Train Travel Guide to Sri Lanka
- The first class is the epitome of comfort as the air conditioner is available. These are available on some intercity express trains, whereas, the second class provides fans, comfortable seating and the option to open the windows. These class seats are available on all intercity trains.
- If you are travelling by the third class available on most of the trains, you must be quick in catching a seat. This section gets crowded because many locals use this class to travel for work.
- Apart from the air-conditioned first class, some daytime trains also have the option of a first-class observation car. The observation cars have big glass windows.
- There is also an option for the people who enjoy travelling in the nighttime; you can book first-class sleeping berths on some trains.
- It is best if you reserve the seats and berths for the first and second classes in advance to avoid missing your train due to it being full.
If you’re confused about where to start from, we’ve got a list of train journeys you can take:
1. Ella to Kandy
Before starting your journey from Ella to Kandy, it is essential to know how to get to Ella. There are a few ways to do that from Colombo Airport,- You can ride a taxi to Ella from Colombo airport, which will take about 5 hours. Or ride till Colombo Fort Railway Station which will take about 1 hour 30 mins (depending on traffic).
- You can also take bus number 187 from the airport, which uses the express highway to the Colombo Fort Train Station. The bus journey takes about roughly 1 hour 30 minutes. From there, you can hop on a train that goes directly to Ella.
The Ella to Kandy train journey is considered a local and tourist favourite. This is because of the path the train takes, passing by luscious green hills and forests, waterfalls, villages, and tea plantations. The train also passes through tunnels that make the scenery worth looking at after dark.
A few places that are a must-visit in Ella are the Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, Ella Spice Garden, and Little Adam’s Peak.
Train Name/ Number, Destination and Average Cost for One Person:
Viceroy II - #1008
Ella to Peradeniya, Kandy
LKR 6,500
#1006 (First Class)
Ella to Kandy
LKR 2,500
#1016
Ella to Kandy
LKR 2,500
Journey Time – Between 5-7 hours
Note – The tickets for the Ella to Kandy journey go up for sale 30 days in advance, so if you’re planning a trip this needs to be kept in mind. Hence, the tickets get booked fast by travel and tour agents.
2. Kandy to Colombo
Your next stop from Kandy can be to the capital city of Colombo. On this train ride, you will experience a change in the scenery from a gentler landscape of green hills, crop fields, and palm trees to the hustling cityscape.
Train Name/ Number and Destination:
Viceroy II - #1008
Peradeniya, Kandy to Colombo Fort
#1006 (First Class)
Kandy to Colombo Fort
#1016
Kandy to Colombo Fort
#1040 (Second Class)
Kandy to Colombo Fort
#1030
Kandy to Colombo Fort
#1036 (Second Class)
Kandy to Colombo Fort
#1010 (First Class)
Kandy to Colombo Fort
#1020 (First Class)
Kandy to Colombo Fort
Time – Depending on the train, the average time taken for the train journey is between 1-4 hours
Average Cost for One Person – Between LKR 2,500 - LKR 3,500 (Depending on the class)
3. Colombo to Galle, Jaffna, Anuradhapura and Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya)
From Colombo, you can choose to travel to a lot of places like Galle, Jaffna, Anuradhapura, and Nanu Oya.4. Colombo to Galle – Coast Line
The Colombo to Galle train ride shows you a contrast between the city and countryside, along with the coastline along the way. The scenery on this journey ranges from the cityscape, rural villages to palm trees, and the ocean.
Train Name/ Number and Destination:
#8056
Colombo Fort to Galle
#8050
Colombo Fort to Galle
Time – between 2-4 hours depending on traffic
Average Cost for One Person – LKR 3,500
5. Colombo to Jaffna – Northern Line
The train ride from Colombo to Jaffna has an aura that you’ll notice in the difference of landscape. Jaffna has a northern influence. Known as the City of Temples, Jaffna is most famous for its Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil Hindu Temple. It also has a fort for those who like for history and spirituality.
Train Name/ Number and Destination:
#4021 (First Class)
Colombo Fort to Jaffna Station
Time – Roughly 6-7 hours
Average Cost for One Person – LKR 4,500
6. Colombo to Anuradhapura – Northern Line
The train journey to Anuradhapura like the others is scenic and full of lush greenery on both sides. Anuradhapura is a city capital that is known for its ancient religious sites and many temples. If you’re religious or want to build on some spirituality, then you should visit here. Apart from that Anuradhapura is also famous for the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. Dagobas or brick Stupas are other famous monuments that are oozing with history.
Train Name/ Number and Destination:
#4021 (First Class)
Colombo Fort to Anuradhapura
Time – Around 3-4 hours
Average Cost for One Person – LKR 4,500
7. Colombo to Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya)
On your way to Nanu Oya from Colombo, you will be captivated by the views of waterfalls, hilly terrains, and tea plantations.Nuwara Eliya, the city, called “Little England” is in the hills of Sri Lanka. There’s a lot to see and do once you reach Nuwara Eliya, from sitting by Gregory Lake, taking a walk in Victoria Park to visit the Strawberry Fields. Everything in this city has a colonial touch to it.
Train Name/ Number and Destination:*A Disclaimer – The above prices have been taken from the 12 Go Asia Website and prices may vary on other travel websites
Podi Menike #1005
Colombo Fort to Nanu Oya, Nuwara Eliya
Udarata Menike #1015
Colombo Fort to Nanu Oya, Nuwara Eliya
#1007 (Observation Class)
Colombo Fort to Nanu Oya, Nuwara Eliya
Time – Between 6-7 hours
Average Cost for One Person – LKR 2,800 - LKR 3,800
Advice: Always double-check your ticket with your destination before getting on a train.
