Sri Lanka Route Guide · Hill country
Negombo to Kandy by Private Car and Driver
Updated 10 October 2026 · by the GoTourRide team
A common second-day transfer for travellers who spend the first night near the airport.
Route at a glance
- From
- Negombo
- To
- Kandy
- Distance
- About 100 km
- Drive time
- 3 hours
- Best for
- Easy first leg inland.
The drive
You take the A1 via Kadawatha and Kegalle. The road is paved and busy.
Best stops on the way
Pinnawala
Elephant orphanage.
Kadugannawa
Viewpoint 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
- Leave before 8am to avoid traffic.
- Visit the Temple of the Tooth in the afternoon.
Book a driver
Compare verified drivers on the drivers page, or ask us on WhatsApp if you would like to talk to a real person first.
Keep reading
- 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary
- How to hire a private driver in Sri Lanka
- Travel times between places in Sri Lanka
- Kandy to Ella
- Colombo to Kandy
- Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
- All Sri Lanka driver routes
FAQs
How long is the drive from Negombo to Kandy?
About 3 hours.
Can I do Pinnawala on the way?
Yes, it adds about an hour.