2 ways to get from Kandy to Sigiriya
There are 2 ways to travel the distance of 90 kilometers (56 miles) from Kandy to Sigiriya by bus (3 hours) and taxi (2 hours 45 minutes). The journey duration ranges between 2 hours 45 minutes to 3 hours and the quickest way is by taxi. The lowest priced tickets start from 245 LKR ($0.80) for the bus.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 200 LKR ($0.70) 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 420 LKR ($1.40).
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. The first bus departs at 05:30 in the morning. Make sure you ask your hotel beforehand about the bus intervals so you can time your arrival at the bus 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 at least 45 LKR ($0.20). The bus will drop you off at the park entrance.
Kandy to Sigiriya by Taxi
You can get a taxi from Kandy to Sigiriya for around 7,000 LKR ($24) via Uber, but fares can be slightly cheaper or more expensive depending on availability. You can also check the taxi apps PickMe and TaxiGo if you’re hoping for cheaper rates. But, unfortunately, these apps have very limited availability outside the capital city, Colombo.
PRO TIP: Use the code “hpam1ue” or this link to order your first ride with Uber for free!
Just in case none of the above options is available, you can also book a taxi via BookAway for 14,000 LKR ($48).
Frequently Asked Questions about Kandy to Sigiriya
What is the distance from Kandy to Sigiriya?
The distance from Kandy to Sigiriya is 90 kilometers (56 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Kandy to Sigiriya?
The fastest way to get from Kandy to Sigiriya is by taxi and takes 2 hours 45 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 245 LKR ($0.80).
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!
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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.
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.
