Kandy → Ella private transfer
Kandy to Ella is the most scenic drive in Sri Lanka: about 140 km through tea country via Nuwara Eliya, 4.5 to 5 hours plus stops. With the Kandy–Nanu Oya railway still closed, the car is the way through — or combine car and train.
- Distance140 km
- Drive time4 h 45 min
- Pricefrom $85
Every trip is driven by a vetted local partner in Sri Lanka. Your confirmation names the driver, the car and its plate; on chauffeur-guide bookings also the SLTDA licence number.
Kandy → Ella: price per car
| Car | Per car one way | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan up to 3 Toyota Axio / Prius / Premio | $85 ≈ Rs 28,000 | $43 | $28 | — | — |
| Minivan (KDH) up to 6 Toyota HiAce KDH, high roof | $110 ≈ Rs 36,500 | $55 | $37 | $28 | $18 |
| SUV up to 4 Prado / Montero class, leather, more legroom | $155 ≈ Rs 51,000 | $78 | $52 | $39 | — |
| Coach up to 20 Toyota Coaster, up to 20 seats | $260 ≈ Rs 86,000 | $130 | $87 | $65 | $43 |
Prices updated 20 October 2026.
Train status (checked 18 October 2026): after Cyclone Ditwah the hill-country railway is reopening in stages. Nanu Oya – Ella – Badulla has run since 20 June 2026 and Colombo – Peradeniya/Gampola since 2 October 2026, but trains still do not reach Kandy (Peradeniya bridge rebuild) and nothing runs between Gampola and Nanu Oya. So the classic Kandy–Ella train is not possible yet — the driver takes you to Nanu Oya, you ride the most scenic part to Ella, and the car meets you there with the luggage.
The road
Up the Ramboda pass to Nuwara Eliya (1,868 m), then down via Welimada and Bandarawela to Ella. Mountain road with many bends; expect 30–40 km/h on the climbs.
Worth stopping
- Ramboda Falls and a working tea factory with a free tasting on the climb.
- Gregory Lake and the post office in Nuwara Eliya.
- Optional: the driver drops you at Nanu Oya station for the train section to Ella (about 3 hours) and meets you at Ella with your luggage.
Good to know
- The "car + train" option costs the same as the transfer; you buy the train ticket yourself (reserved seats sell out — book early).
Included
- Private air-conditioned car and an English-speaking driver
- Fuel, expressway tolls and parking
- Short stops on the way (up to 30 min in total)
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before; pay the driver at the end — no prepayment for transfers
Questions
How long is the drive from Kandy to Ella?
4.5 to 5 hours without stops; most people take 6–7 hours with tea factory and Nuwara Eliya stops.
Is the Kandy–Ella train running?
Not end to end (status 18 October 2026): Nanu Oya – Ella has run since 20 June 2026; between Kandy and Nanu Oya there is still no service. That is why we offer the car + train combination.
Can the driver carry our luggage while we take the train?
Yes, that is the standard way — the car meets you at Ella station.