A Guide to Sri Lanka’s Most Scenic Train Journeys
Why Travel by Train in Sri Lanka?
Trains are arguably the most enriching way to experience Sri Lanka. This teardrop-shaped island offers many idyllic charms best seen from a railway carriage. In Sri Lanka, trains are only slightly more expensive than buses. However, they are much more comfortable and a preferred way of travelling for locals.
Furthermore, these train journeys mean passing small, dreamy hamlets in the lush countryside. You will see misty tea plantations amid mountain valleys and waterfalls. It is also a great chance to interact with locals. The train stations themselves are often charming, old colonial buildings. Staff still write timetables on wooden boards next to analogue clocks. In fact, the prestigious Lonely Planet list for 2025 features the Kandy to Badulla train journey as one of the world’s top 25.
A Brief History of Sri Lanka’s Railways
In the mid-19th Century, the British established the train network in Sri Lanka. Their primary aim was to transport tea, coffee, rubber, and coconut from the plantations around Kandy to Colombo for export.
Recent expansions of the railway lines mean you can now travel to all corners of Sri Lanka by train. Today, the railway network is a lifeline for the country. It transports about 3.5 to 4 million people every day.
The Most Popular Train Routes
Colombo to Kandy: The Gateway to the Highlands
Distance: 125 km / 3 hours
The Colombo to Kandy train journey is a must-do. It takes you from the bustling coastal capital into the central highlands. This was one of the first routes built in Sri Lanka, completed in 1864. Originally, its purpose was to transport tea and coffee from the hills to the coast for export.
The train chugs through the busy suburbs of the capital. Then, it crosses rice paddies in the countryside before entering hilly terrain. This landscape is characterized by beautiful rolling hills. For the best views, try to get a seat on the right side. Kandy itself is the cultural and spiritual capital of Sri Lanka, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
Timings from Colombo Fort: 05:55, 07:00, 08:30, 10:35, 12:40, 15:35, 17:10
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) and Ella: The World-Famous Tea Country Ride
Distance to Nanu Oya: 90 km / 4 hours Distance to Ella: 145 km / 7 hours
The train ride from Kandy through Nuwara Eliya to Ella is among the prettiest in the entire world. Consequently, it is the most popular train journey in Sri Lanka for tourists. The British planned this line and began work in the 1920s. This route is often crowded, so it makes sense to reserve a right-side seat in advance for the best views.
Greenery is the default setting on this ride as the train winds through mountains and misty tea estates. In addition, it crosses numerous tunnels. As you near Nanu Oya station (the stop for Nuwara Eliya), the breeze gets cooler. You are now firmly in hill station country. While many get off here, the journey continues to Ella, revealing even more scenic landscapes. Therefore, staying on the train until Ella allows you to enjoy one of the best train rides in the world.
As the train passes Ella, keep an eye out for cascading waterfalls. You may also see tea pluckers at work in the gardens. For an incredible view of the famous Nine Arch Bridge, try to get a seat on the left side.
Timings from Kandy: 08:13, 08:47, 11:03, 17:20
Timings from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya): 08:54, 12:02, 12:33, 14:33, 15:41
Colombo to Galle: The Coastal Classic
Distance: 120 km / 3 hours
This coastal line takes you from Sri Lanka’s capital to the enigmatic fort town of Galle. Locals who commute to Colombo for work regularly use this route. For epic views of the Indian Ocean, grab a seat on the right side. The train passes stunning beaches ringed with palm trees and picturesque fishing villages. Ultimately, this ride offers a charming, bucolic experience. You will see local life up close against the stunningly blue Indian Ocean.
Timings from Colombo: 06:50, 10:30, 14:40, 15:50
Off-the-Beaten-Path Train Journeys
Colombo to Jaffna via Anuradhapura: A Journey to the North
Distance: 390 km / 8 hours
This route is a classic journey across the country. It runs from Sri Lanka’s capital to the northern capital of Jaffna. Along the way, it crosses the sacred Buddhist city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a history dating back to the 10th Century BC.
The scenery across this long journey is quite varied. For instance, you will see flatlands, salt pans, and dense tropical forests. The train also passes white stupas as it nears Anuradhapura. You are unlikely to encounter many tourists on the journey to Jaffna. However, the lesser-visited northern areas offer hidden beaches and dreamy coastal villages.
Timings from Colombo: 05:45, 20:00
Colombo to Trincomalee: The Eastern Escape
Distance: 296 km / 7 hours
The Colombo to Trincomalee journey is an offbeat ride. It leads you to the fishing port city of Trincomalee on the east coast. You will encounter fewer tourists on this train, which makes it a purely local experience. The Dutch built the fort in this strategically located town. Later, the Portuguese and the British also took an interest in it. The beaches around Trincomalee are pristine. In addition, it is a much more value-for-money destination than the popular southern beaches.
Timings from Colombo: 06:05, 21:30
Special Tourist Trains
For a more curated experience, consider one of these special trains:
The Calipso Train: This is a 3-4 hour round-trip from Badulla to Bandarawela aimed specifically at tourists. It makes five stops at scenic locations.
Ella Odyssey Train: This tourist train runs from Colombo to Badulla (05:30 to 15:53). It also makes several photography stops at sights like waterfall viewpoints and the Nine Arches Bridge.
Classes of Travel: Choosing Your Seat
1st Class Air-Conditioned: Comfortable seating, but the glass windows do not open.
2nd Class Reserved: Also comfortable and often less crowded than 1st class. The windows open, making it the best option for photos.
3rd Class Reserved: Might be more crowded than 2nd class, but the windows also open.
Essential Tips for Your Train Journey
Book in Advance: It is best to book tickets beforehand, as they sell out quickly in high season. You can book tickets online (with a 5% surcharge) or at stations up to 30 days in advance.
Pack Essentials: Bring your own food, water, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer for use in the train restrooms.
Expect Delays: Trains can be delayed, so it is wise to keep a buffer in your schedule.
Stay Safe: Do not hang out of the carriages for the perfect Instagram shot. It is not worth the risk.
Enjoy Local Snacks: Vendors on the train often offer fresh fruits like mango and corn, as well as rice with curry, samosas, and other snacks. Remember to keep loose change.
Pantry Car: Some long-distance trains have a pantry car. This means you can buy fresh food if you don’t want the spicy snacks from vendors.
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