Quick answer
Getting to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo takes roughly five to six and a half hours by private car, about 170 kilometres, via either Avissawella and Hatton or Kandy and the Ramboda Pass. From the airport, add little time if you avoid Colombo traffic. The train from Colombo Fort to Nanu Oya, about 8 to 10 kilometres from town, is slower but scenic. Direct buses run from Colombo but are crowded on winding roads. Allow extra time in April, at Christmas and on weekends. Stop for tea and waterfalls on the way.
Key takeaways
- Nuwara Eliya is roughly 170 kilometres from Colombo, about five to six and a half hours by car.
- The two main road routes from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya run via Hatton or via Kandy and the Ramboda Pass.
- The nearest railway station to Nuwara Eliya is Nanu Oya, roughly 8 to 10 kilometres from town.
- The train from Colombo Fort to Nanu Oya is slower than the road but passes through Kandy's hills and tea country.
- Traffic on routes to Nuwara Eliya is heaviest in April, at Christmas and on weekends.
The main options
Getting to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo comes down to three choices: a private car with driver, the train to Nanu Oya plus a short transfer, or a public bus. A private car is fastest and most flexible; the train is the most scenic; the bus is cheapest.
Getting to Nuwara Eliya from Bandaranaike International Airport is easiest by private car, avoiding central Colombo. Many travellers prefer to break the journey with a night in Kandy or Negombo, especially after a long flight.
- →Private car: five to six and a half hours, most flexible.
- →Train: longer, scenic, needs a transfer from Nanu Oya.
- →Bus: cheapest, slowest and least comfortable.
By private car
By private car, the most direct route from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya runs east via Avissawella and Hatton, climbing into the tea country past Kitulgala and the Dimbula estates, with Devon and St Clair's falls on the way. Allow roughly five to six and a half hours with stops.
By private car via Kandy, the route uses the Central Expressway towards Kurunegala or the A1 to Kandy, then climbs the Ramboda Pass past Labookellie and Ramboda Falls. It is a little longer but allows a night or lunch in Kandy.
By private car, plan two or three stops: tea and a viewpoint, a waterfall and lunch. Car sickness is common on the hairpins, so sit in front and carry remedies.
- →Via Hatton: Kitulgala, Devon and St Clair's falls.
- →Via Kandy: Labookellie and Ramboda Falls.
- →Allow extra time in rain and holidays.
By train
By train, the Colombo Fort to Badulla line stops at Nanu Oya, the station for Nuwara Eliya. The journey is long, often eight hours or more, but passes through Kandy's hills and climbs into the tea country after Hatton. Reserved seats are released around 30 days ahead and sell out in busy months.
By train, many travellers prefer to go by road to Kandy and take the train from there to Nanu Oya, a shorter, scenic stretch. From Nanu Oya, tuk-tuks and taxis wait for trains for the 20 to 30 minute ride into town.
- →Colombo Fort to Nanu Oya: often eight hours or more.
- →Kandy to Nanu Oya: a shorter, scenic option.
- →Nanu Oya to town: roughly 8 to 10 kilometres by tuk-tuk.
By bus
By bus, direct services run from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya, taking roughly six to seven hours. They are cheap but often crowded, with little luggage space, and the winding hill roads make them uncomfortable for travellers prone to motion sickness.
By bus, an alternative is to travel Colombo to Kandy by express bus or train, then Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by bus, breaking the journey and allowing a night in Kandy.
Tips for the journey
The journey to Nuwara Eliya is best started early to arrive before dark, when the hill roads are easier and the evening cold sets in. Pack a warm layer in your day bag: you leave Colombo at around 30 degrees and arrive at around 15.
The journey becomes part of the trip with good stops. Lankan Stays & Trails plans Colombo to Nuwara Eliya transfers with a tea factory, a waterfall and lunch, and can split the drive with a night in Kandy or Kitulgala.
- →Start early to arrive in daylight.
- →Keep a warm layer in your day bag.
- →Book train seats about 30 days ahead.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya?
It takes roughly five to six and a half hours to drive from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya, about 170 kilometres. The train to Nanu Oya often takes eight hours or more. Buses take roughly six to seven hours. Allow extra time in holidays.
What is the best way to get from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya?
The best way to get from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya is by private car with driver, which is fastest and allows stops at tea estates and waterfalls. The train is more scenic but slower, and the bus is cheapest but least comfortable.
Is there a train from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya?
There is a train from Colombo Fort to Nanu Oya, the station for Nuwara Eliya, on the line to Badulla. It often takes eight hours or more. From Nanu Oya, take a tuk-tuk or taxi roughly 8 to 10 kilometres into town.
How far is the airport from Nuwara Eliya?
Bandaranaike International Airport is roughly five to six and a half hours from Nuwara Eliya by road, depending on traffic and route. Many travellers spend a night in Negombo or Kandy before driving up to the hills.
Which route is better from Colombo, via Hatton or via Kandy?
The route via Hatton is usually more direct and passes Devon and St Clair's falls. The route via Kandy is slightly longer but allows a stop or night in Kandy and passes Labookellie and Ramboda Falls.
Is the road to Nuwara Eliya dangerous?
The road to Nuwara Eliya is winding and steep in places but generally safe with an experienced driver. Heavy rain can cause landslide warnings and delays. Avoid driving after dark and allow extra time in wet weather.