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Colombo Airport to Nuwara Eliya by Car

about 180 to 190 km, 5 to 6.5 hours

Nuwara Eliya is a cool, green town at about 1,900 m in the tea country. The drive is slow in the last hour, so plan the day around it.

Distance
about 180 to 190 km
Driving time
5 to 6.5 hours
Cars from
Rs. 16,500 per day

Times are for normal traffic and exclude stops. Always allow extra time on holidays and in rain.

Routes from the airport to Nuwara Eliya

Via Kandy and Pussellawa (the usual road)

Drive to Kandy, then take the road through Peradeniya, Gampola and Pussellawa, and climb through Ramboda to Nuwara Eliya. Allow 5 to 6.5 hours, with the last 40 km taking longer than they look.

Via Avissawella and Hatton

A route over the hills from the west through the Kitulgala and Hatton side. It passes waterfalls and tea estates, and its bends are tighter, so choose it when you are not in a hurry.

Worth a stop on the way

  • Kadugannawa and Peradeniya: A short stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya on the way through Kandy.
  • Ramboda Falls: A waterfall beside the climb, with a small viewpoint.
  • A tea factory: Several estates near the road offer a short tour and a cup of tea.

Road notes

  • Fog and rain can cut visibility on the climb to Nuwara Eliya, mainly in the afternoon: use your lights and slow down.
  • The road is shared with buses, lorries and three-wheelers; keep your distance on the bends.
  • Nuwara Eliya is cold at night. Pack a warm layer, and expect the car to be damp in the morning.
  • In April, the town is crowded during the season, and parking is hard; book a hotel with its own space.

Which car for this drive

The Honda Vezel, Toyota C-HR or Land Cruiser Prado are the comfortable choices: a stronger engine and a higher seat make the climb easier. A 7-seat van or a Hiace works for groups, with a calm driver on the bends.

Daily car rental rates in Sri Lankan rupees (LKR). The rate per day falls as the rental period gets longer.
VehicleSeatsGearboxFuelPer dayPer day, 2 weeksPer day, 1 monthPer day, 3 months
TOYOTA PRIUS5AutomaticHybridRs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,500≈ $45Rs. 12,000≈ $37Rs. 11,500≈ $36
PRIUS4AutomaticHybridRs. 17,500≈ $54Rs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,000≈ $43Rs. 13,000≈ $40
TOYOTA PRIUS5AutomaticHybridRs. 17,500≈ $54Rs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,000≈ $43Rs. 13,000≈ $40
TOYOTA PRIUS G SPORT5AutomaticHybridRs. 17,500≈ $54Rs. 16,500≈ $51Rs. 14,000≈ $43Rs. 13,000≈ $40
HONDA VEZEL5AutomaticHybridRs. 22,000≈ $68Rs. 20,000≈ $62Rs. 16,000≈ $50Rs. 14,000≈ $43
HONDA VEZEL5AutomaticHybridRs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87Rs. 24,000≈ $74Rs. 22,000≈ $68
HONDA VEZEL5AutomaticHybrid, PetrolRs. 35,000≈ $109Rs. 33,000≈ $102Rs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87
HONDA VEZEL2 cars at this rate5AutomaticHybridRs. 35,000≈ $109Rs. 33,000≈ $102Rs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87
TOYOTA CHR4 cars at this rate5AutomaticPetrolRs. 35,000≈ $109Rs. 33,000≈ $102Rs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87
TOYOTA CHR5AutomaticHybridRs. 35,000≈ $109Rs. 33,000≈ $102Rs. 30,000≈ $93Rs. 28,000≈ $87
LAND CRUISER PRADO6AutomaticPetrolRs. 44,500≈ $138Rs. 42,500≈ $132Rs. 38,500≈ $119Rs. 36,500≈ $113
LANDCRUICER PRADO 1507AutomaticDieselRs. 44,500≈ $138Rs. 42,500≈ $132Rs. 38,500≈ $119Rs. 36,500≈ $113
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado7AutomaticDieselRs. 44,500≈ $138Rs. 42,500≈ $132Rs. 38,500≈ $119Rs. 36,500≈ $113
Toyota Landcruiser prado 1507AutomaticDieselRs. 50,000≈ $155Rs. 48,000≈ $149Rs. 44,000≈ $136Rs. 42,000≈ $130

Rates are read from our booking system. Fuel, expressway tolls, parking and traffic fines are paid by the hirer; the rate includes commercial rent-a-car insurance (an insurance excess applies), 24/7 breakdown support and 100 km per day. See the full price list.

More about the cars: Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Honda Vezel, Toyota Prius, Toyota C-HR.

Airport pickup and one-way hire

We can bring the car to Bandaranaike International Airport on request; see car rental at Colombo airport. You can also hire with a driver, who handles the road, the parking and the tolls. Tell us your flight, your dates and the number of travellers on WhatsApp. More about the place itself: car rental for Nuwara Eliya.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the drive from Colombo airport to Nuwara Eliya?
About 5 to 6.5 hours via Kandy, for roughly 180 to 190 km. The last climb through the tea country is slow.
Is the road to Nuwara Eliya difficult?
It is paved and well used, but it has many bends, buses and, at times, fog and rain. Drive in daylight and keep a steady pace.
Can I combine Nuwara Eliya and Ella on one trip?
Yes. It is a short, scenic drive of about 3 hours from Nuwara Eliya to Ella through Bandarawela, and a popular way to see the hill country.
What is the best time to visit Nuwara Eliya?
The dry months from January to April are the most popular and the busiest. The rest of the year is cooler and greener, with more rain.

Other routes from the airport

Plan your drive to Nuwara Eliya

Tell us your dates, your flight and the number of travellers, and we confirm the car and the price.

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