The Kandy to Ella train has been a priority on our Sri Lanka itinerary. In fact, it’s been on our bucket list for a few years! When the moment finally came, we couldn’t wait to experience all those mesmerizing views and enjoy the open door.
And let me tell you, this ride ended up being everything we hoped for, and even more. But when planning this incredible trip, you might get lost in the whole process. That’s where our guide comes in!
Having the experience ourselves, we’d now like to make your life slightly easier by sharing everything we know about the Kandy to Ella train ride.
We’ll cover all the different classes, how to buy the tickets, essential tips, as well as a short guide for visiting both Kandy and Ella. So, let’s dig in!
Key Highlights
⭐️ Duration: from 7 hours
⭐️ Ticket Price: from 1200 LKR
⭐️ Departure Times: 04:00, 07:45, 08:47, 11:10
⭐️ Available classes: First Class, Second Class (reserved or unreserved), Third Class (reserved or unreserved)
⭐️ Recommended stops: Nuwara Eliya
⭐️ Where to buy tickets: booking office, official web, 12Go
The best time to take the Kandy to Ella train
Best months
I wish saying what’s the best season for taking the train and visiting Ella was easy, but it’s not. Since Ella is somewhat centrally located, it is influenced by both monsoons hitting Sri Lanka‘s different parts during various months.
The Southwest Monsoon (Yala Monsoon) mostly affects the southwest between May and September. Ella experiences some rainfall during this period, but it’s not as heavy as coastal parts.
The Northeast Monsoon (Maha Monsoon) hits the northeast between October and January. Ella is often hit by the rains, with peak months being October and November.
Therefore, we suggest December till March as the best time to experience both Ella and the train ride.
However, keep in mind that the weather is never something you can rely on. We visited in January during the dry season and there was at least some rain most of our 14-day trip.
But on the other hand, it’s important to say that the views from the train are incredible both on clear sunny days and when the mountains are covered in mist.
TIP: Make sure to avoid public holidays, especially the Sinhalese New Year, as well as the weekends. Locals are gonna be traveling at this time, resulting in much more people than usual.
Best time of the day
Simply because of the duration of the whole trip and the possibility of delays, we certainly recommend catching the first train in the morning.
If your goal is to avoid the crowds, we’ll disappoint you. It doesn’t make much difference which trains you take, it’s most likely gonna be full anyway.
We read a few recommendations to take the first morning train, but based on our experience it makes little to no difference.
Best hotels in Kandy
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Kandy to Ella train timetable
Below you can find the most recent schedule for the Kandy to Ella train. However, make sure to check the departures on the official website for any changes.
As the website often doesn’t load properly or it’s too slow, you can alternatively use 12Go. But that will only show you the available trains for selected dates.
TIP: Podi Menike, Udarata Menika, and train 1007 are all express trains. Train 1027 only runs on Saturdays and Sundays between Kandy and Ella.
During our research, we also stumbled upon a very useful website called Idea Beam. You can either search for a specific train or route to see the whole train schedule with every stop and departure listed.
| Train name | From Colombo Fort | From Peradenyia | From Kandy | From Nanu Oya | Arrival to Ella |
| 1126 | x | 03:47 | 04:00 | 09:20 | 13:26 |
| 1027 (Sat & Sun only) | x | x | 07:45 | 11:00 | 13:28 |
| Podi Menike (1005) | 05:55 | 08:32 | 08:47 | 12:45 | 15:30 |
| Udarata Menike (1015) | 08:30 | 10:55 | 11:10 | 15:01 | 17:23 |
| 1007 | 9:45 | 12:31 | x | 15:55 | 18:41 |
| Night Mail (1045) | 20:30 | 23:06 | x | 03:11 | 06:46 |
Kandy to Ella ticket prices
Ticket price: from 1200 LKR
A few factors influence the final ticket price – the chosen class and how you book your ticket.
The official Sri Lanka Railways website claims the 3rd class ticket costs 300 LKR, while the 2nd class is 600 LKR. However, they do not specify whether this is a reserved or unreserved seat.
As it’s not possible to purchase the tickets on the same web, we believe these are the prices you would get when booking in person.
Another option is to use the official train booking platform, also provided by Sri Lanka Railways. I was only able to see tickets for Udarata Menike and Podi Menike trains, with only two class options.
The air-conditioned saloon (the first class) ticket costs 2500 LKR, and on the other hand, there’s the third class reserved seat for 1200 LKR.
Lastly, 12Go offers a third class reserved for 1760 LKR and the first class for 3125 LKR. Unfortunately, I was not able to purchase the second class tickets there.
Train classes (and where to sit)
After reading the previous paragraphs, you probably already have an idea about the existing classes. Let’s go through each class and see what the differences are.
First class (with AC)
While you might be impressed by having comfy seats and AC, if you’re after the real Sri Lanka train experience, avoid this class at all costs.
The reason why I’m saying this is that all the windows and doors are always closed in the 1st class carriages. Because of this, you can forget getting that Insta banger shot of you hanging out of the train!
Another disadvantage is that you’ll only find foreigners here, meaning the possibilities of interacting with the locals are almost zero.
Second class
The second class offers both reserved and unreserved tickets. The difference between them is that you are also buying an assigned seat with the reserved ticket, therefore ensuring you don’t have to stand the whole time.
During our trip, this was the class we chose, and it was a great decision. The comfy reclining seats surprised us a lot. While there’s no AC, fans and open windows provide enough cool air.
In addition, the second class offers a lovely mix of both tourists and locals, providing the perfect opportunity to meet new people.
But the main reason why it’s a great choice is that you can sit at the train’s door and enjoy the views and air in your hair.
Third class
The third class also offers both unreserved and reserved tickets. The seats are less comfortable in general, and it’s more packed due to lower price.
Not only is it an amazing choice for budget travelers but also for those looking to experience the authentic Sri Lankan people.
How to get a seat with unreserved ticket
The train is rarely empty, and mandy passengers end up standing the whole way. While buying the reserved tickets is the best option, we understand that sometimes it might be impossible.
So what to do if you were unable to get reserved seats? No, you don’t have to stand in the aisle for 8 hours (or more).
Instead of getting on in Kandy, take the train from Peradeniya!
The train most likely starts its journey in Colombo, with many people only traveling up until Kandy. Peradeniya is one station before Kandy.
Once you board the train, it’s not gonna be empty yet. But most people are gonna get off in Kandy. Now in that short gap before new passengers start to board is your chance to quickly grab yourself a seat (and hope it’s not reserved :D).
How to book Kandy to Ella train tickets?
Firstly, you can buy train tickets at any booking office in the country. They’re almost always located directly at or near the train station. While you might be able to get the best price this way, it’s not a very convenient option.
Sri Lankan trains are very popular not only amongst tourists but locals too. Because of this, it is almost impossible to purchase the tickets only a few days in advance.
So for practical reasons, we recommend buying the tickets online as soon as your travel dates are fixed.
While you might be able to find multiple online sellers, we only recommend the two options below.
The cheapest place to get your tickets online is the official Sri Lanka Railways seat reservation system. However, they don’t always list all the trains available.
If you fail to use the website for any reason (technical issues are rather common), then opt for 12Go.
Despite the fact that 12Go has slightly higher prices, we recommend choosing this option. Firstly, they’re a reliable ticket supplier, and we use them all the time in Asia!
Secondly, it might be easier to contact their customer support should you have any issues.
Train stops
Kandy to Ella train has an incredible number of train stops along the way, most of them small local villages not touched by tourism. But there are also a few destinations, which might be worth stopping at.
It might also be useful to know that most trains on this route start in Colombo. We personally took the train from Colombo to Kandy, then from Kandy to Nanu Oya, and finally from Nanu Oya to Ella.
If you’re short on time, you can only take the train from Colombo to Ella.
Hatton
A small town known for its lush green landscapes and stunning tea estates, including the famous Ceylon tea plantations. Hatton also serves as a gateway to Adam’s Peak, a sacred pilgrimage site, making it a great base for hikers.
Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya)
Nuwara Eliya, a picturesque town also called “Little England“, is a haven for tea lovers. The town is also home to Victoria Park, Lovers Leap Waterfall, and different tea factories. Nature enthusiasts will love the possibility of visiting Horton Plains National Park.
To get to Nuwara Eliya, you need to get off at Nanu Oya and either take the local bus or a taxi to get to town.
Haputale
Haputale is a small town known for its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Offering lush tea plantations all around, it’s the perfect destination for tea lovers and photographers. Additionally, it’s home to the famous Lipton’s Seat viewpoint.
Compared to Nuwara Eliya or Ella, it’s also less crowded.
Badulla
Badulla is the last stop, which is after Ella. The only reason why we mention it here is that if you decide to take the train all the way there, you’ll be riding through the famous Nine Arch Bridge!
Food & Drinks on board the Kandy to Ella train
While there’s no specific food carriage, we were surprised at how many food options there were during the trip. At almost every stop, the train is surrounded by locals selling different snacks through the train windows.
We met a few people selling fried bananas, samosas, or even masala tea. Others were walking around selling candy or soft drinks.
But despite that, we always make sure to pack enough food and drinking water for the trip. It’s never guaranteed there will be someone selling food, especially during bad weather.
Other useful tips
You don’t want to end up on one of the most beautiful train journeys only to find out you have no more battery in your camera. As no power sockets are available on the train, make sure that you come prepared.
Bring your own toilet paper, and let’s not forget the basics, such as hand sanitizer.
While both sides of the train offer amazing views, you’ll enjoy sitting on the right side between Kandy and Nanu Oya the most. If you’re boarding in Peradeniya, sit on the left side, as the train turns around in Kandy (meaning you’ll end up on the right side).
Once you pass Nanu Oya, the best views are on the left side.
If you’re looking for the blue trains, those are gonna be the express trains Podi Menika and Udarata Menike. Since they’re also faster, it’s a more convenient option.
Don’t forget that you can take the same train all the way from Colombo to Ella (or Badulla).
Be mindful when trying to grab that Insta-shot. The rails are surrounded by countless trees, branches, and concrete pillars. And let’s not forget the numerous tunnels on the way. This brings us to the next topic.
Don’t forget to get insured
Trying to hang out of the train to capture the best photo has its risks. Despite the train not being too fast, there’ve been a few injuries. And that’s where a good travel insurance comes to place.
No matter what your travel plans are, getting insured should never be skipped, even if you’re on a tight budget.
You never know what gonna happen – you might get food poisoning or some of the diseases prevailing in your travel destination (seriously, we got Dengue in Thailand and the insurance saved us a lot of money).
Our personal recommendation is SafetyWing, as they are one of the most affordable options out there. Their coverage is sufficient, and you have the option to pay extra for certain add-ons, like sports.
Where is Kandy train station
The railway station in Kandy is conveniently located only 10-15 minutes of walking from the old town. If your accommodation is further or you have a lot of luggage, simply use one of the tuk-tuks surrounding the train station.
Unfortunately, there’s almost a 100% chance you’ll be slightly scammed and have to pay 2-3x the normal “tourist” rate.
If you want to avoid that, we recommend contacting your hotel for assistance with organizing the drive. They often have recommended drivers and fixed prices, which are more fair.
But don’t ever expect to pay as little as the locals do.
Where is Ella train station
Ella town is rather small, so as long as you’re staying in the center, it won’t take you more than 10 minutes to reach your hotel from Ella Train Station.
However, a lot of accommodation options are located on the outskirts, even as far as the famous Nine Arch Bridge.
If you’re staying in one of the more distant properties, you can simply take a tuk-tuk which will take you to your place for a most likely overpriced fee. No matter how much we tried to haggle, we couldn’t make the drivers lower their prices.
Best things to do in Ella
Walk to the Nine Arch Bridge
Visiting the iconic bridge offers a unique blend of architecture and natural beauty. The fascinating landmark stands 24 meters high and 91 meters long while being built entirely of rocks, bricks, and cement without using any metal.
Surrounding green hills and tea plantations offer a beautiful backdrop.
Hike to Little Adam’s Peak
Little Adam’s Peak is a popular and relatively easy trail, which resembles Adam’s Peak. The trek takes you through tea plantations and across the green hills, before reaching the final panoramic views of Ella Gap Valley. Sunset and sunrise are fascinating from here, too.
Flying Ravana Zip Line
After the hike, get back down using the Flying Ravana Zipline. The thrilling adventure for adrenaline seekers spans over 500m, making it the longest zipline in Sri Lanka. The maximum speed is 80km/h.
Have a day trip to Diyaluma Falls
After a lot of hesitation, we are glad we did not give up on this hike. Visiting Diyaluma Falls was the highlight of our whole trip! The area is full of natural pools, water slides, cliff-jumping opportunities, and an infinity pool at the top of a 220m tall cliff!
Head to Udawalawe National Park next
Don’t have the whole itinerary planned yet? Great! Make sure to include a stop in Udawalawe National Park for a jeep safari before heading to the coast. Getting to Udawalawe from Ella is easy, thanks to public transport.
Expect to see herds of elephants, crocodiles, water buffalos, and much more.
Best hotels in Ella
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Best things to do in Kandy
Visit the Temple of the Tooth relic
One of Sri Lanka’s most sacred religious sites houses a tooth of a Buddha relic. The temple is not only popular amongst tourists, but thousands of pilgrims visit it each year. It’s been declared a part of UNESCO.
Stoll around the vibrant Old Town
A stunning area filled with history, culture, and colonial charm. Walking through the narrow streets, you can explore the old buildings, bustling markets, and many shops selling local crafts and spices.
Don’t skip a visit to the Red Mosque of Kandy and the oldest building in town called Giragama Walawwa.
Enjoy the calmness of Kandy Lake
Since it’s located right next to the Temple of Tooth relic in the city center, you can’t miss this lake. Enjoy its peaceful atmosphere and take a walk along its shores. You’ll also meet a few locals selling snacks and souvenirs here.
Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens
Take the local bus #652 and explore vast and impressive botanical gardens housing more than 4000 different species of plants. You can see orchids, spices, but also medicinal plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
The whole journey should take between 7 – 8 hours. However, as delays are very common, be prepared to spend a few extra hours on the train.
Riding the Kandy to Ella train is certainly worth it! It’s regarded as one of the most beautiful train rides in the world! The train passes misty hills, rolling tea plantations, and local villages along the way, offering unforgetable views.
The ticket prices start at as low as 1200 LKR. The final prices depends on the chosen class as well as on where you buy the tickets.
For the best views, sit on the right side of the train between Kandy and Nanu Oya. After Nanu Oya, the best views are going to be on the left side.
You might be wondering if it’s actually worth it spending a few days in Ella. Definitely! Ella is a small charming town surrounded by increidble landscapes, misty hills and it’s also home to the famous Nine Arch Bridge. It’s a beautiful destination not to be skipped.
How much time you should spend in Kandy depends on your preferences. If you’re a nature lover, who’s not as interested in history, one day is enough to see the basics. Kandy is a small and rather boring town, with not much going on.
While it is possible to take a bus from Ella to Kandy, we don’t see any possible reason why you would not want to take one of the most scenic trains! Additionally, you won’t find any direct buses.
Final thoughts on Kandy to Ella train
Riding the Kandy to Ella train has been our priority ever since we started planning the Sri Lanka trip, and it didn’t disappoint. Despite not being lucky with the assigned seats (that had no windows), and the rainy weather, we had an incredible time on the train!
If you’re still unsure whether this is something you should not skip, we can only confirm that this journey will be worth every single hour sitting on the train.
If you find any of the information in the blog post incorrect, please let us know. Things change over time and it’s not possible to stay informed about everything. Thank you and enjoy the ride!
