How long does it take to travel from Colombo to Kodaikanal?

By road: approximately 5 hrs 1 min.

Colombo to Kodaikanal Distance & How to Reach

Q: What is the distance from Colombo to Kodaikanal?

The aerial distance from Colombo to Kodaikanal is approximately 136 km (85 miles). By road, the distance is approximately 258 km.

Q: What is the best way to travel from Colombo to Kodaikanal?

For this 258 km journey, a car or train is ideal. Driving takes about 5 hrs 1 min and trains take approximately 4 hrs 41 min.

Sri Lanka to Tamil Nadu · 258 km · Compare train, bus & driving options

Colombo to Kodaikanal distance: 136 km (aerial), approximately 258 km by road. By train: ~4 hrs 41 min. By road: ~5 hrs 1 min.

Colombo

Sri Lanka

Kodaikanal

Tamil Nadu

136 km

aerial distance (straight line)

85 miles · Road distance: ~258 km (via road)

🗺 Route map

258 km

Road distance

5 hrs 1 min

Drive time

136 km

Aerial distance

Route data via OpenStreetMap

How to get from Colombo to Kodaikanal

✈

By Flight

No direct flights

Nearest airport: Madurai (IXM)

🚗

By Car

5 hrs 1 min

258 km via highway

Quick facts

Aerial distance

136 km (85 mi)

Road distance

~258 km

Recommended

Car (4 hrs 41 min)

Most affordable

Train

📍 Colombo to Kodaikanal distance overview

The distance from Colombo to Kodaikanal is approximately 136 km as the crow flies. The road distance is about 258 km, making this a comfortable day trip by car or train.

136 kmAerial distance

~258 kmBy road

4 hrs 41 minCar

✈️ Reaching Kodaikanal by air

No direct airport

Kodaikanal does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest airport is Madurai (IXM). Fly to the nearest airport and continue by road or rail.

Search Flights to Nearest Airport

🚗 By car — Colombo to Kodaikanal

5 hrs 1 min ~258 km

A comfortable 5 hrs 1 min drive covers the 258 km between Colombo and Kodaikanal. This makes for a great day trip by car.

💡 Travel tips for Colombo to Kodaikanal

📅

Day trip friendly
At 258 km, you can easily make this a day trip and return the same day. Train or car is ideal.

💳

Carry valid ID
Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID is required for train travel and recommended for bus journeys.

Where to stay in Kodaikanal

Budget to luxury hotels. Compare prices on FareEagle.

View Kodaikanal Hotels

🔗 Useful travel resources

For official travel information, regulations, and booking services:

DGCA — Indian aviation authority

Passport Seva — Passport and travel documents

Frequently asked questions

What is the distance from Colombo to Kodaikanal? ▼

The aerial (straight-line) distance from Colombo to Kodaikanal is approximately 136 km (85 miles). The road distance is approximately 258 km, which takes about 5 hrs 1 min by car.

What is the best way to travel from Colombo to Kodaikanal? ▼

For this 258 km journey, a car or train is most practical. Driving takes about 5 hrs 1 min and trains take approximately 4 hrs 41 min. This makes for a comfortable day trip.

Can I book Colombo to Kodaikanal travel on FareEagle? ▼

Yes! FareEagle lets you compare and book and hotels for the Colombo to Kodaikanal route. Compare prices across operators, get instant confirmation, and enjoy transparent pricing with no hidden charges.

Routes from Colombo