Sri Lanka Route Guide · Hill country
Colombo to Kandy by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
This is the classic first leg into the hill country. A private driver turns the busy A1 into an easy day with stops at Pinnawala and spice gardens.
Route at a glance
- From
- Colombo
- To
- Kandy
- Distance
- About 115 km
- Drive time
- 3 to 4 hours
- Best for
- Day trips and the first leg of a hill country tour.
The drive
The A1 runs through Kadawatha, Kegalle and the Kadugannawa pass. It is busy and slow, especially at weekends and public holidays.
Best stops on the way
Pinnawala
Elephant orphanage near Kegalle.
Kadugannawa
Viewpoint and railway museum on the pass.
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
- Start before 8am to beat the weekend traffic.
- A day trip from Colombo is possible, but a night in Kandy is more relaxed.
Book a driver
Keep reading
- 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary
- Travel times between places in Sri Lanka
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Colombo Airport (CMB) to Kandy
- Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
- Sigiriya to Kandy
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How long does it take to drive from Colombo to Kandy?
Usually 3 to 4 hours, longer at weekends.
Is it better to take the train?
The train is cheaper but slow and crowded. A driver is faster and carries your luggage.