SRI LANKA · SRI LANKA TRAIN JOURNEYS

Sri Lanka Train Journeys: The 13 Best Rides

13 trips  ·  from $18 a seat

The hill line from Kandy to Ella runs through tea at walking pace with the doors open. These 13 compare classes, seat reservations and the sections worth doing, with prices and honest journey times.

Scenic Railways, Scenic Railways in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Train Journeys, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

Ella to Kandy scenic train journey with reserved seats ticket

1.Ella to Kandy scenic train journey with reserved seats ticket

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 122 reviews · from $17Our pick

Review of Sri Lanka’s Ella to Kandy train ticket, with reserved seating, tea-country views, practical booking advice, price details, and FAQs.

“I recommend to book your tickets with this provider! Easy, no fuss or stress. I purchase my tickets around 3 months in advance and they even got me seats in the left side from Ella to Kandy, which is the side with best views. I got my ticketRead more”

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Ella: Tea Factory, Train, and Nine Arch Day Tour with Pickup - The long road from Colombo, Galle, or the coast
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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

Review of Ella’s 16-hour day tour from Colombo and nearby towns, with tea, train views, Nine Arch Bridge, waterfalls, hiking, and ziplining.

“Amazing tour of Ella we did it alll thanks to Rukshan 😊 he made the tour even better switch the itinerary to allow for longer ok the beach club and little Adams peek also very funny and chatty with the whole crew bring swimming stuff as you can leave in the car when doing other activities you won’t regret it but trainer for Adams peek”

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

Review of a 3-day Sri Lanka tour from Colombo covering Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella, the scenic train, and Udawalawe safari.

“My communication started with Jeev, who patiently and wordy answered all my questions and tried adapt the program to my needs. Then Aaron took care of us during 3 days. All was as sharp as said in the program, we did not miss anything and everything went smooth. Aaron was kind, well-mannered and made sure all the time about us being comfortable. Special thanks for nice and comfy car. Despite long hours of driving 3-4+ hours - we felt very well. In the end, Jeev gave us a complimentary lift to airport. Which was quite nice. I think this tour company is reliable and does best for client. The tour…”

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From Ella: Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour - Demodara station and the railway loop
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From Ella: Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour

4.Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour

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

Review of Ella’s 7-hour tuk-tuk and train tour, with Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, waterfalls, lunch, and practical booking advice.

“Our Tour was great. Our guide was enthusiastic and passionate and took care of us. Keen to take lots of photos and make sure we had memories! Thank you!”

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From Ella- All inclusive Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Train - Ella Rock: the day’s main physical challenge
1-Day Tours, Ella Sri Lanka Train Journeys, Sri Lanka Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

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

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

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

Explore Ella’s top sights by private vehicle and train, with Ella Rock, Nine Arch Bridge, waterfalls, hikes, and optional zipline thrills.

“Ruwan our driver was amazing. We saw some incredible sights and he was so patient waiting for us to take photos and wander around. A great day, one of the best tours we have done and so much fun. Thank you for all the memories.”

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Sri Lanka Private 2-day Tour:Train Trip, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya - Day one: from Colombo through spices to Kandy
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Sri Lanka Private 2-day Tour:Train Trip, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

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

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

A practical review of Sri Lanka’s two-day hill-country tour, with Kandy temples, the blue train, tea country, gardens, hotels, and key drawbacks.

“The train ride was a dream. I can highly recommend it. On day one, after a very short lunch break of just 30 minutes, we were dragged to a jeweler -> then had to watch a video about how the jewelers are made and, at best, buy something. It wasn't on the program and we didn't want to do that anyway. When we arrived at the hotel, everyone looked at us strangely and showed no welcoming hospitality. Day 2: The train ride was great, but then the guide wanted to go back to Colombo. We asked about Grake Esplanade, the tea plantation and the spice market. Esplanade was too far…”

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All Inclusive Ella From/To Kandy Scenic Train Journey - Ambewela and the current railway change
Ella Sri Lanka Train Journeys, Scenic Railways, Scenic Railways in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

All Inclusive Ella From/To Kandy Scenic Train Journey

8.All Inclusive Ella From/To Kandy Scenic Train Journey

★★★★★★★★★★3.4 · 11 reviews · 10 hours · from $125

Is Sri Lanka’s Kandy to Ella train worth $125? See the views, first-class seating, meals, transfers, risks, and booking advice.

“Communication before the trip was excellent. On the day we were told the driver would be there to collect us at 7. After chasing a tuk tuk turned up (we had a driver we could have used). Also connected to a senior manager to help smooth the process at the station. On arrival said manager was nowhere to be seen. We were handed tickets and a plastic bag with a few beers and a sandwich in and pointed towards the station entrance. After this we were left to figure out the train was delayed, which train was ours and to find our seats all of which the experience we paid…”

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From kandy Train, and Pool Club Day Tour with Pickup - Ramboda Falls: a strong first stop
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From kandy Train, and Pool Club Day Tour with Pickup

Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") - From Kandy toward the hill country
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Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 “Podi Menike”)

From Ella - Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Scenic Train Ride - Ravana Falls and the first taste of Ella’s scenery
1-Day Tours, Ella Sri Lanka Train Journeys, Scenic Railways, Scenic Railways in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

From Ella – Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Scenic Train Ride

Kandy to Nanu Oya train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") - Kandy to Hatton, where the hills take over
Kandy Train Journeys, Sri Lanka Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Train Journeys

Kandy to Nanu Oya train ride on (Train No: 1005 “Podi Menike”)

2 Day Tour of Yala & Ella with Hill Country Scenic Train Ride - All Inclusive - Rawana Falls adds a short nature stop
2-Day Experiences, Scenic Railways, Scenic Railways in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Train Journeys, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Journeys

2 Day Tour of Yala & Ella with Hill Country Scenic Train Ride – All Inclusive

13.2 Day Tour of Yala & Ella with Hill Country Scenic Train Ride – All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $340

Review of Sri Lanka’s 2-day Yala and Ella tour, including safari, Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, tea country, and a scenic train ride.

“This was one of the best tours I’ve ever been on! Our driver Ishan was an expert and super friendly and helpful. They even got me a cake for my birthday! Every experience from the safari to the train ride was excellent. The communication and coordination of the tour agency was perfect. I can’t wait to come back to Sri Lanka, thank you so much!”

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