{"id":368,"date":"2026-01-16T10:57:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T10:57:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/srilanka-charter.com\/media\/?p=368"},"modified":"2026-01-16T10:57:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-16T10:57:08","slug":"colombo-to-kandy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/srilanka-charter.com\/media\/it\/colombo-to-kandy\/","title":{"rendered":"Come arrivare da Colombo a Kandy: Una guida completa in autobus, treno e charter privato"},"content":{"rendered":"

The distance from Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Kandy is approximately 120 kilometres. Situated in the hill country, Kandy is renowned as\u00a0Sri Lanka’s cultural capital<\/strong>, boasting numerous historical landmarks including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dalada Maligawa).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"From<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\"\"Ravi<\/span><\/div>
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For first-time visitors travelling from Europe, when choosing a means of transport from Colombo to Kandy, factors such as ‘travel time’ and ‘cost’ are naturally important considerations, but ‘comfort’ and ‘safety’ are also likely to be points of concern.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

This article therefore comprehensively covers all conceivable means of transport, from public transport such as\u00a0trains<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0buses<\/strong>, to\u00a0private cars and taxis<\/strong>, and even\u00a0private charter services<\/strong>, detailing the characteristics of each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Travelling by train (railway)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The railway journey between Colombo and Kandy is renowned as one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic train trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The scenery seen from the train window as it weaves through tropical jungles and tea-covered hills is truly exceptional; one might say the train itself is a form of sightseeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

However, as it also serves commuter transport needs, there are approximately ten services per day (first train at 6:55, last train at 19:30), making it an indispensable means of transport for local residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"Ravi<\/span><\/div>
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Whilst the train can be crowded due to its popularity with foreign tourists, mastering a few tips for using it effectively will ensure a comfortable and memorable journey.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

The journey from Colombo Fort Station, the main station in Colombo, to Kandy Station takes approximately 2.5 to 3.5 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can take the Intercity Limited Express<\/strong>, which is equivalent to a rapid service, the journey takes approximately two and a half hours at its shortest. However, if travelling by local train stopping at every station, you should allow over three hours. Please allow ample time for your journey, as speeds are reduced in mountainous sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to purchase tickets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Train tickets are broadly categorised into\u00a0reserved seats<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0unreserved seats<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To secure a reserved seat, bookings can be made online or at station ticket offices from\u00a032 days prior to travel<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Particularly for first class or popular sightseeing trains, seats may sell out even\u00a0one month in advance<\/strong>, so plan your booking accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"Emma<\/span><\/div>
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It is difficult to purchase train tickets through the official Sri Lanka Railways website. Make use of\u00a0Book away<\/a>!<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"Book<\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Unreserved seat tickets may be purchased at the station on the day. They are issued at the ticket office at Fort Station and are available in unlimited quantities, so they do not sell out.<\/p>\n\n\n

\"\"Emma<\/span><\/div>
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Therefore, you may have to stand.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Unlike in Western countries, online booking may sometimes prove difficult; in such cases, one could consider utilising the private charter service mentioned later to arrange the booking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Difference between first class, second class and third class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sri Lankan trains feature three main classes:\u00a0First Class, Second Class, and Third Class<\/strong>, each offering distinct atmospheres and facilities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Class includes air-conditioned carriages and observation cars, both offering comfortable, cushioned seats with reserved seating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\"Observation
Observation car<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\"First
1st class<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Second-class carriages feature ceiling fans and windows that open and close, with both reserved and unreserved seating available. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They offer a good balance of price and comfort, and provide an opportunity to interact with local passengers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"Sri
2nd class<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Third-class carriages are simple wooden bench-seated vehicles that are always crowded, but in return you can fully enjoy the local atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"3rd
3rd class<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

While trains do have toilets (though these may be basic, non-flushable types), cleanliness varies considerably between carriages, so bringing your own portable toilet paper\u00a0is advisable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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The following are the approximate fees per class:<\/p>\n\n\n\n