Kandy to Ella Train: How to Ride Sri Lanka's Most Scenic Railway

How to Book and Ride the Kandy to Ella Train in Sri Lanka

If you’ve ever Googled “most beautiful train ride in the world,” chances are you’ve stumbled across the Kandy to Ella train journey. This isn’t just a way to get from A to B — it’s a 7-hour visual feast through Sri Lanka’s misty mountains, rolling tea plantations, and jungle-draped hillsides. Locals ride it. Backpackers swear by it. And we’re here to show you exactly how to do it right.

From how to book tickets to where to sit, what snacks to bring, and even which side of the train to choose — we’ve packed every juicy detail into this guide so your ride is as unforgettable as the views.

🎟️ How to Book Tickets (and Why It Matters)

The train fills up fast. Tourists, locals, backpackers — everyone wants a seat on this iconic ride. So your first step is securing a ticket.

🚉 Ticket Classes:

• First Class (Reserved, A/C): Quiet, comfy, sealed windows. Great for comfort, but you’ll miss the fresh air and open-door vibe.
• Second Class Reserved: Best of both worlds — windows open, doors open, assigned seat.
• Third Class Reserved: Cheaper and more local, but can get crowded.
• Unreserved: Buy it at the station, super affordable (~LKR 300), but seats are not guaranteed. You might stand the whole way.

🔖 Where to Book:

• Online via 12Go Asia, Bookaway, or through your hotel/guesthouse.
• At railway stations (go early, especially in Kandy or Colombo).

Hot Tip: Try booking second-class reserved — perfect mix of local experience and personal space.

🚏 Route Overview: Key Stations on the Journey

While most travelers start in Kandy, the full train route begins in Colombo and ends in Badulla. Here's a breakdown of the most important stops:

1. Colombo Fort – Capital city (start of the full route).
2. Peradeniya – Small station near Kandy. Pro tip: Board here to grab seats before the Kandy crowds get on.
3. Kandy – Popular starting point for the scenic stretch.
4. Hatton – Gateway to Adam’s Peak.
5. Nanu Oya – For cool and misty Nuwara Eliya.
6. Haputale – Quiet hill station with epic views.
7. Ella – The final stop for most travelers. Lush, cool, and full of good vibes.

⏳ How Long Is the Ride?

The journey from Kandy to Ella takes around 6 to 7 hours, covering just 155 kilometers. Yes — that’s incredibly slow, but that’s exactly the point.

This isn’t a race; it’s a rolling daydream.

📸 What Makes This Train Ride So Special?

The train ride from Kandy to Ella isn’t just transportation — it’s a journey through a living postcard. As the train gently chugs through Sri Lanka’s highlands, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of emerald-green tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, misty mountain peaks, and charming hillside villages. It’s like watching the scenery of a nature documentary unfold in real-time, right outside your window.

One of the most thrilling parts? The doors stay wide open. Yes, really. Adventurous travelers often sit or stand in the doorways, letting the wind rush past their faces as they soak in the views — it’s an exhilarating, free-spirited experience like no other.

The vibe on board is equally unforgettable. Locals and tourists alike laugh, share snacks, and shout joyfully through the tunnels. Though the train from Kandy doesn’t cross the famous Nine Arch Bridge, once you reach Ella, you can hike to it and watch the next train curve across the iconic arches. Pure magic.

🧠 Before You Go: Tips You'll Thank Us For

📖 A Quick Glance at the Train’s Colonial History

The Kandy to Ella railway line is part of Sri Lanka’s Main Line, a track steeped in colonial history. It was originally constructed during British rule in the 19th century, with the first train operating in 1867. The primary purpose was to transport tea, coffee, and other goods from the central highlands to the port city of Colombo for export to Britain. The terrain was challenging, requiring the construction of tunnels, bridges, and switchbacks through mountainous regions. The full line to Badulla wasn’t completed until 1924. Today, this historic route stands as a living relic of Sri Lanka’s colonial past and engineering legacy.

🛤️ What to Expect on the Journey

Here’s how it goes, from your first “all aboard” to rolling into Ella:

• Boarding: Crowded platforms, lots of jostling. If you’re in unreserved class, it’s a scramble for seats.
• Settling in: If you scored a window or door — congrats. You’ve won.
• Tunnel Shouts: Everyone screams in the tunnels. It’s a thing. Go with it.
• Vendor Visits: Snacks like peanuts, samosas, fruit, and tea are sold onboard. Bring small cash.
• Constant Photo Ops: Whether you're sitting, standing, or hanging out a door — every second is a view worth snapping.
• Sudden Weather Swings: Sun to mist to rain in minutes. Welcome to the highlands.
• Unforgettable Moments: From misty tea fields to kids waving from villages, this journey is filled with moments that will stay with you forever.

🧳 Arriving in Ella

After 6–7 hours, you’ll glide into Ella Station, likely covered in dust, with a full camera roll and a heart full of wonder. Ella itself is a laid-back mountain town with plenty to do:

• Hike Little Adam’s Peak
• Visit the Nine Arch Bridge
• Chase Ravana Falls
• Chill in cafés and watch the clouds roll by

Grab a tuk-tuk at the station and head to your guesthouse — your Sri Lankan hill country adventure has just begun.

🌟 One Train Ride, Endless Memories

The Kandy to Ella train ride isn’t just transportation — it’s a bucket-list-worthy experience. A slow, beautiful, chaotic, life-affirming kind of ride that offers a rare peek into the soul of Sri Lanka.

Whether you’re leaning out of the door with the wind in your hair or sipping a sweet tea while watching the mist rise over the mountains, this is the kind of journey that stays with you long after you’ve left the island.