Kandy to Kataragama Bus Timetable

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Via Bandarawela

Route No: 10 Distance: 240km Duration: 8h 0m

Route Stops:

Kandy Peradeniya Mawanella Kegalle Warakapola Bandarawela Wellawaya Thanamalwila Tissamaharama Kataragama
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
6:40 AM
Departure
8:00 PM
Departure
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
Not available Share what you know

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Route: Kandy → Kataragama

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Traveling from Kandy to Kataragama

Plan your journey from Kandy to Kataragama with confidence using our comprehensive bus timetable. This page provides detailed departure times, route information, and practical travel tips to help you navigate Sri Lanka's extensive bus network.

The Kandy to Kataragama route connects the hill capital with one of Sri Lanka's most sacred pilgrimage sites, offering travelers a journey from the cultural heart of the hill country to the deep south's spiritual center. This approximately 240-kilometer journey follows route 10, passing through Peradeniya, Mawanella, Kegalle, and Bandarawela before reaching Kataragama. The journey typically takes 8 hours, making it a long but culturally significant trip. Kataragama is a multi-religious pilgrimage site sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and Muslims, famous for the Kataragama Temple (Kiri Vehera) and the annual Esala Perahera festival. The town is also strategically located near Yala National Park, one of Sri Lanka's premier wildlife destinations, making this route popular with both pilgrims and nature enthusiasts. The route passes through diverse landscapes, from the hill country through the Uva Province to the deep south's drier regions. Travelers can choose from semi-luxury services, providing comfortable travel for the long journey. This route is essential for pilgrimage tourism, wildlife enthusiasts heading to Yala, and travelers seeking to combine cultural and natural experiences. The journey itself is part of the experience, offering glimpses of Sri Lanka's diverse geography and cultural heritage.

We currently track 1 route variant (including route number: 10) for this journey from Kandy to Kataragama. Each variant may have different stops, bus types, or travel durations, so review the options below to find the service that best fits your schedule and budget.

Our timetables for the Kandy - Kataragama route are continuously updated based on real-time information from passengers and bus operators. The information below was last updated in February 2026. While we strive for accuracy, bus schedules can vary due to traffic conditions, weather, or operational changes.

If you're traveling in the opposite direction, check out the Kataragama → Kandy timetable for return journey options. For connections to other destinations, browse our complete Sri Lanka bus routes directory.

Travel Tips for Your Journey from Kandy to Kataragama

Planning Your Trip

  • Arrive early: Arrive at the Kandy bus station at least 15-30 minutes before departure, especially during peak hours
  • Check bus types: Normal buses from Kandy are cheapest but may have frequent stops; Luxury buses offer comfort but cost more
  • Peak hours: Avoid traveling from Kandy during 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM weekdays for a more comfortable journey
  • Weather: During monsoon season (May-September), allow extra time for potential delays on the Kandy to Kataragama route

What to Expect on the Way

  • Payment: Cash only - carry small denomination notes (Rs. 50, 100, 500) for your fare to Kataragama
  • Luggage: Small bags can be kept with you; larger bags stored near driver or in compartments on the Kandy - Kataragama bus
  • Stops: Normal buses to Kataragama stop frequently; Express services have limited stops for faster travel
  • Help: Locals are generally helpful - don't hesitate to ask Kandy bus station staff for assistance

Need more comprehensive travel guidance? Check out our Essential Travel Tips page for detailed information about bus types, etiquette, safety, and cultural insights.

Found outdated information? Help fellow travelers by contributing updated timetable data for the Kandy to Kataragama route.

Frequently Asked Questions: Kandy to Kataragama

Departure times for the Kandy to Kataragama route vary by service and day. Check the timetable sections above for the latest departures across Normal, Semi Luxury, Luxury and Super Luxury services. Times are updated regularly based on passenger feedback.

Journey duration between Kandy and Kataragama depends on traffic, bus type and route variant. Express services are typically faster than normal services along the same corridor. Peak hours in Kandy or Kataragama may add 30-60 minutes to travel time.

Normal buses from Kandy are standard public transport. Semi Luxury buses offer air conditioning. Luxury buses provide premium comfort with reclining seats for the journey to Kataragama. Super Luxury buses offer the highest level of comfort.

Fares from Kandy to Kataragama vary by bus type. Normal buses are the most affordable, while Super Luxury buses cost more but offer premium comfort. See the specific fares in the timetable sections above.

Most bus services from Kandy operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Some luxury services to Kataragama may accept advance bookings. We recommend arriving early at the Kandy bus terminal.

Yes, you can find the return timetable here: Kataragama → Kandy.

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