Kandy - Ella Train Ride - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 53 km from Nuwara Eliya and 137 km from Kandy, the Kandy to Ella train ride is considered one of the most spectacular train trips in Sri Lanka and one of the top things to do in Ella Sri Lanka.

No trip to Ella would be complete without taking a train ride between Kandy and Ella or the other way around, as it is considered to be one of the most beautiful train trips in the world. This train ride lasts for 7 hours and takes you through stunning landscapes of green and lush tea plantations and mountain views. For a shorter trip, the section from Nanu Oya (near Nuwara Eliya) to Ella is considered the most picturesque and takes around 3 hours.

The train trip Ella - Kandy, and Kandy - Ella is very popular, both among tourists and the locals. It is highly recommended to buy tickets well in advance as the trains usually get fully booked especially on weekends. Tickets can be booked 37 days in advance online only at 12Go.asia as unfortunately, the Sri Lanka Railway doesn't have any online booking yet. The tickets are, however, usually snapped up by travel agents and tour companies. Otherwise, one can buy train tickets in advance at any train station in Sri Lanka. Tickets for government-run trains in Sri Lanka can be issued only 10-30 days before departure date depending on the route.

If you are happy to take your chances and travel in 2nd or 3rd class with an unreserved ticket, you can simply turn up on the day of travel an hour or so before the trip to purchase your ticket. You may not get a seat but the journey is guaranteed to be an experience you will remember! If you get on the train at Peradeniya before it gets to Kandy, many people will get off in Kandy and you will get any available seats before the throngs of tourists to get on.

Timings: From Kandy - 8.30 AM, 10.55 AM & 12.31 PM, From Ella - 3.15 PM, 5.28 PM & 6.23 PM

Entry: USD. 2 for 3rd Class, USD. 4 for 2nd Class