Sri Lanka Route Guide · Airport transfers
Colombo Airport (CMB) to Nuwara Eliya by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
Nuwara Eliya, known as Little England, sits high in the tea country at about 1,900 m. A driver takes you there from the airport and you can stop at waterfalls and tea factories on the way.
Route at a glance
- From
- Colombo Airport (CMB)
- To
- Nuwara Eliya
- Distance
- About 190 km
- Drive time
- 5.5 to 6.5 hours
- Best for
- Tea country stays and cool-climate breaks.
The drive
You take the A1 through Kandy, then the A5 up through Ramboda. The last 40 km climbs steadily with tight bends and trucks, so the pace drops.
Best stops on the way
Pinnawala
Elephant orphanage area on the A1.
Ramboda Falls
Waterfall beside the road, a quick photo stop.
Tea factory
Many estates near Nuwara Eliya offer short tours and a tasting.
Choose your vehicle
Pick a vehicle by group size and luggage. These are average day rates across GoTourRide drivers; a one-way transfer is quoted by the driver, so request a quote for an exact price. You can also use our trip cost calculator.
| Vehicle | Passengers | Average day rate |
|---|---|---|
| Mini car | Up to 2 | About $61/day |
| Normal car | Up to 3 | About $66/day |
| SUV | Up to 3 | About $91/day |
| Large car | Up to 4 | About $75/day |
| Minivan | Up to 6 | About $103/day |
| Large van | Up to 10 | About $118/day |
| Minibus | Up to 15 | About $169/day |
Tips for this route
- It gets cold at night, so keep a warm layer where you can reach it.
- April is the busiest month because of local holidays; book hotels and drivers early.
Book a driver
Keep reading
- 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary
- Best places to travel in Sri Lanka
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Nuwara Eliya to Ella
- Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Ella
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How long is the drive from the airport to Nuwara Eliya?
Plan for 5.5 to 6.5 hours including a short stop, because the last part is slow and winding.
Can I stop in Kandy on the way?
Yes. Kandy is about halfway, so it works well for a lunch stop or an overnight.