Colombo Fort to Kandy Train Timetable & Tickets 2026 – Times, Prices & Booking Guide
Last updated: 12 Sept 2026 • Verified with Sri Lanka Railways – Valid for Today, Tomorrow, Future Dates
Looking for Colombo to Kandy train time table? This is the updated schedule for trains from Colombo Fort (Pettah) to Kandy. If you search for Pettah to Kandy train time table, Fort to Kandy train time table, or Kotuwa to Kandy train time table – it is the same as Colombo Fort. Pettah and Fort is the main station in Colombo, Kotuwa (Kottawa) is a suburb stop 30 mins after Fort.
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.
Distance: ~120 km from Colombo Fort to Kandy. Over 40 direct trains daily including famous Podi Menike, Udarata Menike, Intercity and Night Mail. Colombo to Kandy train ticket price starts from 200 LKR for 3rd class. For tourists we recommend 2nd class reserved (500-800 LKR) or 1st class AC (1000-1500 LKR).
Colombo to Kandy Time Table – Fort to Kandy & Pettah to Kandy Schedule
Due to the Dithwa Cyclone that hit last November 2025, part of the railway line in the hill country was damaged. The Colombo-to-Kandy train is supposed to run in Oct–Nov 2026 as per official statement by Sri Lanka Railway.
Below is is the current official Sri Lanka Railways Colombo Fort to Kandy train time table. Same timetable applies for Colombo to Kandy train time table today, tomorrow, Sunday, Saturday, Pettah to Kandy train time table, Fort to Kandy train time table, and Kotuwa to Kandy train time table (add 25-35 minutes from Fort for Kotuwa departure). Daily means every day including Sunday. Check intercity and express trains below.
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💰 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.
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Choose Your Class: 1st Class, 2nd Class & 3rd Class 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)
Second class is available on all Colombo to Kandy trains. Reserved 2nd class on expresses (Podi Menike, Udarata Menike) offers open windows for fresh air and photography – most popular among tourists. Colombo to Kandy train 2nd class ticket price is 500-800 LKR. Unreserved 2nd class can be crowded. We strongly recommend reserving a seat, especially for Colombo to Kandy train time table tomorrow and weekend travel.
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.
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.
Reserved vs Unreserved Ticket – Booking & Contact
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.
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.
✅ 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.
🏨 Not Been in Colombo Yet? Check Out Following Hotels
- The Kingsbury Colombo – $130 USD
- Cinnamon Grand Colombo – $120 USD
- Hilton Colombo – $115 USD
- C1 Colombo Fort Hostel – $15 USD
Where to Stay in Kandy?
🏨 Hotels in Kandy
- Earl’s Regency Hotel – Premium ($130 USD). Hillside, stunning views.
- Kandy View Hotel – Mid ($50 USD). Close to lake, 1 km.
- Zion View Kandy – Budget ($25 USD). 10 min walk.
- Olde Crown Hotel – Budget ($20 USD). Near station.
🍽️ Restaurants in Kandy
- Empire Cafe – International & Sri Lankan ($5 USD)
- Licensed to Grill – Burgers, wraps ($6 USD)
- Bake House – Local snacks, veggie rolls ($2 USD)
- White House Restaurant – Rice & curry ($4 USD)
🏞️ Top Things to Do in Kandy
- Temple of the Tooth – Sacred Buddhist relic, 1-2 hours
- Kandy Lake – Scenic walk, 30 min
- Royal Botanical Garden, Peradeniya – 2-3 hours
- Udawattakele Forest Reserve – Nature trail, 2 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.
🚖 Taxi in Kandy
Book a Taxi Now →📅 Best Times to Visit Kandy
| 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.
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.
🚧 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).