipped hedges and colonial bungalows earned it the nickname Little England. The taxi is the quickest way to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, taking 2h 45m - 3h. The bus is the cheapest at $1.70 (570 LKR), though it takes 4h. The scenic train has been suspended since late November 2025, because the Kandy–Nanu Oya section is still closed after Cyclone Ditwah.
Distance from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Kandy and Nuwara Eliya are about 39 km (24 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 73 km by road. The quickest way to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is by taking the taxi, which takes around 2h 45m - 3h.
4 ways to travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
There are four ways to travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. You can choose between the bus, shared minivan, taxi, and train. The journey takes 2h 45m – 5h 25m and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $1.70 (570 LKR).
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Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, roughly 39 kilometres (24 miles) apart. In all, there are 4 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $1.70 (570 LKR). The quickest trip takes 2h 45m.
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 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?
The distance from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is 39 kilometres (24 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?
The fastest way to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is by taxi and takes 2h 45m - 3h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?
The cheapest way to get from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is by bus with ticket costs starting from 570 LKR.
About the Authors
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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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