The Kandy to Ella train journey is said to be one of the most scenic train journeys in not only just Sri Lanka but the world. So with a few days to spare in Sri Lanka, I decided to purchase a ticket for $1.50 and climb aboard for the 5-hour journey. Yes, the train really does cost just $1.50.
THE KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN IN SRI LANKA
I have now taken the train in both directions. From Kandy to Ella and in reverse from Ella to Kandy. On both occasions, I just arrived at the train station and bought the cheapest ticket and walked on. I didn’t sit in a seat, I preferred to an open door and hang my legs over the edge for the entire journey.
How to get tickets for the Kandy to Ella Train
You can purchase the tickets directly at the station or try and prebook through a hotel, travel agent, or by visiting the station the day before.
UPDATE: You can now book tickets online at 12GO Asia. The prices are slightly more than if you bought them at the station but it can be worth it to have tickets secured if you have set travel dates and can’t afford to miss the train if it is fully booked (this does happen)
Book Kandy to Ella train tickets now at 12GO (you can also book train tickets for other trips around Sri Lanka.)
Our Sri Lanka train ride was on one of the famous blue trains and was several carriages in length but they also have red carriages and it just depends on what time of day as to what color your train is. For photos, blue is quite cool and it seems the common color but don’t be disappointed if you have a maroon train. You can purchase 1st class tickets but I chose the cheapest ticket and had my own seat (despite not using it), luggage storage, and a table in front of me to share with four others. The carriage wasn’t hot despite the heat outside and it was an incredibly comfortable journey.
Book Kandy to Ella train tickets now at 12GO (you can also book train tickets for other trips around Sri Lanka.)
KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN TIMETABLE
| Train Kandy - Ella $ 17.13–40.78 5h 53m – 9h 54m | |
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| Taxi Kandy - Ella $ 68.40–168.51 2h 18m – 4h | |
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| Van Kandy - Ella $ 30.42–72 5h – 9h | |
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| Taxi Peradeniya - Ella $ 101.20 3h 27m | |
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MY KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN RIDE VIDEO
Here is a short highlight video I made of the journey:
Why is the Kandy to Ella train journey so amazing?
The train also passes through multiple tunnels. The kids on my train thought it was a great game to scream the entire time we were inside the tunnel until the train finally emerged.
stand or purchase some snacks from vendors who wander about. I spent my time in the open doorway, watching as we passed by tea plantations, cruised through villages, and crossed bridges with eerily huge drop-offs.
Hanging out of the train gives you the best views and is an awesome feeling but be careful not to leave your limbs out of the train at the wrong time as there are trees and tunnels that come close to the train. The Kandy to Ella Train is just one of many bucket list items to add to your Sri Lanka Itinerary.
Being in 3rd class you will meet a lot of locals and most will enjoy having a chat with you. I really enjoyed stopping at the stations and watching the daily happenings of locals on and off the train and tried to capture the vibe of the journey with my photos as well as getting some iconic travel shots hanging out of the train.
If you are considering the options about how to get from Ella to Kandy or Kandy to Ella, there really isn’t a decision to be made. If you take the bus you have made a huge mistake as you have missed out on the journey of a lifetime on the Kandy to Ella train. Hanging out with the locals on the train was one of my favorite experiences in Sri Lanka.
What are my favorite pieces of travel gear?
There are four pieces of gear that I simply never travel without. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Here are my travel essentials.
- Packing Cube Set: Once you cube you’ll never go back. Organize your clothes within your luggage with these smart mesh containers. It will revolutionize your packing.
- Quick-Dry Towel: A quick-dry towel is a must for travelers. It hardly takes up any room and dries in seconds.
- Travel Wallet: Keep your passport, wallet, and vaccine card safe as well as any forms and important documents you need to store.
- Grayl GeoPress Water Filter Bottle: I’ve used this for three years. It filters your water with one press and you can drink directly from it. Never buy a plastic water bottle again!
THREE TOURS I RECOMMEND IN SRI LANKA
Before we get into the list of the top things to do in Sri Lanka, I wanted to share with you three of my favorite tours in Sri Lanka.
Golden Hour Safari: The most popular safari tour is the Golden Hour Safari Experience in Yala National Park
Whale Watching: The Morning Whale Watching Tour from Mirissa Beach is one of the most popular activities in the entire country. See a variety of animals including blue whales, sperm whales, and dolphins from the observation deck.
Sigiriya Rock Tour: Discover the Sigirya rock fortress on a 2-3-hour walking trip which will provide an insight into the art, tradition, and history of Sri Lanka. Book your tour: Sigiriya Rock Climb Guided Tour
MY TOP PLACES TO STAY IN SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka is a huge region so it depends on where you are and which of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka are on your list as to which accommodation will be the best. For example, when you are visiting Sigiriya Rock, Hotel Sigiriya is clearly the best choice!
- Top pick: A stunning estate in the Tea Country: Thotalagala
- Best overall experience -(with Sigiriya Rock): Hotel Sigiriya
- Best for heritage in Galle: Galle Fort Hotel
- Best for elephant safaris: Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
- Best for beachfront bliss in Tangalle: Buckingham Place
- Best for exploring Colombo: The Kingsbury or the Movenpick
- Best for home-cooked food in Kandy: Green View Boutique
READ MORE SRI LANKA BLOG POSTS
- Ultimate Guide: 15 BEST THINGS TO DO IN SRI LANKA
- Hiking in Ella: LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK HIKE IN ELLA
- Riding the Train: Kandy to Ella by Train
- The famous Sri Lanka rope swing: THE PALM TREE ROPE SWING AT DALAWELLA
- The famous bridge: NINE ARCH BRIDGE IN ELLA
- Getting a tattoo in Sri Lanka: MY EXPERIENCE GETTING A TATTOO IN SRI LANKA
- Where to stay: 20 BEST ECO LODGES IN SRI LANKA
- Sri Lanka Packing List: THE ULTIMATE SRI LANKA PACKING LIST: WHAT TO PACK AND WHY
Have you got travel Insurance?
- Don’t wait for an accident to happen… get insured! My travel insurance is SafetyWing which offers low-cost travel & medical insurance. That’s me in the photo below with three teeth knocked out after a motorbike crash in Bali
- I’ve made several successful claims with SafetyWing and find their customer service very quick and helpful.
- SafetyWing’s Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies with options for adventure sports and electronics theft. Their Complete plan offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity.
karen
Friday 21st of March 2025
So nice to see you can still hang outside the train. I recently did the jungle train in Malaysia which I loved but was sad to see they are all modern trains with doors you can not open. Do you know if this is still possible in Sri lanka?
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