By the H.B.S. Rent a Car team · Published · Updated
Kandy is the usual first stop in the hills, about 115 km from Bandaranaike International Airport. The drive is shorter than many routes but takes longer than it looks, because traffic on the way is heavy and the last section climbs. This guide explains the route, the time to allow and what to look out for.
The route in outline
From the airport at Katunayake you join the road network heading inland and join the A1 highway towards Kandy through Nittambuwa, Warakapola and Kegalle, climbing through the Kadugannawa pass into Kandy. Expressway sections in the Colombo area and in the direction of Mirigama change over time as new parts open, and your navigation app will show the current best option. When we confirm your booking, we can advise on the best route for your day and time of arrival.
How long it takes
Allow 3.5 to 4.5 hours without long stops. Traffic is heaviest on Fridays, around public holidays, during the Kandy Esala Perahera in July or August and in the evening rush. A late-night arrival is usually quicker, but the road is dark, and we recommend that you sleep near the airport and drive in the morning.
| Leave the airport | Likely driving time | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Early morning (6-9 am) | 3.5-4 hours | Traffic builds around towns after 8 am |
| Midday | 4-4.5 hours | Heaviest traffic through Kegalle and Peradeniya |
| Late afternoon | 4-5 hours | You may finish in the dark |
| After midnight | 3-3.5 hours | Quiet but dark and tiring; not recommended after a long flight |
Stops worth making
- Pinnawala, near Kegalle: the elephant orphanage; go in the morning or afternoon bathing times.
- Kadugannawa: the viewpoint and railway heritage near the top of the pass.
- Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens, just before Kandy: allow two hours.
- A tea stop on the climb: a simple way to break the journey.
Arriving in Kandy
Kandy is compact, hilly and congested. Roads around the lake and the Temple of the Tooth are busy, and some are one-way. Many hotels sit on steep, narrow lanes where a large vehicle struggles. Ask your hotel for directions and whether it has parking, and consider a smaller car such as a Honda Vezel or a hybrid sedan. During the Esala Perahera, roads in the centre are closed in the evenings; plan to be in your hotel before they close.
Self-drive or with a driver
This section is demanding after a long flight. If you are tired, hire a car with a driver for the transfer; see airport transfers from Colombo airport. If you drive yourself, follow the advice in how to rent a car at Colombo airport. Make sure that your documents are in order; see driving licence rules for tourists.
Onward from Kandy
From Kandy you can continue to Nuwara Eliya (2.5-3 hours), Sigiriya (2.5-3 hours) or Ella (5-6 hours). Our local page for renting a car to Kandy has more on staying in the city.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kandy from Colombo airport?
Should I drive to Kandy straight after landing?
Is parking available in Kandy?
Can I hire a car with a driver for this transfer?
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