Kandy to Matara Bus Timetable

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Via Central And Southern Expressways

Route No: EX01-24/01 Distance: 252km Duration: 4h 30m

Route Stops:

Kandy Peradeniya Mawanella Kegalle Warakapola Pasyala Nittabuwa Yakkala Kadawatha Southern Expressway Matara
Normal
Not available Share what you know
Semi Luxury
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Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
5:40 AM
Departure
1:30 PM
Departure
2:30 PM
Departure

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Route: Kandy → Matara

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Traveling from Kandy to Matara

Plan your journey from Kandy to Matara 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 Matara route provides travelers with an efficient expressway connection from the hill capital to the deep south's largest city, combining hill country and coastal experiences. This approximately 252-kilometer journey follows route EX01-24/01, utilizing both the Central Expressway and Southern Expressway for fast, comfortable travel. The journey typically takes 4 hours 30 minutes via expressway, making it extremely convenient for travelers moving between the hill country and the deep south. The route passes through Peradeniya, Mawanella, and Kegalle before joining the expressway system. Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage city and cultural capital, serves as the starting point, while Matara, the southernmost major city famous for its historic fort and Dondra Head Lighthouse, serves as the destination. Travelers can choose from super-luxury air-conditioned services, providing premium comfort for the expressway journey. This route is essential for travelers exploring both hill country and deep south attractions, beach tourists, lighthouse visitors, and those seeking efficient connections between major destinations. The expressway route offers a smooth, efficient journey, making it the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between these two important destinations.

We currently track 1 route variant (including route number: EX01-24/01) for this journey from Kandy to Matara. 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 - Matara 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 Matara → 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 Matara

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 Matara route

What to Expect on the Way

  • Payment: Cash only - carry small denomination notes (Rs. 50, 100, 500) for your fare to Matara
  • Luggage: Small bags can be kept with you; larger bags stored near driver or in compartments on the Kandy - Matara bus
  • Stops: Normal buses to Matara 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 Matara route.

Frequently Asked Questions: Kandy to Matara

Departure times for the Kandy to Matara 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 Matara 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 Matara 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 Matara. Super Luxury buses offer the highest level of comfort.

Fares from Kandy to Matara 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 Matara may accept advance bookings. We recommend arriving early at the Kandy bus terminal.

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

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