Tea plantations and misty hills around Nuwara Eliya at sunrise, Sri Lanka
Private transfer

Colombo Airport to Nuwara Eliya private transfer

Air-conditioned car or van with a friendly local driver, door to door.

  • About 170 km
  • ~5 hours
  • Fixed price, free quote

About this transfer

Climb into the cool tea country, passing through Kandy and past waterfalls and tea estates on the way up.

Distance
About 170 km
Driving time
About 5 hours
Price
Fixed price, free quote
Availability
Daily, day and night, in either direction

Worth stopping on the way

  1. 1

    Kandy

    Break the journey with lunch or a visit to the Temple of the Tooth.

  2. 2

    Ramboda Falls

    A tall waterfall right next to the road.

  3. 3

    Tea factory

    See how Ceylon tea is made and taste a fresh cup.

What’s included

  • Private air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly English-speaking driver
  • Door-to-door service from your hotel or the airport arrivals hall
  • Meet & greet with a name board at the airport
  • Fuel, highway tolls and parking
  • Short photo and refreshment stops on the way

Choose your vehicle

  • Car: Couples and small families (up to 3 guests)
  • Van: Families and small groups (4–8 guests)
  • Minibus: Larger groups (9 guests or more)

Questions about this route

How long does it take to get from Colombo Airport (CMB) to Nuwara Eliya?

The drive is about 170 km and usually takes around 5 hours without long stops. Allow extra time for traffic, weather and any stops you would like to make.

How much is a taxi from Colombo Airport (CMB) to Nuwara Eliya?

We quote a fixed price per vehicle, based on your group size and luggage. Fuel, highway tolls and parking are included, with no hidden extras. Send us your date and number of travellers for a quick quote.

Can we stop on the way?

Yes. Short stops for photos, food and toilets are always fine. Popular stops on this route include Kandy, Ramboda Falls, Tea factory. Let us know in advance if you’d like a longer visit.

Can I book the return trip from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo Airport (CMB)?

Of course. We run this route in both directions and can combine it with other transfers or a multi-day car and driver hire.

Planning your stay? Read our Nuwara Eliya travel guide for things to do and local tips. Driving times are approximate and depend on traffic and weather.

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