The Kandy to Ella Train: Everything You Need to Know
Winding through misty hills, lush valleys, and tea plantations, there’s no wonder the Kandy to Ella train ride in Sri Lanka is one of the most beautiful scenic train rides in the world. And why it should be on top of your Sri Lanka Bucket List.
What is the Kandy to Ella Train Ride?
The Kandy to Ella train ride is part of the ‘Main Line’, a longer Colombo - Kandy - Badulla route that serpents and winds through Sri Lanka’s hill country.
This 6-7-hour train ride is considered as one of the most beautiful scenic train rides in the world for it’s breathtaking views of lush hills, valleys and tea plantations. Naturally, it’s one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic experiences, not just because it’s such an easy way to travel through the island, but because the views are just that scenic.
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The Quick Facts…
KANDY TO ELLA TRIP LENGHT:
6-7 hours (on a good day)!
HOW MUCH IT COSTS?
First class - LKR 3,000 (10€) / Second class - LKR 600 (2€) / Third class - LKR 300 (1€)
DEPARTURE TIMES (FROM KANDY): 03:35, 08:55 am (express), 11:10 am (express), 22:20 pm
AVAILABLE TICKETS:
First class, Second Class, Second Class reserved, Third Class, Third class reserved
HOW TO BOOK YOUR TICKET:
Book your tickets through 12go Asia and at the station on departure day!
WHERE TO SIT:
Third Class reserved for the best views
How long does it really take?
The journey takes 6-7 hours in total…even if people tell you it’s 5 hours. And yes, if there happen to be any delays or breakdowns, it can get even longer. But the views are so stunning that you will be mesmerized by them the entire way and it won’t feel as long, I promise.
Download a playlist, read a book, take in the views, and enjoy the people-watching.
How to get to the Kandy Railway Station...
The station is located in the center of Kandy. You can easily get a Tuk-Tuk or a local taxi to drop you off from the center of town.
However, if you’re driving like we did, it can get quite confusing to get there so leave with plenty of time. We got lost three times before finally finding our way to the station. Make sure you have the area downloaded in Google Maps offline to help you find your way.
Once there, finding your way to the train is very straightforward. There are benches along the tracks where you can wait. Or, you can go get snacks for the journey in the food stalls and carts that surround the station (more on snacks down below!).
How to Book your Tickets...
First, there are two kind of tickets you can get:
✷ Unreserved tickets:
Basically, tickets you buy at the station on departure day, and that you cannot buy before. You get these at the ticket counter at the Kandy Railway Stations and they don’t sell out.
However, while these tickets guarantee you access to the train, they don’t guarantee you a seat, and if you’re traveling during a holiday or a weekend, that can mean a very crowded and not-so-comfortable trip. Especially during high season.
For our trip, my boyfriend and I got an unreserved ticket for the 8:55 am train simply by showing up an hour before departure and getting our ticket at the office.
We didn’t have a seat, and it was crowded at first. But after the first stop the train got fairly empty and we got to sit by the door the rest of the way enjoying the stunning views.
If you want to buy a reserved ticket and make sure you have an assigned seat, you need to book in advance.
✷ Reserved tickets:
These tickets must be reserved in advance. During low season, you can do so by swinging by the station a few days before. But during high season, you have to book 32 days in advance.
So if you like planning ahead, reserved tickets are the way to go. You can book them here.
How much do the tickets cost:
Tickets are incredibly affordable, especially second and third class tickets.
These are the average prices as of 2024:
➙ First class: LKR 3,000 (10€)
➙ Second class: LKR 600 (2€)
➙ Third class: LKR 300 (1€)
You can also get your tickets on GetYourGuide, which will include getting your tickets delivered in your hotel, but they will be pricier.
Which ticket should you book?
You’re probably thinking that you’d want to get first class for such a long train ride, right? Don’t!
This train ride is all about the views. And in first class, while you get A/C, that also means windows are closed and you don’t get to experience the views in the same way.
Instead, choose 2nd class, bordering with 3rd for the best views of the train. These last carts of the 2nd class section sit at the middle of the train, so you can get the best views of the train against the beautiful landscapes when passing through winding curves.
Pro Tips for the Kandy to Ella Train...
✷ Respect the locals!
Remember that this train is actual transport and commute for Sri Lankans. It’s not just a scenic joy ride or a backdrop for Instagram photos. Give them priority and be respectful.
During the first hour of my trip, I witnessed and Italian dude disrupt locals for the sake of his own selfies, and then proceed to plaster the train with stickers of his t-shirt brand. Not cool behavior at all. Thankfully, he got off on the first stop.
✷ Switch sides for the best views!
Sit on the right side of the train for the Kandy to Nuwara Eliya portion of the train for the best views.
After the Nuwara Eliya stop, switch to the left side because that side of the train gets the better views for the rest of the way.
Get your camera ready between Hatton and Ella, as all the tea plantations are gonna start swooshing by.
✷ Bring snacks!
While you’ll most likely see vendors aboard offering passengers local bites like samosas and lentil fritters, I’d recommend you pack food and water for the long ride. 7 hours is a long way to go without supplies!
The Kandy Railway Station is surrounded by food stalls and carts where you can get some food while you wait for the train.
✷ Avoid weekends and holidays…
Weekends and holidays, like Christmas and Sinhalese New Year (April 13-14th), are when the train is the most crowded. Check your dates to see if you can avoid any of these for less-crowded experience!
Although, I have to say we traveled on a Saturday and it wasn’t that bad.
✷What about toilets?
There are toilets on the train! They’re definitely not the best toilets you’ll experience in your life, but also not the worst. However…they’re squat toilets, so choose your moment wisely.
If you’re unfamiliar with squat toilets, my friend Alexa made a super useful video about the art of using a squat toilet in Asia.
✷A note about that (in)famous “Train Shot”…
Most likely, the image you have of this train is someone hanging from the door, hair blowing in the wind, against the gorgeous, green, backdrop of Sri Lankan landscape.
Chances are, some people do this train ride (or at least a portion of it) just to get this “hanging from the train” shot. It is, after all, such a dreamy picture.
But, it can also be pretty unsafe and reckless to do this. The train does go slow enough at some points to attempt this, but please, do so with caution!
The “perfect photo” for social media isn’t worth your safety and well-being!
Never, ever travel without Travel Insurance!
While Sri Lanka is pretty safe, travel insurance is a must, no matter your destination. Accidents and incidents can happen anywhere and anytime. Unexpected medical bills, stolen items, missed flights…make sure you and your belongings are protected abroad.
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