How to get from Kandy to Sigiriya
What are the 3 ways to travel from Kandy to Sigiriya?
There are 3 ways to travel the 90 kilometre (56 miles) distance 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 630 LKR ($2).
Kandy to Sigiriya by Bus
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
From the Kandy Goods Shed Bus Stand, take a bus bound for Kaduruwela (#41-2), Anuradhapura (#42-2) or Trincomalee (#45). Fares start at 530 LKR ($1.70) 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 1,000 LKR ($3.10).
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. Make sure you ask your hotel beforehand about the bus times so you can plan when to arrive at the station.
Get off at Dambulla Bus Stand.
Step 2: Dambulla to Sigiriya by Bus
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 around 100 LKR ($0.30). The bus will drop you off at Sigiriya park entrance.
Kandy to Sigiriya by Shared Minivan
A minivan ride from Kandy to Sigiriya costs around 4,690 LKR ($14.70). The minivan journey takes about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
There are two companies operating on this route: Real Lanka Holidays and Magical Sri Lanka.
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.
Shared Minivan options from Kandy to Sigiriya
Kandy to Sigiriya by Taxi
A private transfer from Kandy to Sigiriya is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 2 hours 30 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes, 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 10,000 LKR ($32) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 2,550 LKR ($8) 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 19,000 LKR ($61).
Taxi options from Kandy to Sigiriya
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 kilometre (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 630 LKR ($2).
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.
