Kandy to Nuwara Eliya Taxi & Private Driver
Skip the crowded buses: a private car handles the 80 km from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya in about 2 hours, on your schedule. It's a fairly direct run, and being a private hire you set the pace — stop for viewpoints, roadside stalls or a long lunch whenever you like. 'Little England' at 1,900m — colonial bungalows, a racecourse, golf and endless emerald tea estates.
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 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya drive
A short but spectacular climb from Kandy's lake into the tea highlands, gaining over a kilometre of altitude past Ramboda Falls and estate after estate.
When to go: April for the season; cool and misty otherwise.
- Stop at a working tea factory on the way up.
- Bring a jacket for the highland chill.
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 | $44 | $80 |
| SUVMitsubishi Montero | 1–4 passengers | $52 | $94 |
| VanToyota KDH | 4–8 passengers | $68 | $123 |
| Luxury VanMercedes V-Class | 1–6 passengers | $80 | $144 |
Travelling the other way? Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
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
- Nuwara Eliya travel guide — things to do, sights and tips
More routes from Kandy
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya FAQs
How long is the drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?
About 2 hours by private car for the 80 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 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya cost?
A private air-conditioned car starts at $44 one-way — fixed and all-inclusive of fuel, tolls and your driver. A return trip is $80, 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 Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?
Yes. It's a private hire, so you set the stops — viewpoints, temples, waterfalls or a lunch spot. Reasonable detours along the way are no extra charge.
Which vehicle should I choose for Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?
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.
What's the best time of day to drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya?
An early start beats both the heat and the traffic, and gives you daylight for stops. For a 2-hour journey like this, leaving in the morning means you arrive with time to settle in.
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya
Book this transfer Ask on WhatsAppPay the driver on arrival · Free cancellation