Sri Lanka Route Guide · Hill country
Kandy to Ella by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
The Kandy to Ella journey is the classic hill country run. Many travellers take the famous train, but a private driver lets you stop at tea estates, waterfalls and viewpoints on your own schedule.
Route at a glance
- From
- Kandy
- To
- Ella
- Distance
- About 140 km
- Drive time
- 4 to 5 hours
- Best for
- Scenic travel through tea country with photo stops.
The drive
This is the A5 and A23 climbing through tea country. The road is narrow and winding in places, with a lot of lorry traffic and sharp bends above Nuwara Eliya.
Best stops on the way
Ramboda Falls
Roadside waterfall viewpoint.
Nuwara Eliya
Tea factory visits and Gregory Lake.
Horton Plains
World's End walk, a half-day detour from Nuwara Eliya.
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
- Train seats in 1st and 2nd class sell out weeks ahead; a car is the flexible alternative.
- Start early so you reach tea country before the afternoon mist.
Book a driver
Keep reading
- 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Tipping your driver in Sri Lanka
- Colombo to Kandy
- Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
- Nuwara Eliya to Ella
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
Is it better to take the train or a private driver from Kandy to Ella?
The train is a scenic experience but slow and hard to book. A driver is faster, takes your luggage and can stop where you like.
How long is the drive?
About 4 to 5 hours without long stops.