Mountain town in Central Province, Sri Lanka
Getting around Nuwara Eliya
How to get around Nuwara Eliya
Tuk-tuks cover town and nearby tea estates. The train to Nanu Oya plus a short ride links Ella and Kandy; Colombo takes 5–6 hours by road.
Ways to get around Nuwara Eliya
| Option | Fare | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk | About 600–1,300 LKR per hop; Nanu Oya station about 1,000–1,500 LKR | Agree first; apps rarely reach |
| Train (Nanu Oya station) | To Ella about 1,000–4,000 LKR by class | Station is 9 km from town; reserve in advance |
| Bus | About 100–600 LKR | Buses to Kandy, Hatton and Colombo |
Ride-hailing apps in Nuwara Eliya
A 5 km ride costs about Rs600–1,300 ($1.8–3.9).
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| PickMe | Occasional tuk-tuks in town; check availability |
- Street tuk-tuks are the norm; agree fares first. Guesthouses can arrange early drivers for Horton Plains.
Arriving in Nuwara Eliya
Via Colombo airport (CMB) (CMB)
No airport. Car and driver from CMB about 28,000–40,000 LKR, 5–6 h; bus or train via Kandy and Nanu Oya take longer.
Driving and onward travel
- Scooters: Rare for visitors: steep, wet and cold roads. Tuk-tuks or a driver are easier.
- 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 Nuwara Eliya?
No. Use PickMe instead.
What's the best way to get around Nuwara Eliya?
Tuk-tuks cover town and nearby tea estates. The train to Nanu Oya plus a short ride links Ella and Kandy; Colombo takes 5–6 hours by road.
How do I get from the airport to Nuwara Eliya?
No airport. Car and driver from CMB about 28,000–40,000 LKR, 5–6 h; bus or train via Kandy and Nanu Oya take longer.
Is Nuwara Eliya walkable?
Walkable center.
More about Nuwara Eliya
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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 Spotted something out of date?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.