Vans from Ella to Kandy

Vans from Ella to Kandy

Ella
Kandy
Sun, Jun 14
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2 Passengers
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Ella to Kandy Destination Reviews

BH
Ben H
I had an extremely disappointing experience earlier in the week with an operator called Real Lanka Holidays. On Monday 13th me and a friend drove to Adam’s peak with them from Hiriketiya, we then confirmed with someone from the company and the driver who took us that he was going to take us back. I woke up for the hike to confused messages that the trip had been cancelled. When we spoke to someone on the phone they said that they couldn’t justify the trip back to Hiriketiya as they would lose money. It didn’t seem to matter that the driver had agreed to drive us by the time we went to sleep and they refused to give us a new price. We got a new car for just €10 more than the cost of our original journey so we feel like they chose a different driver because they charged more money for the holiday. This experience was the opposite. I received a message well in advance saying that I was the only passenger and had two options: receive a refund or pay $30 extra. The company was far more professional for this journey and was so happy that I avoided another stressful situation trying to find another way to my destination. Unlike the other operator I felt like Tuktukdude actually cared whether I got to my destination
Ella to Kandy, Van Van Shuttle, Tuktukdude Leisure (Tuktukdude Leisure), Apr 19, 2026
AP
Ariane P
The driver was late, very tired and did not drive safely. I don‘t blame him. He probably worked overtime. The company needs to do more for the safety of their drivers and passengers
Ella to Kandy, Van Scenic Minivan, Magical Sri Lanka, Mar 16, 2026
SS
Silvia S
A timid driver, who turned up late and was making phone calls all the time. Had to complain. No washroom-stop, no receipt for the extra-paid money, no help with my heavy luggage. Never again.
Ella to Kandy, Van Van Shuttle, Tuktukdude Leisure (Tuktukdude Leisure), Feb 26, 2026
RC
Ramona C
Very friendly driver and very comfy car. Although we arrived 2,5 hours later than stated in the ticket - also due to traffic.
Ella to Kandy, Van Van Shuttle, Tuktukdude Leisure (Tuktukdude Leisure), Feb 12, 2026
NT
Nykola T
The driver turned up an hour and a half late. He then was upset about picking me up from my homestay and wasn’t very nice to me at all. We were later than expected but that’s normal in Sri Lanka. They did drive safe.
Ella to Kandy, Van Scenic Minivan, Magical Sri Lanka, Feb 3, 2026
4.5
26 customer reviews
5
69%
4
19%
3
8%
2
4%
1
0%

Ella to Kandy Van Schedule

OperatorClassDeparture TimeArrival TimePriceRating
Ella Excursions Tours
Minivan
08:00
12:30
$25.00
Magical Sri Lanka
Scenic Minivan
13:30
18:30
$22.00
  4.7

How to get from Ella to Kandy by van

Vans are a faster alternative to buses; vans usually offer more scheduled departures than buses or other means of transport over the same route; vans may serve the routes not served by buses, trains, or flights. What other reasons do you need to opt for a van? Ah! Very often, they are much more affordable than any other means of transport. Van from Ella to Kandy departs regularly according to the schedule and is a decent option to get to your destination at a reasonable price. Now van tickets can be booked online what makes planning of your trip more convenient. Before you book your van ticket, remember to read other travellers’ reviews on your operator’s service to ensure it meets your expectations.

Currently the following operators can help you to travel from Ella to Kandy by van: .

How far is Ella from Kandy?

Ella sits 61 km from Kandy.

How long does it take to get from Ella to Kandy by van?

Vans cover the distance between Ella and Kandy in 3h 30m – 5h hours. Do note that though vans usually stick to their schedule, your journey can take longer if traffic is excessive or the weather is bad. The worst periods in the sense of violation of the timetable is long weekends, national holidays, school vacations and peak season. With roads stuck with traffic do expect delays. Stormy weather with heavy rains or snowfalls can also cause your arrival time to change. Yet in general you can rely on the timing declared by the operator.

The fastest service on this route is provided by Tuktukdude Leisure. Magical Sri Lanka’s vans travel slower than others.

How much does it cost to get from Ella to Kandy by van?

Opposite to, say, buses, normally vans do not offer a great variety in the sense of ticket class hence the price of the ticket is the same for all seats in a van. Note that some seats offer more comfort during the ride. E.g. in some vans the passenger seat by the driver is also available. If you are lucky enough to get it, you may have more space and definitely a better view there. Similarly, in some vans seats in the back row may be a disappointment as they do not recline due to the trunk filled with travellers’ luggage.

To hop onto a van between Ella and Kandy expect to pay from USD 34.55 to USD 38.93. The more convenient the ride, the more you pay – either for extra space or for less stops enroute. Magical Sri Lanka is the cheapest operator on the route while Tuktukdude Leisure is the most expensive one.

Travelling by van essentials

  • Ensure to check carefully from where your van departs. In many cases vans are stationed not at the city main bus station but elsewhere. Individual van operators may have their own van stops located anywhere, and one and the same operator may sell tickets to their vans from different stops. If you are planning a bus-van connection, be sure you understand where to catch your van as it is easy to assume that vans leave from the same station where buses arrive. No, it is not necessarily so!
  • There are different types of vans accommodating from 9 to 15 or more passengers. While on certain routes you have no alternative, on others you can choose. The rule of thumb – fewer seats mean more leg space and more comfort. As well as more money for your ticket. But this is probably the case when it is worth investing into your seat a bit more.
  • Vans accommodating more passengers are often cramped and do not provide any additional space for your luggage. In many cases your ticket will include only one piece of luggage, often with limited weight. If you travel with huge suitcases or backpacks you may want – or even need – to buy an extra seat for your luggage. Before booking an extra seat for your luggage though do check with the operator if they allow it. If you did buy a separate seat for your luggage, and the driver during the way tries to pick up an extra passenger to put on a “vacant” seat, insist on right to use it as you paid for it.
  • There are obviously no on board toilets in vans but if your journey lasts over two or three hours there will normally be one or more bathroom stop(s) enroute. During the bathroom stop, take a note of your van number plate when you get off. It will make it easier for you to find the van among similar vehicles and in an unhappy case (hypothetically!) of van leaving without you, you can at least report it to the operator.
  • Van drivers are notorious for their driving style. Though many companies enforce strict speed limits on their vehicles they are often not observed. This is probably a major downside of van travel in some countries. Anyway, if speed limits are violated do not be shy to ask the driver to go slower. Normally there will be an information plate with the telephone numbers to call if your driver violates traffic rules – report each such case without hesitation. Also, do leave your review if not satisfied with the service to warn other travellers.
  • It is compulsory to use belts for all the van passengers. Even if your driver does not insist on it, use the belt for your own safety. Belts are sometimes fixed behind your seat – do not hesitate to release them and use as they are intended to be used.
  • Many vans do not have scheduled departures but depart when full. Sometimes waiting periods can be long, especially if you happen to come immediately after the previous van has departed or just in the end of the day when there are not so many passengers. Always make sure you understand whether your ticket is for a scheduled trip or otherwise. Normally operators who allow online booking of their tickets, provide scheduled service meaning your van will depart on time no matter how many passengers show up for the trip.

Transportation from Ella to Kandy

Facts about the van from Ella to Kandy

Cheapest Van$35
Fastest Van3h 30m
Earliest Van9:50 오전
Latest Van1:30 오후
Daily Van Routes2
Distance61 kilometers
Van CompaniesMagical Sri Lanka, SL Highway Bus Service and Shuttle Transfer, Tuktukdude Leisure