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Kandy sits in Sri Lanka's central hills, a world away from the coast at Negombo. The city wraps around a lake and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. The bus is the cheapest way to get from Negombo to Kandy at $2.40 (820 LKR), though it takes 4 hours. A taxi is the quickest option at 3h, and the train takes you up into the hills if you'd rather watch the climb.
Distance from Negombo to Kandy
Negombo and Kandy are about 89 km (55 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 120 km by road. The quickest way to get from Negombo to Kandy is by taking the taxi, which takes around 3h.
3 ways to travel from Negombo to Kandy
There are three ways to travel from Negombo to Kandy. You can choose between the bus, train, and taxi. The journey takes 3h–4h and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by bus with tickets starting at $2.40 (820 LKR).
Reach out to our Community
1Is this up to date/when was this info gathered? I can't find any info about a direct bus from negombo to kandy online apart from this site.
ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION
Why Visit Kandy?
Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Nestled on a plateau surrounded by misty hills and tea plantations, it is home to the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist sites in the country.
Also called the "Sacred City," people often stop with just the Temple of the Tooth when planning what to do in Kandy. But there are a few other places we recommend: like the World Buddhist Museum, Kandy Lake and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
Rounding it up
That's the full picture for getting from Negombo to Kandy, roughly 89 kilometres (55 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $2.40 (820 LKR). The quickest trip takes 3h.
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 Negombo to Kandy?
The distance from Negombo to Kandy is 89 kilometres (55 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Negombo to Kandy?
The fastest way to get from Negombo to Kandy is by taxi and takes 3h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Negombo to Kandy?
The cheapest way to get from Negombo to Kandy is by bus with ticket costs starting from 820 LKR.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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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