Key hubs
Kandy airport and railway station
- Airport
- Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at Katunayake, the main international gateway; Kandy is roughly 3 to 4 hours by road, depending on traffic
- Railway station
- Kandy railway station (KDY), about 120 km by rail from Colombo, on the Main Line; trains run to Colombo Fort and onward up-country
- Getting around
- Walk the lake and temple area; tuk-tuks, taxis and app-based cars for the outer sights; a car with driver suits the temple circuit west of Kandy
How to reach Kandy by air
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) at Katunayake is the main international gateway. Air India, IndiGo and SriLankan Airlines fly there from several Indian cities; check current schedules. Kandy is roughly 3 to 4 hours by road from the airport, depending on traffic.
How to reach Kandy by train
Kandy railway station (KDY) lies on the Main Line, about 120 km by rail from Colombo, with services to Colombo Fort and up-country. Check the current timetable and book reserved seats where available.
How to reach Kandy by road
Kandy is connected to Colombo by the A1 road via Kadugannawa, roughly 115 to 120 km. Private cars with drivers and buses are the usual options; traffic, especially around Kadugannawa, can add time.
Getting around Kandy
The lake and temple area is walkable. Tuk-tuks and taxis cover the rest, and a car with driver is best for Peradeniya, Hanthana and the temples west of Kandy. Agree fares first or use a ride app.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Kandy
- Carry a small bottle of water and any regular medicines, as the National Hospital is in the city but travel insurance is essential.
- Use a car with driver for the temples west of Kandy and the tea museum, since the roads are winding and steep.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.