Sri Lanka · SCENIC TRAIN RIDES

Sri Lanka by Train: The 15 Best Journeys

34 tours  ·  from $14

The hill line is the reason half these itineraries exist. The 15 below cover the Kandy to Ella run, the shorter Nanu Oya legs and the reserved-seat bookings, with prices, carriage classes and how far ahead the good seats go.

Kandy to Ella Train Tickets - Reserved Seats - Peradeniya departure and the two listed trains
Kandy Tours, Private Drivers, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Kandy, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Kandy to Ella Train Tickets – Reserved Seats

1.Kandy to Ella Train Tickets – Reserved Seats

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 523 reviews · from $26Our pick

Take Sri Lanka’s famous blue train from Peradeniya near Kandy toward Ella or Nanu Oya, with a reserved second or third-class seat. Departures are listed at 8:47am and 11:03am. Tickets are usually delivered to your accommodation before departure, but hotel pickup is not included and seat class depends on availability.

“very good organisation and very quick responses. Everyrhing as planned. We heard some bad stories from other agencies, so this agency is recommended.”

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Ella: Tea Factory, Train, and Nine Arch Day Tour with Pickup - Key points to know before booking
Ella Tours, Nine Arches Bridge Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Ella, Tea Plantation Tours, Tea Plantation Tours in Ella, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ella: Tea Factory, Train, and Nine Arch Day Tour with Pickup

2.Tea Factory, Train, and Nine Arch Day Tour with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 98 reviews · 16 hours · from $140

You’ll travel from Colombo, Galle, Negombo, or nearby coastal towns to Ella for a full day of sights and activity. Expect a long road journey, a short train ride, Ravana Waterfall, Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Halpewaththa Tea Factory, Ravana Pool Club, and an optional zipline. Guides such as Krish, Ranga, Dinesh, and Rukshan are named in past bookings.

“Krish was a fantastic tour guide! He has a bubbly, friendly attitude and his attention to detail to personalise the itinerary to make the most of the day was second to none. I had a great day and saw everything I wanted to. Even when I was nervous to go down the zipline, his encouragement got me through! Overall, this day is going to be a highlight of my trip! Highly recommend”

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Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train - Day two: crafts, tea and the mountain railway
1-Day Tours, 3-Day Experiences, Colombo Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Tour Reviews

Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train

3.Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 93 reviews · 3 days · from $250

This fast-moving 3-day trip links Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Udawalawe from Colombo or Negombo. You climb Sigiriya, visit the Temple of the Tooth, ride the Nanu Oya to Ella train when available, hike Little Adam’s Peak and take a safari. Guides such as Ranga, Chathu and CJ are known for helpful, personal service.

“Everything was great and this is an amazing way to get a taste of this beautiful country! Aaron, our driver was knowledgable, accomodating, friendly and a great driver. Higy recommend him and this tour!”

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From Ella: Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour - Nine Arch Bridge, Ella’s most photogenic railway stop
Ella Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Ella, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Ella: Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour

4.Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 7 hours · from $37Top rated

Travel by tuk-tuk and train through Ella with guides such as Shifar, Rishad, or Jagan. You’ll see Demodara Railway Station, Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, Pallawela Waterfall, and Little Adam’s Peak. The day includes hiking, swimming, photography stops, and a Sri Lankan lunch break, while lunch and optional zipline entry cost extra.

“Our tour around Ella, Sri Lanka with our guide Shifar was amazing. He knew the best places to go for the really good pictures which made our experience unforgettable. He was willing to take many pictures of us together for our memories. And the driving standard was excellent, and he took care of us great. We had a really brilliant time, and I really recommend this tour as it was very good value for money and really enjoyable. 👍”

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Ella Private Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory-All Inclusive - Rawana Falls and the first taste of the hills
1-Day Tours, Ella Tours, Private, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Ella, Tea Plantation Tours, Tea Plantation Tours in Ella, Tour Reviews

Ella Private Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory-All Inclusive

5.Ella Private Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory-All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · from $190

Travel from Bentota to Ella in a private car with a driver-guide, stopping at Rawana Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara Loop, and Kelliebedde Tea Factory. You also take a roughly 60-minute train ride from Demodara toward Haputale. Lunch, tickets, water, fees, and hotel transfers are included.

“A wonderful day trip exploring the sights around Ella. This let us experience the beauty of Sri Lanka away from the coast. Pradeep was our driver and guide for the day and was superb at his job. He was friendly and made sure everything was jRead more”

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Train Tickets From Kandy to Ella - Key points to know before you book
Kandy Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Kandy, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Train Tickets From Kandy to Ella

6.Train Tickets From Kandy to Ella

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 57 reviews · from $20

Take Sri Lanka's famous hill-country train from Kandy to Ella, passing tea plantations, mountain towns, and the Nine Arches Bridge. Reserved seats are arranged under your passport number, with tickets sent by email and WhatsApp. Book at least 32 days ahead if you want the best chance of getting your chosen train and class.

“train is easy to access from the platform albeit the step is quite high seats are comfortable & plenty of leg room also plenty of luggage space in o/head racks we were in a first class car”

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From Ella- All inclusive Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Train - Ella Rock takes the most effort
1-Day Tours, Ella Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Ella, Tour Reviews

From Ella- All inclusive Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Train

7.All inclusive Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 54 reviews · 1 day · from $28

Spend a full day exploring Ella with an English-speaking guide and driver. Visit Ella Rock, Ravana Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Kithalella, and Demodara Loop, then ride the train from Demodara to Ella. Guides including Nuwan and Ruwan are praised for safe driving, flexible plans, and excellent photos. Zipline and Calypso train upgrades cost extra.

“Ruwan was our guide and he was very pleasant , a very good driver and explained a lot about the history and development of Ella and the surrounding . We visited and climbed little Adam’s peak which took us 30 mins and was a little sweaty. The view from there was stunning and good for taking photos . We skipped the Zip line due to high price 33USD. From there we went to the waterfalls the railway circle and enjoyed the safe and good ride with Ruwan. Our personal highlight was the visit of the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery . High up in the montains with a meditation ceremony . It…”

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Day trip to ELLA & LIPTON's SEAT with Train Ride [ALL INCLUSIVE] - Little Adam’s Peak gives you the first big view
1-Day Tours, Ella Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Ella, Tea Plantation Tours, Tea Plantation Tours in Ella, Tour Reviews

Day trip to ELLA & LIPTON’s SEAT with Train Ride [ALL INCLUSIVE]

8.Day trip to ELLA & LIPTON’s SEAT with Train Ride [ALL INCLUSIVE]

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $135

Travel from Galle-area pickup points to Ella and Haputale for Ravana Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arches Bridge, Lipton’s Seat, and Buduruwagala Temple. You’ll also take a scenic train ride and tuk-tuk through tea country. The private tour lasts about 14 to 16 hours, with guide support and hotel pickup available.

“Nice trip to Ella and othe places. Amazing views from the little Adam's peak. The trip from Welligama takes the whole day, but it's worth to see all this places.”

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Train Tickets from Nanuoya (NuwaraEliya) to Ella - Starting at Nanuoya Railway Station
Nuwara Eliya Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Train Tickets from Nanuoya (NuwaraEliya) to Ella

9.Train Tickets from Nanuoya (NuwaraEliya) to Ella

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 37 reviews · from $20

Reserve a seat on Sri Lanka’s famous Nanuoya to Ella railway route with Nefelibata Travels. Your e-ticket and booking reference arrive by email and WhatsApp, allowing you to board without handling station ticket queues. Expect three to four hours of tea fields, waterfalls, mountain views, possible delays, and a choice of coach classes.

“We think they are scammers Paying Way too much We paid 4 times too much for the tickets Very dissppointend”

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Colombo to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats) - Choosing between the 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. trains
Colombo Tours, Private Driver Days in Colombo, Private Drivers, Scenic Train Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Colombo to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

10.Colombo to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 28 reviews · from $18Best value

Book a reserved 2nd-class seat on Sri Lanka’s direct Colombo to Kandy train. Choose the 7:00 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. departure, receive an e-ticket by WhatsApp or email, and travel independently from Colombo Fort. The ride takes about two to three hours, with views of villages, jungle, and tea country along the way.

“We did’nt have time to buy ourselves the tickets so it was the best option for us. The tickets’s delivery could not be easier, and the train journey was absolutely stunning ! Thanks !”

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Ella Odyssey Train Reserved Seats Kandy to Ella - What the Ella Odyssey adds to the route
Ella Tours, Private Driver Days in Ella, Private Drivers, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Ella, Tour Reviews

Ella Odyssey Train Reserved Seats Kandy to Ella

11.Ella Odyssey Train Reserved Seats Kandy to Ella

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 25 reviews · from $34

Take the Ella Odyssey from Kandy to Ella in a reserved second or third-class seat. The special train runs only two days a week and pauses at scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, mountain ranges, and forest reserves. Your paper ticket is delivered before 7:00 am on travel day, with departure from Platform 1 at 9:40 am.

“Nice trip by train with gorgeous views of the countryside.”

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Ella: First Class Scenic Train Ticket To/From Nanuoya - What the five-hour train journey feels like
Ella Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Ella, Tickets, Tour Reviews

Ella: First Class Scenic Train Ticket To/From Nanuoya

12.First Class Scenic Train Ticket To/From Nanuoya

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 19 reviews · 5 hours · from $95

Reserve a one-way first-class train seat between Ella and Nanuoya, currently beginning or ending at Ambewela because of track damage. Expect about five hours of mountain scenery, tea fields, waterfalls, and helpful English-speaking support from Ceylon Pass. Seats are reserved, but exact times and seat locations are not guaranteed.

“the customer service was excellent I had a small hiccup and all the team was on line to help and resolve which was resolved amicably”

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From Kandy: Nuwara Eliya by Train - Starting early from Kandy or Peradeniya
Kandy Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Kandy, Tour Reviews

From Kandy: Nuwara Eliya by Train

13.Nuwara Eliya by Train

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 15 reviews · 11 hours · from $80

Leave Kandy by private air-conditioned vehicle, catch a scenic train through tea country, and meet your guide at Nanuoya. You’ll explore Nuwara Eliya, Lake Gregory, Ramboda Falls, and Blue Field Tea Factory. Guides such as Indika and Menuka have earned praise for careful driving, local stories, and practical help when train plans change.

“driver was on time to pick up us from the hotel. he was very helpful, it was very good day. amazing views of the tea plantations from train.”

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Sri Lanka Private 2-day Tour:Train Trip, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya - Day one: Colombo, the spice garden, and Kandy
2-Day Experiences, Kandy Tours, Private, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Kandy, Tour Reviews, Tours

Sri Lanka Private 2-day Tour:Train Trip, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

14.Sri Lanka Private 2-day Tour:Train Trip, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · from $275

Spend two days traveling from Colombo through Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, combining a scenic blue-train ride with the Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya Botanical Garden, a tea factory, and a Kandyan cultural show. Your private driver handles the long roads, while the guide’s English and attention to your wishes can vary.

“I got a completely different experience than almost every other review here. My guide wasn’t really a guide at all but more like a private driver. He didn’t really say a word the entire 2 days to me as he didn’t speak english well. But he was a great driver, always on time, and dropped me off and picked me up everywhere like clockwork. I accepted that I basically paid for a private chauffeur for two days which is fine. Still had a good time seeing all the sights, and as promised, they took care of all train tickets, hotel, etc.”

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Ella Private Day Tour with Train Ride and Visit to Nine Arch - Nine Arch Bridge, Ella’s famous railway view
Ella Tours, Nine Arches Bridge Tours, Private, Scenic Train Rides, Scenic Train Rides in Ella, Tour Reviews, Tours

Ella Private Day Tour with Train Ride and Visit to Nine Arch

15.Ella Private Day Tour with Train Ride and Visit to Nine Arch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $145

Start at 6:00 am for a private Ella outing with an English-speaking licensed guide, air-conditioned transport, snacks, tickets, and a train ride from Demodara to Bandarawela. You’ll see Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, a tea garden, and Rawana Falls. Guide quality matters, so confirm who will lead your day.

“I booked a private tour with Sindu based on the reviews. Unfortunately the night before I was informed there would be another passenger. When I queried this I was offered another guide. After my day I would have to say that Armuna is not Read more”

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New in Scenic Train Rides

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★ 5.0Kandy to Nanuoya (Nuwaraeliya) by Train – Reserved SeatsFrom $145 reviews
★ 3.5Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1015 “Udarata Menike”)From $453 reviews
★ 4.0Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 “Podi Menike”)From $457 reviews
★ 3.0Train from Colombo to KandyFrom $145 reviews
★ 5.0Ella Sir Lanka Most Beautiful Train Ride In the World by JasonFrom $4804 reviews
★ 3.9Unforgettable Day Trip of 8 Sights & TrainFrom $348 reviews
★ 3.9All Inclusive Day Trip to Experience Ella & TrainFrom $694 reviews
★ 5.0Explore Ella: Rock Hike, Loop, Falls, Nine arch & Train ViewFrom $453 reviews

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