📝 Travel Blog - Northern Trip

Kandy or Colombo to Delft Island by Private Car and Ferry

Delft is a long way from Kandy or Colombo. The easiest plan is a drive north, a night in Jaffna and an early start for the boat.

About 326 km Kandy to Jaffna
5.5 to 6.5 hrs Kandy to Jaffna by car
LKR 43,000 Kandy to Jaffna sedan
2 or 3 Days Typical plan
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Type
Blog article
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Best For
Multi-day north trip
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Most Relevant
Delft Island
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Train and bus
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Use When
Planning the trip
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Next Step
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Quick answer

The easiest plan is to drive to Jaffna, stay one night, then go to Kurikadduwan jetty early the next morning. From Kandy, our sedan to Jaffna is LKR 43,000 on the route page, over about 326 km and 5.5 to 6.5 hours.

Reaching Delft on the same day from Kandy or Colombo is hard. The morning boats leave early, and the drive is long. A night in Jaffna removes that pressure.

Kandy to Jaffna by car

Our Kandy to Jaffna page gives the summary: about 326 km, 5.5 to 6.5 hours and LKR 43,000 for the sedan. The road is long and direct, so a comfortable car with air conditioning and luggage space suits it well.

Colombo to Jaffna by car

A car from Colombo to Jaffna is also possible. We do not publish that price in this article yet, and we do not give a time for the trip until it is confirmed.

Other options: train and bus

Trains and buses run to Jaffna. They cost less than a car, but they take longer and involve changes. Travelling with luggage or a fixed time is easier by car. Check the current train and bus services before you plan around them.

Sample 2 or 3 day plan

  • Day 1: drive from Kandy or Colombo to Jaffna, with stops along the way. Check in and rest.
  • Day 2: early start to Kurikadduwan jetty, the first boat to Delft, and a return by the last boat.
  • Day 3 (optional): Jaffna sights, or the drive back south.

Stops on the way

Anuradhapura is a good stop on the northern road. Our Kandy to Anuradhapura page covers the first part of the route. Pick a stop for lunch or a short visit, and allow time for it in your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

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20k

LKR 18k or under Mid fare Longer ride Ask on WhatsApp

September 2026 guide rates, per vehicle. Fuel, tolls, and parking are included. The shape is a fare map, not a driving chart. Prefer the list?

Kandy or Colombo to Delft Island by Private Car and Ferry highlights

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Long but Direct

The drive is long, so comfort matters more than speed.

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Night in Jaffna

Stay the night so the first boat is easy to catch.

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Boat Day

Start early and plan the return boat before you leave.

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Luggage Space

A sedan with a boot has room for a few bags.

Plan your Jaffna and Delft trip on WhatsApp.

Tell us your start point, dates and number of passengers. We reply with a price for the trip.