Colombo To Kandy Train Timetable And Tickets

Colombo To Kandy Train Ticket Price & Fares (2026)

Colombo to Kandy train ticket price for 1st, 2nd & 3rd class. Same for Pettah to Kandy ticket price & Fort to Kandy ticket price.

Class	Approx. Price (LKR)	Approx. Price (USD)
1st Class Ticket Price (AC / Observation)	1000-1500	$3.10-$4.60
2nd Class Ticket Price (Reserved)	500-800	$1.55-$2.50
3rd Class Ticket Price (Unreserved)	200-300	$0.60-$0.90

*Colombo to Kandy train ticket price 2nd class 500-800 LKR is best value. 1st class ticket price 1000-1500 LKR for AC intercity. 3rd class ticket price 200-300 LKR is cheapest but crowded and not recommended. Intercity train Colombo to Kandy ticket price is same. Kandy to Colombo train ticket price is same. Pettah to Kandy ticket price = Fort to Kandy ticket price.

1st Class – Luxurious Comfort – 1st Class Ticket Price 1000-1500 LKR (AC Intercity & Observation)

First class air‑conditioned compartments on Intercity trains (1009, 1031, 1029) and Observation saloons on Udarata Menike (1015) and Podi Menike (1005) offer spacious reclining seats and panoramic windows – perfect for hill country views. Colombo to Kandy train 1st class ticket price is 1000-1500 LKR. Windows are sealed. Book at least 17 days in advance, especially for weekend and Sunday travel.

2nd Class – Best Value – 2nd Class Ticket Price 500-800 LKR (Reserved Recommended)

3rd Class – NOT RECOMMENDED – 3rd Class Ticket Price 200-300 LKR

Third class is cheapest – Colombo to Kandy train 3rd class ticket price is 200-300 LKR – but unreserved. Carriages are very crowded with wooden benches, you may have to stand entire 2.5‑3 hour journey. We strongly advise tourists to avoid 3rd class. Small saving not worth discomfort.

For fastest journey, take Intercity 1029 (15:35) – 2h 31m from Colombo Fort to Kandy. For best scenery and photography, take Udarata Menike (08:30) or Podi Menike (05:55). Optimal side for Colombo → Kandy is right side – you’ll see Kelani Valley, tea plantations, and Kadugannawa climb. Colombo to Kandy distance is ~120 km, train duration 2h31m to 3h25m, Colombo to Kandy km by road is 115-120 km.

Reserved Tickets – Guaranteed Seating (RECOMMENDED): Reserved tickets provide guaranteed seat for 2.5‑3 hour journey. Always choose reserved for 1st or 2nd class. Book online at least 17 days in advance – online booking closes within 17 days. For Colombo to Kandy train ticket booking price and contact number, use 12Go link above or visit Colombo Fort station counter.

Unreserved Tickets – Not recommended: Unreserved tickets (3rd class) mean you may have to stand or sit on wooden bench. Only suitable for extreme budget travel. No advance booking.

Pre-Departure Checklist – Fort To Kandy

• Arrive at Colombo Fort (Pettah) station 45 min before departure. Kotuwa boarding 30 min after Fort.
• Carry printed or digital ticket for Colombo to Kandy train booking.
• Sit on right side for best views to Kandy.
• Pack water and light snacks – vendors irregular on hill line.
• Power bank for phone/camera – scenery from Rambukkana to Kandy is best.
• Light jacket for AC carriages – 1st class AC is cool.

Bus Station Nearby

Kandy Bus Stand (Good Shed) is just 500 m from the railway station – a 5‑min walk. Buses run to Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Dambulla, and other cities.

Taxi In Kandy

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Months	Weather	Activities	Pros	Cons
Dec–Mar	Dry, clear, 20‑28°C	Sightseeing, Perahera (July/Aug)	Best weather	Peak season, crowded trains
Apr–May	Warm, occasional showers	Sightseeing	Fewer tourists	Afternoon showers
Jun–Sep	Southwest monsoon, rain likely	Indoor activities	Low season, cheap hotels	Frequent rain
Oct–Nov	Inter‑monsoon, mixed	Sightseeing	Green scenery	Unpredictable rain

Tip: Esala Perahera (July/August) is spectacular but trains extremely crowded. Book Colombo to Kandy train months in advance for festival. Kandy to Colombo return same issue.

Major stops & stations list: Colombo Fort → Ragama → Gampaha → Veyangoda → Polgahawela → Rambukkana → Kadugannawa → Peradeniya → Kandy. Also stops at Kotuwa/Kottawa suburb after Colombo. Colombo to Kandy train route is hill country line – most scenic after Rambukkana.

If you travel beyond Kandy, next station is Peradeniya (where line branches). Take train back – services run frequently.

Missed Your Stop? How To Return To Colombo

If you miss Kandy, get off at Peradeniya and take next train back to Colombo. Return journey takes about 2.5‑3 hours. Alternatively, take bus from Kandy bus stand to Colombo (3‑4 hours).

All Trains On This Route

Podi Menike (1005) Udarata Menike (1015) Intercity 1031 Express 1019 Express 1023 Commuter 2025 Intercity 1029 Express 1035 Long Distance 1037 Intercity 1033 Express 1039 Night Express 1043

View All Sri Lankan Trains →

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Train Colombo to Kandy 7 days a week support | Best price guarantee – Fort to Kandy, Pettah to Kandy & Kotuwa to Kandy

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Safe travels and enjoy the ride!