Colombo Airport to Kandy

Colombo Airport to Kandy

Luis Mendoza, 15 Apr 2025

Colombo Airport or Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is located in Sri Lanka, about 35 kilometers from Colombo.

Once the capital of Sri Lanka's kings, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the country's most significant Buddhist sites. Visitors can also explore the Royal Botanical Gardens, which showcase a wide range of plant species. The city is known for its traditional performances, local crafts, and the Esala Perahera parade, which is one of the most celebrated events in Sri Lanka. With its peaceful atmosphere, stunning views, and historical landmarks, Kandy offers a truly authentic experience.

With plenty of Things to Do in Sri Lanka, Bandaranaike International Airport serves as the perfect launch point for discovering the country's many attractions. The airport offers numerous flights to destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Airlines such as SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Air India serve a variety of international routes.

About the Airport

Official Name: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

Location: Located about 35 kilometers north of Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Airport Facilities: Bandaranaike International Airport has many helpful things for travelers. You can shop at duty-free stores. You can eat at small places with food and drinks. You can change money. You can use free Wi-Fi. You can get help with your bags. VIP lounges are there, too. There is a lot of parking for short or long trips.

So, how do you get from Colombo Airport to Kandy?

Colombo Airport Taxi

Colombo Airport Taxi

There are four transport options to get from Colombo Airport to Kandy. From the airport, it takes about 3 to 3.5 hours to drive to Kandy, a city known for its beauty and rich history. A quick and convenient option is to take a Colombo Airport taxi, which offers benefits like an English-speaking driver and no wait time.

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Bus from Colombo Airport to Kandy

Journey Time: The total trip from Colombo Airport (CMB) to Kandy takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes.

Key Point: First, take the Airport Express bus from Colombo Airport to Colombo Main Bus Stop. This part of the trip takes about 50 minutes. The Airport Express runs every day between 06:00 and 18:00. You might need to wait up to 3 hours for this bus.

Once you reach Colombo, walk to the nearby Fort Station to catch a luxury bus to Kandy. These buses run from 03:30 to 23:00 and take around 4 hours to reach Kandy. The trip includes long waits and a transfer in the city center, so it's the slowest and least simple option for getting to Kandy from the airport.

Bus Fare from Colombo Airport to Kandy

The total fare from Colombo Airport to Kandy by bus is approximately €17.70 per person.

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Train from Colombo Airport to Kandy

Journey Time: The total trip from Colombo Airport (CMB) to Kandy takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes, but wait times can stretch the journey longer.

Key Point: You can't take a train from the airport. First, go outside the Arrival Hall. Find the Colombo Luxury Express bus. Get on the bus. The ride takes about 50 minutes. The bus stops at the Colombo Main Bus Stop. Next, walk 5 minutes to the Colombo Fort Railway Station. Then, take a train to Kandy. The train ride takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

The first train leaves at 05:55. The last train leaves at 17:45. The airport bus runs from 05:30 to 20:30. You might wait up to 3 hours for a bus or train. The bus and train do not have much space for bags so pack light.

Train Fare from Colombo Airport to Kandy

The total fare from Colombo Airport to Kandy by train is about €13.20 per person.

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Taxi from Colombo Airport to Kandy

Journey Time: The taxi ride from Colombo Airport (CMB) to Kandy takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Key Point: Taxis wait outside the Arrivals area at Colombo Airport. The drive to Kandy is about 115 kilometers. Some drivers may ask for more money for their return trip.

If you want to plan ahead, you can book your ride early. You can pre-book Colombo Airport taxi at AirportTransfer.com. This way, your driver will meet you when you land. You can pay before your trip and skip the line at the airport.

Taxi Fare from Colombo Airport to Kandy

The total fare for a one-way taxi from Colombo Airport to Kandy is around €55.80.

Colombo Bus Hire 

Colombo Bus Hire 

Private Transfers at Colombo Airport

Distance: Colombo Airport (CMB) is located about 114 kilometers from Kandy.

Journey Time: A private transfer from Colombo Airport to Kandy takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes.

A Colombo Airport Taxi to Kandy is the easiest way to travel. You can book a private taxi at AirportTransfer.com. Your driver will meet you at the airport and speak in English. The transfer goes straight to your hotel, so you don't need to find a taxi or figure out the route.

AT driver will show you some important places along the way. You can pay safely, and if you need help, customer support is available anytime. The price is fixed, so there are no surprise charges.

For added convenience, the AirportTransfer.com mobile app—available on AirportTransfer App on Google Play Store or Airport Taxi Transfer App Store—lets you manage bookings easily.  

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Group Bus Transfers from Colombo Airport to Kandy

If you prefer a more direct and personal ride to Kandy, a Bus Rental in Colombo is a great option, which gives you comfort and flexibility without the worry of sharing a ride with others. When you arrive at Colombo Airport, your driver will meet you at the pick-up area. You’ll travel straight to Kandy, with no stops along the way.
The transfer is quick and hassle-free. You can choose the type of car that fits your needs. You don’t have to wait for a taxi or worry about the price. With a fixed fare, you know exactly what to expect. Contact us now to book your coach transfer from Colombo Airport to Kandy.

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Hotel Transfers at Colombo Airport

AirportTransfer.com gives you a simple and easy ride from Colombo Airport (CMB) to your hotel in Kandy. A driver will meet you at the airport. The driver will take you straight to your hotel. You can book your hotel transfer at Colombo Airport before your trip to make sure you arrive on time and with no worries. Here are some good hotels in Kandy where you can stay:

  • The Kandy House

  • Earl's Regency Hotel

  • Cinnamon Citadel Kandy

  • Mahaweli Reach Hotel

  • The Grand Kandyan Hotel

  • Hotel Thilanka

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The best Colombo Airport reviews are at AirportTransfer.com!