How to take the train from Kandy to Ella

A Lifelong Passion

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a life-long lover of trains. Not so much in the ‘notebook at the end of the platform’ kind of way. Far from it, in fact. But there’s something undeniably liberating about walking into a station and jumping on a train to cross hundreds, if not thousands of kilometres while remaining firmly on the ground. While flying is fast, convenient and increasingly cheap, it is also somewhat of a social barrier in as far as you simply pass over countries rather than through them. Train travel, for me at least, offers the opposite: engagement, integration and a taste of ordinary life in whichever country you happen to find yourself.

Unveiling the Charms of Sri Lankan Railways

Now, train travel in Sri Lanka is fascinating. Compared to neighbouring India, the network isn’t particularly comprehensive, connections are poor, and delays are almost inevitable. Although fares may be cheap, overcrowding poses a serious problem, and journeys often take much longer than by bus. It’s only when you start examining the map and tracing the exact routes of the railway that you begin to understand why rail travel in Sri Lanka is such a hot topic these days. And I’m not just referring to destinations; I’m talking about the physical routes taken by the historic railway as it crisscrosses this vast land. Have you ever dreamed of riding a train right alongside the beach, with towering coconut palms on one side and sparkling blue water on the other? Stay tuned, because you’re not alone…

Colombo’s Fort Station serves as the island’s main railway hub. Nearly every train starts or ends there, making navigation straightforward, albeit occasionally inconvenient. The services can be categorized into two main groups. First, there are the Colombo commuter services, which primarily cover the Colombo area, extending as far south as Hikkaduwa and Galle. The remaining departures consist of a mix of express and local services that radiate across the island. They reach north to Jaffna, east to Trincomalee, and south to Matara. However, the main draw is the picturesque line from Colombo to Kandy. This route then climbs into the scenic highlands around Nuwara Eliya before continuing to the beloved backpacker haven of Ella. The breathtaking scenery along this route has turned the journey into a pilgrimage for many visitors. It is frequently featured in ‘Top 10 Railway Journey’ lists. Without further delay, here is everything you need to know about catching the train from Kandy to Ella.

 

What’s all the fuss about?

In a nutshell, the central highlands of Sri Lanka are amongst the most stunning scenery you can ask to experience. Throw into the mix a historic railway which carves it’s way gently through tea plantations, across stunning viaducts and between towering peaks, and you have a railway journey like no other.

Where does the train start and end?

The route in question runs between Colombo’s Fort station and Badulla, via Kandy and Haputale. While you can join or leave the train at any of the dozens of stations along the route, most visitors opt to join the train at Kandy and leave it again at Ella. This is generally considered to be the most scenic section and conveniently links two important destinations on most visitor’s itineraries!

How often does the train run?

Three trains per day in each direction run all the way from Colombo to Badulla, with an extra early morning service linking Kandy and Badulla. The entire trip takes around 10 hours, although the section from Kandy to Ella generally lasts about 6.5 hours – although be prepared for delays!

What are the trains like?

While not exactly luxurious, Sri Lankan trains are perfectly functional. The route in question uses a mixture of modern, Chinese-built ‘blue trains’ as well as older trains, similar to those found throughout India. Certain departures also feature privately-operated cars aimed at tourists, which include extra touches such as in-seat refreshments and (more) reliable AC, but these typically aren’t worth the significantly inflated prices.

Which class should I travel in?

Choosing your train class in Sri Lanka poses a big question, with no definitive answer. Third class, while basic and often crowded, is incredibly cheap and provides a wonderful opportunity to interact with local Sri Lankans. Second-class carriages offer wider seats, some with tables, and are typically less crowded, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. Both second and third class are non-air-conditioned, with doors and windows open throughout the journey, ideal for photographers seeking unobstructed shots.

First class, found in limited numbers per train, provides reserved seating and powerful air conditioning, arguably offering the most comfortable travel experience. The downside of air conditioning is that doors and windows remain closed, limiting views to sometimes less-than-clean windows. An exception is the ‘Observation Car,’ aptly named and attached to some trains, offering panoramic views back along the tracks.

What does it cost?

Fares are fantastically cheap, with 3rd class tickets between Kandy and Ella costing in the region of $0.75! So cheap, in fact, that this shouldn’t even be a consideration!

Do I need to book in advance?

Again, this depends on which class you intend to travel in. First class seats are reserved and limited in number, meaning they can and do sell out well in advance. On the other hand, unreserved second- and third-class tickets can’t actually ‘sell out’, although you are by no means guaranteed a seat!

How can I book tickets?

A number of agents offer advance booking from outside of Sri Lanka. Personally, I favour 12go.asia for their easy-to-use online portal and secure payment options. Alternatively, if you’re already in Colombo, tickets should be purchased in person at Fort Station, rather than through agents or touts, who often prey on unsuspecting tourists. Simply head to counter 17 to book tickets for reserved cars, or counters 2 or 8 for unreserved 2nd or 3rd class tickets.

 

Ultimately – Is it worth it?

Yes. In a way. As with so many ‘Great Railway Journeys’, the Kandy to Ella route has become a victim of its own popularity. Yes, the scenery is spectacular. Yes, it’s a great experience. But it is also hot, crowded and notoriously hard to get a seat unless you book months in advance – literally! What that means, is that while you may be travelling through some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable, there’s also a very good chance you won’t get to see too much of it.

Remember, the train doesn’t own the rights to the landscape. No matter how you get between Kandy and Ella, you’ll be travelling through the same landscapes and past the same sights. You could even argue that the train limits what you can experience, and there are limited opportunities to break the journey or simply to stop and enjoy your surroundings. So while this is undoubtedly one of the world’s great train journeys, I much preferred driving myself through the mountains in a TukTuk – guaranteed seats, unobstructed views, unlimited stop-offs and one hell of a ride!

Tuktuk Transfer while I take the train

If you can’t resist and really want to take the train, TukTuk Rental offers a service to transfer your tuktuk while you enjoy the train journey. Charges for this are $50 excl. petrol. Local people from the area are used so that they can earn a bit of extra money on the side as well.