How To Get From Kandy To Anuradhapura
Here is how to get from Kandy to Anuradhapura.
The cities of Kandy and Anuradhapura are popular tourist destinations. They are steeped in heritage and charm. Anuradhapura is the ancient capital of the Sri Lankan kings. This city has flourished for more than a thousand years. Alongside, this entire capital is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
On the other hand, Kandy offers scenic views, being situated amidst the hills. There are a lot of spots in Kandy that help you take a mental break from the stress. If you are already in Kandy and now wish to reach Anuradhapura, here is how you can plan the journey.
Kandy to Anuradhapura by Taxi
The entire country of Sri Lanka is connected by roadways. Taxis are in demand among travelers due to their convenience and comfort. If you are seeking a hassle-free journey, we recommend you choose the Sri Lanka Drive guide. This is the official platform to book taxis in Sri Lanka.
The platform connects you (the traveler) to well-trained professional drivers well-versed in navigating the nation’s roads. These drivers ensure safe and efficient transport and serve as knowledgeable guides. They provide you with valuable insights into the local culture and attractions along the way.
The Sri Lanka Driver guide platform offers a range of vehicles, like compact cars and spacious vans. You can choose the best one depending on the number of people and luggage. To book a taxi, visit the official website of Sri Lanka Driver guide and add pickup and drop locations. You also need to add a date and time. You will then receive a confirmation.
It takes around 3 hours to travel from Kandy to Anuradhapura. The distance is approximately 136 km via Kandy-Jaffna Road Highway A9. In the mid-way you will cross Dambulla. If possible, make a halt and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple.
You can ask the driver to take you to the restaurant that serves delicious and authentic Sri Lankan seafood. You will also get vegetarian options. This is the best thing about private taxis. You can take a break and explore as much as you want.
You can try public transport as well. Let us tell you more.
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Kandy to Anuradhapura by bus
If you wish to travel from Kandy to Anuradhapura by bus, here are the details of the same. First of all, you will have to reach Kandy Good Shed Bus Station. Board the bus that goes towards the Jaffna Road or Anuradhapura.
The bus will take the route via Kurunegala Highway A10. The bus will directly take you to Anuradhapura. It will take around 5 hours. There are AC and non-AC buses. Intercity and private buses are also available. Once you reach the bus stop, you will find many bus services.
The ticket price may range between 100-400 LKR. Sometimes, the buses tend to change the route in case the roads are too bumpy or under construction. But eventually, within 5-6 hours of your journey, you will reach Anuradhapura.
Another route is via Colombo. This will be a journey lasting more than 7 hours. You will need to change the buses as well. First of all, from Kandy Bus Station, board the bus that goes to Colombo Fort. You can explore the modern-day capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. Then, from Colombo, you can board another bus that goes towards Anuradhapura.
The only issue with some of the buses is their condition. A few have broken seats and dirty windows. Most of the buses do not have enough leg space. You may also not be able to carry a whole lot of luggage. The luggage space is too limited in such buses, and thus, you may not be able to sit comfortably.
Buses start running at 5 am in the morning. The last bus is generally at 7.15 pm, but on the Colombo route, there are midnight buses as well. You will find a bus from Kandy to Anuradhapura every 15-30 minutes.
Let us now move ahead to another mode of transport, the railways.
Kandy to Anuradhapura by train
Sri Lanka has good railway connectivity, but it is yet to develop on some routes. One such route is Kandy to Anuradhapura. Unfortunately, there are no direct trains on this route. Therefore, you will have to change trains.
The first early in the morning departs Kandy at 5 a.m., but only on Saturday and Sunday. Board this train that goes from Kandy to Colombo Fort and hop off the train at Polgahawela railway station. You will reach here by 6.40 am.
Within 20 minutes, you need to board another train from Polgahawela to Colombo Fort. This is the intercity train that departs your current station at 7 am and reaches Anuradhapura at 9.10 am. There are different trains as well throughout the other days. 10.40 am, 1.10 pm, 2.51 pm, 6.25 pm, and 9.22 pm are the train timings.
These are the departure times from Kandy. No matter which train you board, you will have to change trains from Polgahawela only. The train cost might be somewhere between 1100-1600 LKR.
Best Route for Kandy to Anuradhapura
Taxis are considered the best option so far. Even if you opt for a bus or train, you might need a tuk-tuk or a taxi to reach your hotel or final destination. Thus, book a taxi on the Sri Lanka Driver guide platform.
The bus and train may sound like cheaper modes of travel, but you need to be really quick to be on time. Punctuality is necessary for such travel options. There are no midnight trains if you want to travel from Kandy to Anuradhapura.
Booking a taxi helps you explore localities, cuisines, markets, and many other spots midway. Choose a safe and convenient option to travel in Sri Lanka.
Editorial Staff is at Sri Lanka Driver Guides are Sri Lanka travel experts.
