Kandy to Ella Train: An Unforgettable Experience in Sri Lanka

Train from Kandy to Ella

The train from Kandy to Ella is a beautiful 7-hour ride that moves through tea plantations, jungle, and mountains. We were told it was breathtaking, but nothing prepared us for the views! As the journey goes on, you move higher and higher up into the rolling green highlands where the big tea farms are, as well as pretty hilltop villages and waterfalls.

The old-fashioned train is famous for its open windows and doors, which have become a buzz for people who want to feel the wind through their hair as they travel. In fact, it’s become one of the most famous things to do in Sri Lanka, with travelers coming from all over the world to experience it. 

Sri Lanka on the go. Never miss a spot! From planning to exploring and everything in between – this is your pocket guide to Sri Lanka! Grab your ebook here

The train was brought to life in the mid-1800s when Sri Lanka was under British colonial rule. During this time, it was used as a train to transport tea from the plantations to Colombo, where it would then be exported internationally. These days, it’s used mainly by locals who use it to travel between home and work. Because of this, getting a ticket as a tourist can be a little more difficult, as seats sell out fast. 

Tips for the Kandy to Ella Train Ride

This journey is spectacular, and you won’t want to miss out on it on your trip to Sri Lanka. Here are some of our top tips to help you get the most out of your journey!

1. The train ride might be longer than you think

The train from Kandy to Ella should take around 6 hours. However, it was definitely longer for us! Everything runs a little slower in Sri Lanka, and there can be longer stops and delays on the journey.

We’ve heard stories of the journey taking up to 10 hours, but that just means more time to see the beautiful views! It might be a long ride, but it’s 100% worth the journey.

2. You can travel on the train from Colombo

Traveling from Colombo can be tiring, especially if you’ve taken an early morning train. We wouldn’t recommend falling asleep (as you won’t want to miss anything), but if you do, ensure you are awake for the most beautiful part of the trip. The best views are on the section between Kandy to Ella, which is why it’s so popular.

No time to read now?

No worries! Save on Pinterest to read it later.

Save to Pinterest

4. Make some stops along the way

If you have the time, make some stops along the way. The train stops at beautiful hilltop towns like Nuwara Eliya and Haputale, where you can jump off and explore the famous tea plantations. For example, the Lipton tea plantation is home to some beautiful viewpoints.

Remember, the highlands are perfect for growing tea because of their cooler, wetter climate, so remember to bring layers and waterproofs!

5. Pick the best side of the train

If you want to get the best photos of the view, it’s essential to be on the best side of the train. The right-hand side of the train is the best place until Nuwara Eliya. From here, jump over to the left side if you can for the rest of the trip. This ensures you get wide-open views on both parts of the journey. 

6. Bring food with you

The train itself doesn’t have anywhere you can buy food. However, the best thing about the Kandy to Ella train ride is the local vendors who jump on at each station to sell their goods.

You’ll hear them shouting and singing their prices as they walk between the cabins with steaming baskets of spicy fried snacks, salty peanuts, or fresh fruit. I still dream of the samosas! Make sure to have a little bit of cash on you so that you can indulge. 

7. Check out the Kandy train station

We knew the train ride was beautiful, but we were surprised at how pretty Kandy train station is! Make sure to look up while waiting to see the traditional white iron shelter and the gold station signs. As the old-fashioned train pulled into the station, and people waved out of the train, we really felt as if we’d stepped back in time. 

Train Classes

Typically, first-class tickets are the best option on any train. However, the Kandy to Ella train is the opposite! The first-class cabin is air-conditioned, so you can’t open the windows or doors to take photos. It also means no cool breeze from the tea plantations as you zoom through the valley. This is a big part of the experience, so we recommend choosing second or third class instead.

In the second class, you’ll have a fan to help with the heat, and you’ll also be able to dangle your feet out the door. This gave us such a buzz, and was the most incredible view of the trip!

The third class is a little more uncomfortable, but you’ll have the authentic local experience of traveling with Sri Lankan villagers and their produce, for example, chickens or vegetables. 

Please note: be careful when hanging out the doors or windows of the train, as there can be hazards like tree branches on the journey. Make sure to be seated as the train enters the station; dangling your legs out as the train comes to the platform can be dangerous, and the local train staff don’t like it.

Kandy to Ella Train Tickets (Prices + Times)

The famous Kandy to Ella train runs three times a day, but we recommend taking the morning train to see the views throughout the journey.

Ticket price varies depending on which class you take, but the journey from Kandy to Ella will start around 2,50 USD / 400 LKR and rise per class.

The best place to find train timetables and ticket prices is on the Sri Lanka Government Railway Information website. You can then purchase your tickets easily online here.

Where to Buy Kandy to Ella Train Tickets

You can buy tickets from Kandy to Ella in two ways: in advance online, from a travel agent, or at the station. 

From the Station

If you choose to buy tickets from the station, we recommend coming one hour in advance, as queues can be very long. Alternatively, if you’re in the area, you could pick up your train tickets the day before traveling. 

Kandy to Ella

Don’t miss any of the highlights on this Sri Lanka train ride. You can get off at numerous locations throughout the trip. For example, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, or Ella. Some of the top things to do are: