Traveling by train from Ella to Kandy is an unforgettable experience. It should be at the top of your list when visiting this magical, tropical island. The railway route passes through incredibly scenic landscapes.
Seven hours spent in the famous blue train will pass quickly while admiring the beauty of Sri Lanka – its mountains, waterfalls, tea plantations, tropical forests, villages, and cities lost in the lush greenery.
Get ready for one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world!



History
The fame of the train journey from Kandy to Ella is largely rooted in its colonial history. The railway network of Sri Lanka, also known as Ceylon, was established by the British government in 1864. It played a key role in transporting coffee and tea from plantations situated in the hill country to the port city of Colombo, from where these goods were shipped worldwide.
Nowadays, the train journey from Kandy to Ella is not just a popular and economical mode of transport but also a tourist attraction that attracts travelers with its scenic route.
What is the train journey in Sri Lanka like?
The metal train rumbles along and pulls into each station with a roar. Inside, there’s a sense of freedom regarding luggage, often forming stacks on the floor. Those who couldn’t secure a seat on the bench sit on these piles.
Trains traveling in opposite directions pass so closely that you can almost touch the wagons on the adjacent track, although caution is advised. Onboard, vendors enthusiastically advertise their snacks and beverages.
Be sure to take a look at my article on some other incredible train routes in Sri Lanka: Unforgettable train journeys across Sri Lanka
Kandy Railway Station
The railway station is located right in the heart of the city. You can reach it on foot, by tuk-tuk, or by taxi. Next to the railway station, there is a bus station.
The station’s architecture combines elements of modernist and Victorian styles. Wooden signs and panels transport us back in time.
There are several ticket counters here, and of course, restrooms.
This place is full of life, but not as overwhelming as the city. Nearby the station, there are many markets and food stalls, very useful when you need to quickly grab some food before your journey or have a meal.
Ella Station
The railway station in Ella is also located right in the heart of the town. It’s just a short walk away from the main bustling street.
As Ella is a small town, you can either walk to and from the station or or take one of the many tuk-tuks waiting for your arrival. Around the station, there are several food stalls, perfect for stocking up on snacks or water before continuing your journey.
There is also a small ticket sales point on site.




How to book the tickets
The first step in planning the train journey from Kandy to Ella is booking tickets. However, before you do that, you need to know all the available options so you can choose the best one for you: reserved or unreserved seats, which class of carriages are available, and what differentiates them from each other.
Below you will find a detailed description of all the ticket options and their costs, so you can make the best decision and find a ticket perfectly suited for your journey.
Booking Tickets
Tickets can be purchased up to 30 days in advance, for example through the 12goAsia service.If you choose this option, you’ll need to have a Sri Lankan SIM card, which can be a bit challenging. Many people bypass this issue by paying a local travel agency to book the tickets for them.
You can also book tickets through the official website. However, remember that tickets for this Kandy – Ella route sell out very quickly (often bought up by travel agents).
This form of reservation does not include a physical ticket; you will need to collect it at the station serviced by the mTicketing service. Below you will find a link to the official website with the reservation option:
Additionally, when booking online, there is no option to choose a specific seat on the train as they are allocated automatically based on availability. A passport number is also required, which is necessary during the reservation process.
Tickets without a reservation
If you want to save some money, I recommend purchasing unreserved tickets at the railway station. You can buy them on the day of travel.
Technically, ticket sales shouldn’t start earlier than an hour before the train’s scheduled departure, but the ticket clerks often don’t strictly adhere to this rule, so many will sell you tickets without any problem earlier.
Unreserved tickets usually don’t sell out; their availability is essentially unlimited, so you don’t have to worry about their availability. If the clerk tells you that there are no more tickets available, they probably assumed you wanted to purchase tickets with reserved seats because you are foreigners. Make sure they understand clearly that you are asking for unreserved tickets.
Unreserved tickets are an excellent option for those of you who have a flexible travel plan or enjoy traveling spontaneously. However, it’s worth remembering that the train can be overcrowded, so I recommend avoiding this option during peak hours, on holidays, and weekends.



Third class tickets
- Unreserved
This is the cheapest way to travel by train, so it’s the most popular among locals. Therefore, you should be prepared to stand. However, despite these inconveniences, you experience authentic Sri Lankan life. You may encounter groups of local boys singing and playing drums, large families sharing meals, and loud but friendly vendors offering local snacks.
In third class, the windows and doors are open, and rusty fans lazily spin (or not) on the ceiling. The aisles in third class are less crowded, so you can go there if you’re looking for a better opportunity to take pictures.
- With a reservation
It’s exactly as I described above, except the seats are assigned. It’s usually less noisy and less crowded here.
Second Class Tickets
- Unreserved
The seats in second class, while a bit more comfortable than third class, face the direction of travel. The carriages can get stuffy. Despite the slightly higher price compared to third class, you still have to expect crowding when boarding the train. Second class becomes an oasis for travelers outside peak season, as the trains are less crowded and the journey is more comfortable.
- With a reservation
The ticket has an assigned seat. You’ll pay about half more than for a ticket in another class. This is an excellent option if you’re traveling during peak season and know your exact travel dates – it’s definitely worth reserving seats well in advance before arriving in Sri Lanka. Keep in mind that during peak season, these tickets often sell out 1-2 months in advance, so the best option is to make an online reservation.
First-class tickets – purchase only with a reservation
The main advantage of traveling first class is the air-conditioned carriages and comfortable seats, providing greater travel comfort. You will likely spend time mainly in the company of foreigners and people traveling in organized groups.
The downside is the lack or limitation of interaction with the local community. Furthermore, due to the air conditioning, the windows and doors are closed, which makes the travel experience less exciting.
However, if your priority is comfort and convenience rather than experiencing local train travel, then the first-class option will be most suitable.
Observation Cars
These are available only on selected trains and essentially serve as first-class carriages, with the additional benefit of wide windows designed for admiring the landscape.
Observation cars must be reserved at least a month in advance of the travel date, and their availability quickly runs out, so it’s worth making an online booking.
The downside of this option is that windows cannot be opened, the carriages are often located at the end of the train, and the seats are facing backwards. If traveling in the wrong direction tends to make you feel nauseous, then definitely choose a different option!



Train travel tips for Sri Lanka
It’s worth sitting on the right side of the train
This is one of the most important tips – if you’re traveling from Kandy, it’s better to choose a seat on the right side of the train, unless you wish to get a close-up view of the cliff rocks. The scenery from the right side is significantly more breathtaking – you’ll admire undulating tea plantations, hills, and lush vegetation in the valleys.
Of course, during the journey from Ella to Kandy, it’s better to sit on the left side!
Be prepared for the crowds
Sri Lankans are extremely friendly. However, when it comes to boarding the train, there is no room for gentleness. Pushing and shoving take its place, which is probably the most stressful time during the trip. Be quick and hold on tight. There’s a bit of a fight involved.
The trains can be extremely crowded, making it difficult to move freely through and between the carriages, and at times even impossible. Finding a seat is unlikely, and you may also not be lucky enough to find a spot to sit on the floor.
Toilets on the train
There are only squat toilets on the trains, which is not ideal during a journey in shaking carriages. There are no cleanliness supplies provided in them, so it’s essential to have toilet paper and hand sanitizer with you.
Take plenty of water and snacks
It can get very hot on the train even early in the morning. Be sure to bring plenty of water with you. You can buy snacks along the way, but if you have a delicate stomach, it’s a good idea to bring your own food.
Avoid traveling on weekends
Traveling by train on weekends or holidays is definitely not the best choice. These days tend to be the busiest, with both tourists and locals using the trains, often resulting in overcrowding. Especially those without reservations should avoid these days. However, if you have no other choice and must travel on the weekend, it’s best to go very early or late in the day when the trains are less packed.
Blue and red trains
Blue and red trains differ from each other. Blue ones are express trains mainly used for passenger travel, while red ones are designated for carrying mail and goods. Red trains move much slower than blue ones. Ultimately, both types of trains will get you to your destination, but blue ones will do it faster.
Peradeniya Junction
If you’re concerned about finding a seat on the train, I recommend taking a 10-minute tuk-tuk ride to Peradeniya Junction and boarding the train there. This station is much less crowded than the one in Kandy, so you may have better luck finding a seat.
Train doors
Even if you’ve been assigned a seat, it doesn’t mean you have to stick to it for the entire journey. It lasts for 7 hours, so you can spice it up a bit! Carefully sitting by the open train doors when the train is at full speed is definitely an exciting experience that you will remember for a long time!
If you want to pass through the 9 Arch Bridge, book a ticket to Demodara
This is a perfect way to link two attractions. You’ll need to book a ticket for the journey from Ella to Badulla. Demodara is the next station, so make sure your train is going there, as not all trains stop there. It’s best to check this when booking tickets. Demodara is located approximately 3 kilometers past Ella station, making it easily accessible by tuk-tuk if needed.
Train schedule from Kandy to Ella
The train schedule from Kandy to Ella should only be used as a rough guide, as the train is almost always delayed, especially on the later parts of the route (especially on longer stretches). You can check the latest version of the schedule HERE.


Tips for taking beautiful photos during your journey
Iconic train travel photos from Sri Lanka dominate Instagram, especially those taken with the doors open. Below, you’ll find a few tips on achieving this effect and capturing the unique atmosphere of the journey.
The most important thing is to be careful
When taking this type of photos, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Train travel can involve certain risks, especially when attempting to take pictures with open doors.
Your own safety and that of other passengers must always be the top priority, so it’s necessary to maintain special attention and caution in order to avoid risk while seeking out those perfect shots.
Choose the morning train
If you want to capture the magical lighting and mysterious mist in your photos, it’s best to catch the earliest train.
Pay attention to the train interior
You’ll encounter various people on the train, giving you the opportunity to observe their daily lives, the expression of their conversations, and their interactions, which create a fascinating mosaic of Sri Lankan culture. The entire journey offers an exceptional and authentic cultural experience that is also worthy of documentation.
Set the shortest possible shutter speed, autofocus + burst mode
Sticking your hand out the door or window and trying to take photos while traveling on a shaking train is a fairly difficult task, especially if the shutter speed is set incorrectly. Set the shutter speed to at least 1/250 to increase your chances of getting successful shots. Additionally, setting the focus to automatic will allow it to adjust quickly. Also, don’t forget to turn on burst mode to take several shots in a row, giving you a better chance of capturing that perfect frame.
Wait until the train slows down
As the train traverses hilly terrain for most of the journey, it significantly slows down its pace, making it easier to lean out and take a photo of the train. Of course, it takes some time to feel confident enough to lean out through the doors. Traveling on the train “on the edge” can give you that magical feeling of freedom.
Enjoy the experience
This journey is not just about capturing the perfect picture. It’s also an opportunity to live unforgettable moments. Take some time away from the camera to soak in the unique ambiance of traveling through stunning landscapes. This experience will surely stay in your memory for a long time.



What to see along the route
Don’t miss out on any of the attractions while traveling by train through Sri Lanka. Along the route, there are many stops, such as Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, and Ella. Here are a few extraordinary things to do:
Visit the beautiful botanical gardens in Kandy
You’ll find there a spectacular collection of orchids and an impressive palm avenue, which are the main attractions of this place. Additionally, besides the abundance of flowers, there are many medicinal and spice plants, making a stroll through the gardens a unique sensory experience.
Walk across the impressive 9 Arch Bridge in Ella
The bridge stands at a height of 30 meters. I describe this wonderful experience in a separate post, so be sure to take a look: Nine Arches Bridge in Ella, Sri Lanka – how to make it an unforgettable experience
Explore the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya
The unique climate, landscape, and architecture distinguish this location from others. Due to its cooler climate, it stands as the premier tea-producing region in Sri Lanka. Visiting the tea plantations is just one of the many attractions Nuwara Eliya has to offer.
Visit the temple of the Tooth in Kandy
The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy serves as the symbolic center of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, drawing pilgrims from across the globe. Referred to as Sri Dalada Maligawa, it holds significant reverence as one of the nation’s paramount sacred sites. Within its walls are preserved Buddhist relics including the most precious to the people of Sri Lanka – the tooth of the Buddha himself cherished by the people of Sri Lanka. This historic temple was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.
Hike to Ella Rock
Ella Rock is a popular hiking destination among tourists visiting the picturesque mountain town of Ella. This approximately 10-kilometer round-trip hike through the forests of Ella offers an unforgettable adventure, allowing you to enjoy stunning views, including the enchanting Ella Gap waterfall.


Lipton’s Seat in Happutale
Lipton’s Seat is a remarkable destination that shouldn’t be missed during your journey across the island. Named after Sir Thomas Lipton, the renowned tea magnate, this site offers stunning panoramic views of expansive green hills. It’s an excellent opportunity to pause, enjoy a cup of tea, and soak in the serenity of this picturesque landscape.

To wrap it up, traveling by train from Kandy to Ella or from Ella to Kandy is an unforgettable experience that takes us deep into the heart of Sri Lanka. From scenic views to cultural experiences, this adventure caters to every traveler’s desires.
I encourage you to fully embrace the atmosphere of these remarkable locations and see Sri Lanka through the eyes of its residents. May this journey remain in your memory forever as one of the most beautiful memories from your adventures on this magical island.