City in Central Province, Sri Lanka
Getting around Kandy
How to get around Kandy
Tuk-tuks and PickMe cover town; trains and buses link Colombo, Ella and Sigiriya. Book the Kandy–Ella train early.
Ways to get around Kandy
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| PickMe / Uber | About 600–1,200 LKR for 5 km | Tuk-tuks and cars; fixed prices |
| Train | To Colombo or Ella: about 1,000–4,000 LKR by class | Reserve intercity seats online |
| Local bus | About 30–100 LKR | Cheap but crowded; main stop near the railway station |
Ride-hailing apps in Kandy
A 5 km ride costs about Rs600–1,200 ($1.8–3.6).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| PickMe | Most tuk-tuks and cars; works across town |
| Uber | Works in Kandy, with fewer drivers than PickMe |
- Apps are cheaper than street tuk-tuks. If you hail one, agree the price first; meters are uncommon.
Arriving in Kandy
Via Colombo airport (CMB) (CMB)
No airport. Bus or train from Colombo 3–4 h; car and driver about 18,000–28,000 LKR, 3–4 h via Kurunegala road.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rarely rented in town; steep, busy roads. Tuk-tuks are the easier choice.
- Driving: on the left. An IDP must be endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon, or get a temporary Sri Lankan licence.
- Onward travel in Sri Lanka: Trains are slow but scenic; reserve seats for Kandy–Ella well ahead. Buses go everywhere cheaply, and many visitors hire a car and driver for multi-day loops.
Quick answers
Is there Uber in Kandy?
Yes. Apps that work here: PickMe, Uber.
What's the best way to get around Kandy?
Tuk-tuks and PickMe cover town; trains and buses link Colombo, Ella and Sigiriya. Book the Kandy–Ella train early.
How do I get from the airport to Kandy?
No airport. Bus or train from Colombo 3–4 h; car and driver about 18,000–28,000 LKR, 3–4 h via Kurunegala road.
Is Kandy walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Kandy
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Sources
Fares are typical 2026 prices; check the operator for today's fares. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.