Nuwara Eliya to Kandy Taxi & Private Driver
The Nuwara Eliya–Kandy route is one many travellers hire a private driver for: 80 km, about 2 hours, door to door with no meter. 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.
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 Nuwara Eliya to Kandy 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? Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Adding more stops? Map the full route on the Sri Lanka distance calculator to see driving distances between every city.
Explore the destinations
- Nuwara Eliya travel guide — things to do, sights and tips
- Kandy travel guide — things to do, sights and tips
More routes from Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya to Kandy FAQs
How long is the drive from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy?
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 Nuwara Eliya to Kandy 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 Nuwara Eliya to Kandy?
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 Nuwara Eliya 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.
Is the road from Nuwara Eliya to Kandy in good condition?
Yes — it's a well-travelled route. Some stretches are fast highway and others are slower, winding roads, which is why the 80 km takes about 2 hours rather than what the distance alone suggests.
Nuwara Eliya → Kandy
Book this transfer Ask on WhatsAppPay the driver on arrival · Free cancellation