Colombo to Kandy Taxi & Private Driver
Skip the crowded buses: a private car handles the 125 km from Colombo to Kandy in about 3 hours, on your schedule. You'll pass Pinnawala along the way — your driver will happily break the trip wherever you fancy a photo, a temple or a bite to eat. Home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and gateway to the tea country; the cultural heart of the island.
What's included
- Private air-conditioned car & driver
- Fuel and highway tolls
- Meet-and-greet with a name board
- Flight tracking — no charge for delays
- Free bottled water & Wi-Fi on board
About the Colombo to Kandy drive
The busy A1 up from the capital into the hills, past Pinnawala's elephants and spice gardens to Kandy's lake and sacred temple.
When to go: Any time; go early to beat the A1 traffic.
- Break at Pinnawala for elephant bathing.
- Allow extra time — the A1 is slow and winding.
Stops along the way
This route passes close to some of the island's best-known spots — ask your driver to break the journey at any of them.
Pricing by vehicle
All fares are fixed — no meter, no hidden charges. Choose the vehicle that fits your group.
| Vehicle | Passengers | One-way | Return trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| SedanToyota Prius / Axio | 1–3 passengers | $69 | $125 |
| SUVMitsubishi Montero | 1–4 passengers | $82 | $148 |
| VanToyota KDH | 4–8 passengers | $107 | $193 |
| Luxury VanMercedes V-Class | 1–6 passengers | $125 | $225 |
Travelling the other way? Kandy to Colombo
Adding more stops? Map the full route on the Sri Lanka distance calculator to see driving distances between every city.
Explore the destinations
- Kandy travel guide — things to do, sights and tips
More routes from Colombo
Colombo to Kandy FAQs
How long is the drive from Colombo to Kandy?
About 3 hours by private car for the 125 km journey. Sri Lankan roads are slower than the distance implies, so allow a little extra if you plan to stop.
How much does a private driver from Colombo to Kandy cost?
A private air-conditioned car starts at $69 one-way — fixed and all-inclusive of fuel, tolls and your driver. A return trip is $125, and larger SUVs or vans are available for bigger groups.
Is the price per vehicle or per person?
Per vehicle. The fare covers the whole car, so a group of four pays the same as a solo traveller — split between you it's often cheaper than the train or bus once you add taxis at each end.
Can we stop at places along the way from Colombo to Kandy?
Absolutely — Pinnawala is right on this route, and reasonable detours are no extra charge. Just tell your driver what you'd like to see.
Which vehicle should I choose for Colombo to Kandy?
A sedan suits 1–3 travellers with light luggage. For 4 people or extra bags choose an SUV, and for 5–6 or lots of suitcases a minivan is the comfortable option — all at fixed prices shown above.
Can I do Colombo to Kandy as a day trip?
At 125 km and about 3 hours each way it's doable as a long day, but most travellers prefer to stay over so they aren't rushing. Your driver can wait and bring you back the same day if you'd rather.
Colombo → Kandy
Book this transfer Ask on WhatsAppPay the driver on arrival · Free cancellation