Hill Country by Bus (2025): Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella – Complete Guide
Everything you need to ride buses through Sri Lanka’s hill country: exact routes, realistic times, fares, seat picks, motion-sickness tips, and ready-to-run itineraries.
Fast Facts
- Best seats: Front/mid-window to reduce sway
- Peak crowding: 7–9 AM, 4–6 PM (school/work rush)
- Best start time: Before 7:30 AM for long legs
- Motion sickness: Bring meds; roads are winding
Key Hubs & How They Connect
- Kandy: Gateway to the hills; links to Colombo, Dambulla, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla/Ella.
- Nuwara Eliya: Tea-country base; connects to Kandy, Hatton, Ella/Badulla, Haputale.
- Ella: Scenic southern hills; links to Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Wellawaya, south coast.
Core Routes (with typical daytime times & ballpark fares)
| Leg | Time | Fare (LKR) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo → Kandy | 3–3.5h | 200–800 | AC/Luxury faster, fewer stops |
| Kandy → Nuwara Eliya | 2.5–3h | 200–450 | Scenic, winding; start early |
| Nuwara Eliya → Ella | 2.5–3h | 200–450 | Sweeping views; sit right side southbound |
| Kandy → Ella (via Badulla) | 5.5–7h | 500–1100 | Break in Nuwara Eliya/Hatton if needed |
When to Go
- Best months: Dec–Mar for clearer skies; also Jun–Sep for cooler temps.
- Avoid heavy rain: Expect slower buses during monsoon showers; add 20–30% buffer.
- Start early: Fog lifts by late morning; buses less crowded before 8 AM.
Seat & Comfort Strategy
- Seats: Front/mid rows, window side to reduce sway; avoid rear bench.
- Gear: Light jacket (cool hills), motion-sickness tabs, water, small snacks.
- Photo spots: Right side Kandy→Nuwara Eliya; both sides Nuwara Eliya→Ella.
3–7 Day Hill Country Itineraries (Bus-Only)
3-Day “Greatest Hits”
- Day 1: Colombo → Kandy (Temple of the Tooth, lake walk).
- Day 2: Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (tea factory, Gregory Lake).
- Day 3: Nuwara Eliya → Ella (Nine Arches, Little Adam’s Peak).
5-Day “Tea & Trails”
- Colombo → Kandy (overnight Kandy).
- Kandy → Nuwara Eliya (tea tour).
- Nuwara Eliya → Horton Plains (early start, return Nuwara Eliya).
- Nuwara Eliya → Ella (sunset at Nine Arches).
- Ella → South Coast or back to Colombo.
7-Day “Full Hill Loop”
- Colombo → Kandy.
- Kandy (Pinnawala/Sigiriya day trip option).
- Kandy → Nuwara Eliya.
- Nuwara Eliya (Horton Plains).
- Nuwara Eliya → Ella.
- Ella (Ravana Falls, Ella Rock).
- Ella → South Coast (Matara/Galle) or back to Colombo.
Safety & Practical Tips
- Weather swing: Hills get cold; carry layers.
- Last buses: Hill routes thin out after ~6–7 PM; start early.
- Break the ride: For long Kandy→Ella legs, break at Nuwara Eliya or Hatton.