How To Get From Sigiriya To Kandy

Looking to get from Sigiriya to Kandy?

The road that joins Sigiriya to Kandy is one of the roads that nearly all the travelers in Sri Lanka have to pass through. It is a little way on the map, but a great change of mood. You quit the deserted plains and the old ruins, and gradually enter the green hills and cool air.

Sigiriya is silent and ancient. It is all about the rock fortress, the jungle, and the serene environment. Kandy feels different. It is more vibrant, more civilized, and encircled by hazy hills and tea land. Therefore the travelling between the two destinations is actually an experience, rather than merely a transfer.

Sigiriya and Kandy are about 85km to 90km apart by road based on the path you follow. The drive is approximately 2.5-3 hours, on a good day. However, it might be somewhat longer due to traffic or road conditions.

Now here is the point. Although the distance is not very long, the mode of travelling can totally transform your experience. There are those who desire a smooth and comfortable ride. Other people are not opposed to a bit of disorder as long as it saves money.

There are three main ways to travel from Sigiriya to Kandy. You may choose a taxi, take a bus, or take a train with a transfer. All the options are quite different.

So, rather than reading them off at a breakneck pace, we might as well take them one at a time. Thus, you will be able to choose which one fits your style of travel.

By Taxi / Private Transfer

In case you desire the simplest and most comfortable, then technically this is it.

In a personal transfer, you will be directly transferred between your hotel at Sigiriya and your hotel at Kandy. No time to wait, no changing cars, no misunderstanding. Just a smooth ride.

The majority of the travelers reserve a Sri Lanka Driver Guide.  

 It is a local service and drivers are typically familiar with the routes. That is more than you think since the Sri Lankan roads are not only busy but at times, unpredictable.

The process itself is very pleasant. You go by the small towns, roadside stores, and the green belt. There is the beginning of a shift in the landscape as you approach Kandy. You’ll feel hills and curves, cooler air.

If you are not in a hurry. You can simply sit back, look outside, and relax a bit.

Benefits of Private Transfers

People have several reasons why they prefer this alternative over others.

• First, it’s simple. You don’t have to plan connections or check schedules. The driver summons you and transports you directly to your destinations.
• Second, it’s comfortable. The majority of vehicles are air-conditioned and this would be a great relief compared to Sigieriya heat.
• Third, it is time-saving. The direct car journey is typically 2-3 hours, the quickest of the most common alternatives.
• Also, it’s flexible. You can always request your driver to take a break and have a drink or snap photos or even visit a temple on the way.

This can be particularly useful when you are travelling with a family or with luggage. You do not need to carry bags in stations or on buses.

And also, it is hard to travel for a few days, and you just feel like having something simple. This is that option.

Estimated Taxi Cost

Prices of taxis may differ based on the kind of vehicle and the provider.

An average transfer between Sigiriya and Kandy, privately, costs between 40 and 90.

The following is a rough concept:

• Small car (1–3 people): around $40 to $60
• Van (4–6 people): around $70 to $90

These rates often feature hotel collection and delivery.

In case you are traveling with other people, it is very possible to divide the cost.

Booking Your Transfer

Reserving your transfer can be easily done online and is completed within a few minutes. First, you input your pick up point, destination, the date of travel, and in some cases, flight details or passenger number. Once you have filled out the form, you get a confirmation message or email with the details of the booking.

A great number of tourists resort to the services offered by such websites as Sri Lanka Driver Guide to book safe transportation in advance. This would allow them to be stress-free when they arrive and have a driver at the ready when they land.

When your booking is confirmed, the driver will pick you up at the agreed time, pick you up at the airport or pick up point, and help you with your luggage. The service is normally uncomplicated and orderly.

Also, booking a transfer beforehand ensures that the traveler is at ease, particularly in a foreign land where means of transport can be disorienting. It saves time, minimizes uncertainty, and makes the trip more comfortable and safe, particularly when it comes to first-time visitors as well as solo travelers, who find it most helpful.

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By Train

Train travel in Sri Lanka can be a scenic and beautiful experience to travel, however, the Sigiriya to Sigiriya journey is not a straight line. Sigiriya does not have a direct train station and, therefore, passengers need to travel to a nearby rail station like Habarana or Dambulla. It is then possible to take a train to Kandy. This causes the ride to be a series of steps rather than a single ride.

This might sound a bit inconvenient, but the train ride itself can be a pleasurable affair, providing one with the sights of forested areas, small towns, hills, and the life of a Sri Lankan day. Most of the travelers choose trains due to their affordability and a local and authentic travel experience as opposed to private transportation.

Nevertheless, one should think it through. Train time is not always available and missing a connection can lead to delays. It is advisable to check the timings beforehand and allow an additional time for travel. On the whole, it is a very winding but indirect path that needs some preparation, yet the experience can be highly memorable and picturesque.

Pros & Cons

Let’s be honest about this option.

Pros

Rides on the train in Sri Lanka can be quite scenic and interesting, particularly between the routes having connections to Kandy. You go through green fields, trees and small towns, and the ride becomes so relaxing and unforgettable. It is also among the cheapest modes of traveling thus it is ideal for those who are on a budget. The experience is another plus, as it is less global and more realistic than private vehicles or cabs, enabling you to explore the life of Sri Lanka firsthand. Most of the tourists love this slow speed and the opportunity to capture images on the way.

Cons

A direct train to Sigiriya is, however, not available. It requires additional planning and time, as you would have to first go to a nearby station like Habarana or Dambulla. The total travel time may be approximately 4-5 hours or longer in case of transfers. It is also possible to have a train overcrowded particularly in the lower classes thus not making the experience very comfortable for all the passengers. Timetables are not necessarily very flexible and thus missing a train may lead to delays.

Thus, although travelling by train is interesting, scenic, and cheap, it is not the most convenient and fast way to travel this route.

Train Tickets & Booking

Tickets can be bought at the station, which is what many locals do.

If you want a reserved seat, it’s better to book early online.

There are different classes:

• First class (more comfortable, limited seats)
• Second class
• Third class (very basic)

If comfort matters, go for first or second class.

Train Travel Time & Frequency

This trip normally lasts between 4 and 5 hours depending on the train connections and wait times. Only a couple of trains are running on a daily basis and hence it is very crucial to plan in advance. It is not so different from a taxi or a bus, as you cannot always decide on a regular departure time.

Nonetheless, when you like traveling slowly and experiencing a more relaxed process, it can be quite nice. You are able to relax and enjoy the scenery and have a more local form of travelling. To others, the journey in itself is part of the adventure and not merely a means of getting to the destination.

By Bus

The buses are the most cost-effective mode of transport between Sigiriya and Kandy and hence are known to be the favorite among low-end travellers. Nevertheless, they are the least comfortable compared to other means of transport.

Bus Routes & Stops

Sigiriya and Kandy do not have a direct bus and hence the trip is normally characterized by one or more transfers. The most frequented is the Sigiriya to Dambulla and then Dambulla to Kandy. These buses are rather frequent, and thus you do not have to spend a lot of time waiting at stations.

Although the route is frequent, you will have to switch buses at least once, which may be exhausting, particularly when you have luggage or in a hot climate. The seats are uncomfortable and cramped, and no space is available to carry luggage. The time spent in transit can also be different due to traffic and connection delays.

Altogether, buses are quite a cost-effective variant, yet it is a matter of time, elasticity, and additional effort on the way.

Bus Fares & Schedules

Buses are also one of the cheapest modes of transport between Sigiriya and Kandy since bus tickets are very cheap; they cost between 1 and 3 dollars. The overall travel time is usually about 3 to 4 hours, again, depending on the traffic and the speed at which you change routes.

Nonetheless, there is a good side to this alternative. Buses are usually very congested particularly during the peak hours and at times you may not even get a seat. The journey may be uncomfortable due to the need to stand for a long time. Space is also not much in the way of luggage which might be tricky in case you are carrying luggage or a backpack.

As it does not have a direct bus, you typically have to go by way of Dambulla and maybe switch buses in the process. This gives a little pressure particularly when you are not familiar with the route.

In general, buses are extremely cheap and common; however, they may get tiresome and uncomfortable, particularly, after spending long hours on the road or sightseeing.

Comparison Table

Here’s a simple comparison to help you decide.

If comfort matters most, go for a taxi.

If you want a balance, trains can work.

If you’re on a tight budget, buses are the cheapest.

So, getting from Sigiriya to Kandy is not difficult. All you have to do is make the right choice.

Transfers involving private individuals are easy, hassle-free, and comfortable. They are ideal in case you wish to have a smooth ride.

Trains will provide a more scenic ride, but will require planning and will take longer.

The bus is the most affordable, but it may be busy and uncomfortable.

The majority of the travelers will end up using a personal transfer as it is time-saving and it is also less stressful.

Booking through Sri Lanka Driver Guide is a sure method of planning your trip.

This is one of the journeys you must have at the end of the day in Sri Lanka.

You begin in the ancient plains of Sigiriya and gradually proceed to the green hills of Kandy.

By the time you arrive, you’ll notice the change. It is colder in the air. The environment is less hectic.

And that change makes the journey worth it.

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Editorial Staff

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