The Ultimate Guide: Kandy to Ella Train, Sri Lanka

Are you looking for an unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka? The stunning journey from Kandy to Ella is one of the most picturesque train rides in the world, so don’t miss it on your Sri Lanka Itinerary.

Why is the Kandy to Ella train ride famous? Sri Lanka’s railway network (Ceylon) was introduced by the British colonial government in 1864. It was used to transport coffee and tea from the highlands to Colombo for international export.

Nowadays, the train is one of the most popular and cheapest modes of transport in Sri Lanka. As locals often use the train to travel between home and work, it is often crowded. On this unique train journey, you can enjoy the beautiful views along the tea plantations and take iconic photos.

In this ultimate guide, you’ll find how to get from Kandy to Ella by train, including train ticket prices, train schedule, travel time, and what to expect on the train ride.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring travel guides.

NO TIME TO READ NOW? PIN IT

Where is Kandy Train Station?

The Kandy Railway Station is located in the city center, about a 20-minute walk from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or Kandy Lake. You can easily get there by taxi or tuk tuk (check the prices on the PickMe/Uber app).

Recommended post → How to Get from Colombo to Kandy

How Long is the Train Ride from Kandy to Ella?

The distance between Kandy and Ella is about 140 km, which can take 6-7 hours, depending on the type of train. Although the train journey from Kandy to Ella usually takes 9-10 hours due to long stops and frequent delays.

Get Kandy Ella Train Tickets.

Where is Ella Train Station?

One of the most visited railway stations in Sri Lanka is the Ella Railway Station, which provides a great photo spot for tourists. Ella Railway Station is located about a 5-10 minute walk or a short tuk tuk ride from the town center.

TIP
Don’t miss a visit to the stunning Nine Arch Bridge in Ella!

Kandy to Ella Train Timetable

The famous Kandy to Ella train departs from Colombo Fort and arrives at Badulla. Trains run only 3 times a day between Kandy and Ella!

TIP
You must arrive at the railway station boarding point at least 30 minutes before departure.

Kandy to Ella Train Schedule

03:35-13:24 (daily)
07:45-13:28 (Saturday & Sunday only)
08:25-14:47 (Thursday & Saturday only)
08:55-15:38 (daily) – Express Train
11:10-16:59 (daily) – Express Train

Get Kandy Train Tickets.

Train timetables are subject to change, so always check the current schedule between Kandy and Ella.

Hi! We are Dittus & Máté

If you like our content and we’ve helped you with our free travel guide, please consider supporting what we do. Thank you.

Kandy to Ella Train: Which Train Class Should I Choose?

The first-class carriages are air-conditioned, and the seats are padded and comfortable. But there are limited numbers of first-class train tickets available!
Second-class carriages have no air conditioning. But there are fans, and windows and doors are usually open during the journey, so carriages are well-ventilated.
Third-class carriages have bench seats, but not all carriages have fans. The seats are not as comfortable as in second class. If you have a lot of luggage, we do not recommend you buy third class train tickets.

Usually, first class or Observation carriage is the best choice. But the first class carriages are air-conditioned, and the doors and windows are closed! So you are not able to enjoy the best experience at the door. We recommend choosing the second or third class and enjoying epic views while hanging out the doors.

Secure your seat and date, and buy your train tickets online.

Important note
Take a picture at the open doors only at your own risk!

Trains sometimes move slowly, which gives you a fantastic opportunity to take photos! But be careful when hanging out on the train, as tunnels and trees can be too close and may cause injury.

Kandy to Ella Train Tickets

At the station, you can easily buy a second class train ticket for 600 LKR (2 USD) and a third class train ticket for 300 LKR (1 USD) without a reserved seat. But it is not comfortable to travel standing up on a 10-hour train journey.

It’s good to know that if you want reserved seats, you must book your train ticket online at least 1 month before your travel date! The first class train tickets start from 20 USD, the second class from 17 USD, and the third class from 10 USD.

Check Kandy train ticket rates and availability HERE.

Which is the Better Train Side from Kandy to Ella?

The best view is from the right side of the train between Kandy and Ella. So you must sit on the right side of the train or stand by the door to enjoy the epic scenery.

Good to know
Between Nuwara Eliya and Ella, the view of the tea plantations is more picturesque on the left side.

Where can I Buy a Train Ticket from Kandy to Ella?

You can buy in advance online, from travel agents, hotels, or at the train station.

If you want to buy a ticket at Kandy station, we recommend arriving at least 1 hour early as there may be a long queue. You can also buy your train tickets the day before you travel. But you can only purchase a second class unreserved or third class (seats are not guaranteed) at the station.

Reserved seats sell out very quickly! So buy your train tickets in advance! It is not very comfortable to travel standing up on a 10-hour train journey.

Get Kandy Ella Train Tickets.

Train Tips

The trains are often delayed in Sri Lanka, so plan a few extra hours to get from one place to another.
As the train is one of the most popular and cheapest modes of transport in Sri Lanka, the reserved seats sell out quickly! Therefore, we recommend booking your ticket at least 1 month before (especially in high season) online.
Take care of your valuables, as minor thefts or pickpockets may occur on the train!
We recommend avoiding weekends as the train is always crowded.
Not all trains are blue. If you want to travel on the iconic blue train, take the express trains (8:55 AM or 11:10 AM) from Kandy to Ella.

The climate in the highlands is cooler, and rainfall is more frequent. So pack warm clothes and a raincoat.
You can check the current Kandy to Ella train timetables here, then purchase your tickets easily online.
There are usually a few local vendors selling food on the train. But bring enough water and snacks with you!
You don’t have to travel straight from Kandy to Ella by train! We suggest you get off at Nuwara Eliya or Haputale and explore these beautiful hill country towns. You can visit the tea plantations and waterfalls and then continue your journey by train to Ella or Badulla.

Kandy to Ella by Tuk Tuk

We decided to skip the long train journey from Kandy to Ella and travel by tuk tuk instead. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the tea plantations and see the impressive waterfalls along the way.

Our journey started from Kandy, then we made a short detour at Ambuluwawa Tower and drove through Nuwara Eliya to Ella. Depending on the photo stops and road conditions (some parts of the road were potholed), you can reach Ella from Kandy in about 5-6 hours.

Are you planning to rent a tuk tuk but don’t want to skip the famous train ride from Kandy to Ella? Tuktuk Rental offers a train transfer service, which means that your tuk tuk will be delivered to your next destination (Kandy/Hatton/Nanu Oya/Ella). So you can enjoy a scenic train ride through the tea plantations.

Read the full post → Tuk Tuk Rental in Sri Lanka

Driving from Kandy to Ella Map

TIP
If you choose this detour route, drive off with a full tank!

Alternative Ella Train Ride

Are you looking for an alternative option because you have limited time in Sri Lanka and don’t want to spend 9-10 hours on the train? We recommend traveling from Ella to Badulla and back. Although this part of the journey is not as picturesque as the scenery from Kandy to Ella, it is a great way to experience the train ride.

TIP
On the train from Badulla to Ella, you can take the iconic photo hanging out of a train. But be careful when hanging out the door, as trees can be too close and may cause injury.

Ella to Badulla by Train

The journey from Ella to Badulla takes 45-60 minutes, and second-class tickets cost 150 LKR (0,50 USD) per person without seat reservation.

The train journey between Ella and Badulla was fantastic, as only a few locals were on the train.

Ella to Badulla Train Schedule

06:39-07:32 (daily)
13:26-14:28 (daily)
14:50-16:01 (Thursday & Saturday only)
15:39-16:26 (daily)
17:00-17:50 (daily)
18:27-19:26 (daily)

Good to know
You can see the train pass over the Nine Arch Bridge usually at 9:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 13:30 PM, 15:30 PM, 16:30 PM, and 17:30 PM. But due to frequent delays, these times can change.

Where to Stay in Ella

Although the town is a popular destination, accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Ella, Sri Lanka

Luxury: EKHO Ella
Mid-Range: Mountain Heavens or 98 Acres Resort & Spa
Budget: Ella Mount View Guest Inn

more hotels in ella

We hope our post on how to get from Kandy to Ella by train will help you plan your next trip to Sri Lanka. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comments below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Train/Transfer – Bookaway

The Ultimate Guide: Kandy to Ella Train, Sri Lanka