The journey at a glance
Find out Colombo Fort to Kandy train timetable. Pettah to Kandy, Fort to Kandy & Kotuwa to Kandy schedule today, tomorrow & future dates, 1st / 2nd / 3rd class ticket price, Intercity ticket online bookinge.
The scenic Colombo to Kandy train route is a must for Sri Lanka travelers – tea plantations, waterfalls, and lush green hills. The train passes through Ragama, Gampaha, Veyangoda, Polgahawela, Rambukkana and Kadugannawa climb before Peradeniya and Kandy. The journey is 2.5 to 3.5 hours with best views on the right side for Kelani Valley and hill country.
Train departures
Imported from the original route guide. These times have not been verified for current travel. Confirm directly before booking.
| Train No. | Train Name | Departure | Arrival | Duration | Days | Classes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1005 | Podi Menike (Express) | 05:55 | 08:46 | 2h 51m | Daily | 1st, 2nd, 3rd |
| 1009 | 1009 (AC Intercity) | 07:05 | 09:38 | 2h 33m | Daily | Observation, 1st, 2nd |
| 1015 | Udarata Menike (Express) | 08:30 | 11:03 | 2h 33m | Daily | 1st, 2nd, 3rd |
| 1031 | Intercity | 09:45 | 12:25 | 2h 40m | Daily | Observation, 2nd |
| 1019 | 1019 (Express) | 10:35 | 14:00 | 3h 25m | Daily | 1st |
| 1023 | 1023 (Express) | 12:40 | 16:00 | 3h 20m | Daily | 1st, 2nd |
| 2025 | 2025 (Colombo Commuter) | 14:30 | 17:15 | 2h 45m | Fri‑Sat | 2nd, 3rd |
| 1029 | Intercity | 15:35 | 18:06 | 2h 31m | Daily | Observation, 2nd |
| 1035 | 1035 (Express) | 16:35 | 19:45 | 3h 10m | Daily | 2nd |
| 1037 | 1037 (Long Distance) | 17:10 | 19:55 | 2h 45m | Daily | 2nd |
| 1033 | Intercity (AC Intercity) | 17:35 | 20:15 | 2h 40m | Friday only | 2nd |
| 1039 | 1039 (Express) | 17:45 | 20:55 | 3h 10m | Daily | 2nd, 3rd |
| 1043 | 1043 (Night Express) | 19:30 | 22:30 | 3h 00m | Daily | 1st, 2nd, 3rd |
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Plan your arrival
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More about this journey
These notes were carried forward from the original guide. Confirm operational details before travel.
Plan Your Journey – Duration, Distance & Best Train
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.
Plan Your Departure from Colombo Fort (Pettah) & Kotuwa Station
Colombo Fort station (Pettah) is your main departure point for Fort to Kandy train time table and Pettah to Kandy train time table. If you are near Kottawa/Kotuwa, you can board at Kotuwa station 25-35 minutes after Fort departure – same ticket price. Arrive at least 45 minutes early for morning trains like Podi Menike. Pack water, snacks, and power bank – journey is 2.5‑3 hours.
🚍 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.
Colombo to Kandy Train Stops & Route
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 overshoot Kandy, next station is Peradeniya (where line branches). Take train back – services run frequently.