Matara to Kandy Bus Timetable

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Via Southern Expressway

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

Route Stops:

Matara Godagama Interchange Southern Expressway Kadawatha Miriswatta Nittambuwa Pasyala Warakapola Ambepussa Galigamuwa Kegalle Karandupana Uthuwankanda Mawanella Kadugannawa Pilimatalawa Peradeniya Kandy
Normal
7:15 AM
Departure
1:30 PM
Departure
Semi Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Luxury
Not available Share what you know
Super Luxury
Not available Share what you know

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Route: Matara → Kandy

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Traveling from Matara to Kandy

Plan your journey from Matara to Kandy 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 Matara to Kandy route provides travelers with an efficient expressway connection from the deep south's largest city to the hill capital, combining coastal and hill country experiences. This approximately 252-kilometer journey follows route EX01-24/01, utilizing the Southern Expressway and Central Expressway for fast, comfortable travel. The journey typically takes 4 hours 30 minutes via expressway, making it extremely convenient for travelers moving from the deep south to the hill country. The route passes through the Godagama Interchange, Southern Expressway, and Kadawatha before continuing to Kandy. Matara, the southernmost major city famous for its historic fort and Dondra Head Lighthouse, serves as the starting point, while Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage city and cultural capital, serves as the destination. Travelers can choose from normal bus services, with expressway routes providing efficient travel. This route is essential for travelers heading from the deep south to the hill country, beach tourists returning from southern beaches, and those seeking to combine coastal and hill country experiences. The expressway route offers a smooth, efficient journey, making it the fastest way to travel between these two important destinations.

We currently track 1 route variant (including route number: EX01-24/01) for this journey from Matara to Kandy. 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 Matara - Kandy 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 Kandy → Matara timetable for return journey options. For connections to other destinations, browse our complete Sri Lanka bus routes directory.

Travel Tips for Your Journey from Matara to Kandy

Planning Your Trip

  • Arrive early: Arrive at the Matara bus station at least 15-30 minutes before departure, especially during peak hours
  • Check bus types: Normal buses from Matara are cheapest but may have frequent stops; Luxury buses offer comfort but cost more
  • Peak hours: Avoid traveling from Matara 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 Matara to Kandy route

What to Expect on the Way

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Matara to Kandy

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

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

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

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

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