How To Get From Kandy to Ella

Want to get from Kandy to Ella?

The hill country in Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful landscapes of this island, and one of the most popular ways of traveling in the country is the Kandy Ella trip. Situated in the fertile highlands, Ella is surrounded by dramatic scenery, tea fields, waterfalls and hiking trails which attract travellers worldwide. You must first of all determine how to get there before you can marvel at the loveliness of the Nine Arch Bridge, or look out from the peak of Little Adam.

You need to know how to get there by scenic train or comfortable personal transfer, and how much the transport will cost, this guide will investigate all the most suitable transport variants between Kandy and Ella, their time durations, prices, and tips in order to book the best option, and questions that can arise during your way.

Also, the Kandy-Ella trip is probably one of the most popular modes of travelling in the country. Located in the fertile highlands, Ella is enclosed by incredible scenery, tea plantations, falls, and hiking paths that appeal to the tourists across the world. The guide will explore all the best possible transport options between Kandy and Ella, the approximate time taken, cost per option and worker tips, will also discuss the miscellaneous questions that may arise in the process of traveling, and your knowledge will sway your choice of traveling in that scenario.

By Taxi / Private Transfer

Why Choose a Taxi or Private Transfer

A personal taxi or transfer is one of the cheapest and stress-free ways of getting through the Kandy-Ella route. This is the option that you want to use in the event that you value convenience, door-to-door delivery, and flexibility – especially when travelling with luggage, family, or a group. You can pull out and experience the scenic beauty, take photographs and reach your destination at your own pace without worrying about requesting someone to hold your ticket and requesting someone to wait on your connection through the use of a private transfer as opposed to a public transport.

If you favor the most convenient travelling experience of your life, you should choose to reserve a personal transfer with a secure domestic organization, SriLanka Driver Guide which presents professional drivers, contemporary cars, and tailor-made services within Sri Lanka. You may also book your ride with the following:

Sri Lanka Driver Guide Private Transfers

The transport using a road also means having an exact time of arrival and comfort in the individual which is especially significant after a long day of exploration in Kandy or direct to the accommodation in Ella or the hotels found nearby.

It is based on the information on travelling and the distance between Kandy and Ella is approximately 130-140 kilometres and a personal vehicle would require 4-5 hours of beautiful back roads depending on the route and the traffic.

Estimated Taxi & Private Car Costs

The charge of a personal taxi/transfer between Kandy and Ella will differ depending on the kind of car, passengers and luggage used as well as the seasonal demand. The current pricing strategies are:

• Standard Sedan: LKR 17,000 – 24,000
• Mini Van (4-6 passengers): LKR 24,000 – 33,000
• Larger Van / Group Vehicle: LKR 30,000+

 (The prices are approximated and may vary with the price of fuel as well as the season of the year.)

These are the prices in local cabs and transfer services. Professional drivers tend to be able to make in between stops, have comfortable seats, and have waiting time.

Under a personalized transfer, you will receive:

• Door-to-door pickup
• No ticket queues
• Flexible departure time
• Roomy air-conditioned vehicle.

It is an excellent option when you are in a hurry and require a comfortable mode of transport. Sri Lanka Driver Guide can book a private transfer directly – book it now: Kandy to Ella Private Transfer.

Booking Your Private Transfer

When there is a possibility, it is recommended to reserve a personal transfer beforehand especially during the high seasons of traffic (December-March and July-August). Here are a few tips:

• Booking ahead- Drivers and vehicles are non-existent during the tourist seasons.
• Travel arrangements or flight / accommodation details – This is beneficial to the driver to enable him make arrangements ahead of time whereby there are no delays.
• Confirm the kind of car to take- sedan in case of solo travelling, and van in case of family or friends.
• Ask other stops -The majority of the drivers will be happy to have a rest break or a view.

By booking via the Sri Lanka Driver Guide, you will be assured, have contacts of your driver and assistance in whatever you are doing during your trip therefore making your trip as smooth as possible.

Book With Sri Lanka Driver Guide – Get a Quote

By Train

Why the Train is Iconic (But Slow)

The Sri Lankan train ride is known globally as one of the most striking scenery rides and the Kandy-Ella route to Ella is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful rail routes on this planet. A train ride in Sri Lanka gives the traveler an opportunity to rest as he/she gets to see the beautiful scenery, the green fields, the misty valleys, the falling falls and forests and the rolling mountains. It is an experience that is immersive, and provides a different viewpoint of the natural beauty that the island has to offer, which is hard to see when driving or riding a bus.

The railway system of Sri Lanka has a plateau route, which connects the Kandy and Ella, as part of the legendary Sri Lanka Main Line. This part is particularly most preferred by tourists due to its panoramic scenes and reduced speed, which enables the tourists to enjoy the scenery without being in a hurry. The slower pace is a conscious benefit, allowing the passengers to enjoy the details of the landscape, both in the form of charming villages and terraced hills, as well as mountain ridges in the distance.

The main sacrifice of this picturesque ride is time since the train trips between Kandy and Ella can take between six and seven hours or even more depending on the kind of service and the time of the day. Nevertheless, numerous tourists regard the fact that they rode the train as the best experience in Sri Lanka. To these passengers, travelling is not only a means of transportation but also a major component of the adventure and offers them an opportunity to relax, experience nature, and have one of the best train trips globally.

Pros & Cons of Train Travel

Pros:

• Unmatched scenery: The Kandy–Ella train route winds through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Sri Lanka.
• Affordable: Train tickets are very inexpensive compared to road transport.
• Cultural experience: Riding the railway with locals adds depth to your travel experience.

Cons:

• Slow travel times: The train journey typically takes 6–7 hours or longer.
• Crowds and availability: Trains are popular and seats (especially in scenic seating classes) sell out fast. It’s recommended to book early.
• Limited comfort in 3rd class: The cheapest seats are basic and can be crowded, though they offer authentic local flavour.

It is not just the ride in the train, but it is also the ride in the interior highlands of Sri Lanka. Most of the travellers have it as a must visit site of their travelling, particularly the portion of the route between Nanu Oya and Ella, which takes into account waterfalls and tea estate panoramas.

Train Tickets & Booking

Train ticket prices vary by class:

• 3rd Class: Low cost but basic seating — often crowded.
• 2nd Class: Comfortable seating, better views — moderate price.
• 1st Class / Observation Car: Best choice for scenery, panoramic windows, and comfort — higher price but highly recommended.

Approximate online pricing (early 2025 data):

• 3rd class: ~LKR 300–500
• 2nd class: ~LKR 600–900
• 1st class: ~LKR 2,500–3,000+ for reserved or panoramic seat (can vary widely).

Train tickets can be bought in advance on websites like 12Go Asia, or at the ticket booth of the Kandy Railway Station. The KandyElla route is one of the most used routes, especially in the second and first class therefore the places are occupied within a short time therefore, it is always ideal to book in time.

Train Travel Time & Frequency

• Total Travel Time: 6 to 7 hours on average and service and delays.
• Time: There are several trains that are caused to run in the line of Kandy-Ella daily, however not all of them pass while running and schedules are therefore to be verified.

There are constant delays as the trains are slow in speed within the hilly terrain. Flexibility should always be maintained when making tours, activities or onward transfers arrangements.

By Bus

General Overview

The most affordable way of getting to Ella once at Kandy is by the bus but not directly as the train or individual transfer. The buses between these towns may be with or without transfers that are one or more and can be more or can be less comfortable.

Direct buses are rare and the routes are normally performed by passing through other towns like Badulla or Bandarawael by changing buses.

The low-end traveller who is not too concerned about the complications as long as there is some planning and flexibility can, however, use buses.

Bus Routes & Stops

Generally, the Kandy to Ella bus travel entails:

1. Badulla or Kandy by bus.
2. Connection between the bus between Nuwara Eliya/Badulla and Ella.

Buses that run on these routes are regular regional buses that are run by Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB).

Buses leave the main bus terminal in Kandy and some signs and people help you to identify the right line. In buses, luggage is typically placed in overhead storage, or underneath the bus but this may be limited, consequently it is advisable to be early.

Bus Fares & Schedules

The cost of bus fares is very cheap and at times below LKR 1,000 one way depending on the type of bus and the route.

Bus time is very variable. Bus time is usually about 4-5 hours (this may be longer with transfers) including wait time and stopovers.

The times are dependent on the route and day of week and travel seasons might be busiest resulting in crowded buses. Planning should be done with the help of the locals in order to establish flatter interconnections.

Comparing All Transport Options

* Bus travel times are varied due to transfers and waiting times.

The ride between Kandy and Ella may be even better than Ella itself. You may have a chill personal transfer with Sri Lanka Driver Guide (with its own set of customized care and comfort), a scenic train journey through the green highlands, or a cheaper bus journey and experience the beauty of the hill nation in Sri Lanka.

Ready for a smooth ride?
Get your personal driver service to Sri Lanka Driver Guide and receive a hassle-free ride: Kandy to Ella Transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Editorial Staff

Editorial Staff is at Sri Lanka Driver Guides are Sri Lanka travel experts.