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Terraced green slopes in Sri Lanka's hill country under cloud

Private transfer · 140 km · 4.5–5 hrs

Kandy to Ella private transfer

Fixed price from $75 per car, the same in both directions

Fixed price from $75 per car

Book this transfer on WhatsApp

One of the most scenic drives on the island, through Nuwara Eliya and the tea estates. Many guests ride the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella for the last part, while the driver carries the bags.

Distance
About 140 km
Drive time
4.5–5 hrs
Price from
$75 per car
Return trip
Same price both ways

Prices

Kandy to Ella taxi prices

One fixed price for the whole vehicle, not per person. Fuel, tolls, parking and the driver are included. Choose the size that fits your group and bags.

Private transfer from Kandy to Ella, one way, per vehicle
VehiclePassengersFareBook
Car1–3from $75Book on WhatsApp: Car
SUV1–4from $95Book on WhatsApp: SUV
Van (flat roof)4–5from $100Book on WhatsApp: Van (flat roof)
Van (high roof)6–8from $115Book on WhatsApp: Van (high roof)

"From" prices in US dollars. Final price confirmed on WhatsApp. You can pay in US dollars or rupees.

How it works

Door to door, at your pace

  1. Pickup

    From your hotel door

    Your driver collects you from your hotel in Kandy at the time you choose. No need to carry bags to a station.

  2. The drive

    At your own pace

    Stop for photos, tea or lunch along the way. Short stops are always free; just tell the driver.

  3. Arrival

    Dropped at your door in Ella

    Straight to your hotel, villa or guesthouse, wherever it is. The fare is fixed before you set off.

The route

Stops worth making on the way

Kandy
Ella
Map of Sri Lanka showing the route: Kandy, Ella.
  1. StartKandy
  2. StopRamboda Fallsoptional
  3. StopTea factory visitoptional
  4. StopNuwara Eliya townoptional
  5. EndElla140 km · 4.5–5 hrs

Short stops are free. Stops with a visit, such as a safari or a temple, add time; tell us when you book and we will plan the timing.

Other ways to travel

Train or bus?

The Kandy to Nanu Oya section is still closed after storm damage in late 2025, but the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella reopened in June 2026. We can drive you to Nanu Oya, help with seats and meet you in Ella.

A private car costs more than a bus, but it leaves when you are ready, carries all your bags and takes you to the door. Split between two or more people, the difference is often small.

Return trip

Ella to Kandy transfer

Travelling the other way? A private car from Ella to Kandy costs the same, from $75 per car, with pickup from your hotel in Ella.

Book Ella to Kandy on WhatsApp

What's in the price

Included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle, just for your group
  • English-speaking driver
  • Fuel, expressway tolls and parking
  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel door
  • Short stops for food, photos and toilet breaks

Paid separately

  • Entrance tickets at stops
  • Long sightseeing detours (ask us for a price)
  • Tips

FAQ

Questions about this transfer

How much is a private transfer from Kandy to Ella?

A private car from Kandy to Ella costs from about $75, for the whole car, not per person. Larger vehicles cost more; see the table above. Fuel, tolls, parking and the driver are all included, and the final price is confirmed on WhatsApp.

How long does it take to get from Kandy to Ella?

The drive is about 140 km and takes 4.5–5 hrs without long stops, depending on traffic and the time of day.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

We track your flight number, so your driver will be there when you land, even if it is late. There is no extra charge for delays.

Can we stop on the way?

Yes. Short stops for food, photos or a toilet break are always free. Longer sightseeing stops can be added; just tell us in advance.

Can I book the return trip from Ella?

Yes. The fare is the same in both directions, and your driver will collect you from your hotel in Ella.

Other transfers

All transfer prices

Tours that visit Ella

From

$75 / car

Book on WhatsApp