Train Journeys

Sri Lanka’s trains are affordable and some of the most scenic in Asia. On 5 ft 6 in broad-gauge tracks, they climb to Pattipola, the world’s highest broad-gauge railway station while the winding upcountry route invites you to slow down and enjoy the view.

Hill-country ride climbs through tea estates, tunnels and cloud forest between Nanu Oya and Ella, the coast line runs within metres of the Indian Ocean, and long-distance lines cross the dry zone to Jaffna, Mannar, Trincomalee and Batticaloa.

Which train routes run in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka Railways runs a network that fans out from Colombo Fort to most corners of the island. These are the main lines travellers use:

• Main line (Colombo to Kandy, Nanu Oya, Ella and Badulla): the famous hill-country route. It climbs from the lowlands to Kandy, then through tea estates, tunnels and cloud forest past Pattipola, Haputale and the Nine Arch Bridge near Ella. The Nanu Oya to Ella section has the best views.
• Coast line (Colombo to Galle, Matara and Beliatta): the easy way to reach Galle, Unawatuna and Mirissa, with sea views on the right-hand side heading south.
• Northern line (Colombo to Jaffna and Kankesanthurai): a long ride through Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi, crossing Elephant Pass onto the Jaffna peninsula.
• Mannar line (Colombo to Talaimannar): branches off the Northern line at Medawachchiya and crosses the causeway onto Mannar Island, ending at the old ferry pier.
• Trincomalee line (Colombo to Trincomalee): heads east from Gal Oya Junction through dry-zone forest to the coast.
• Batticaloa line (Colombo to Batticaloa): passes Habarana and Polonnaruwa on its way to the lagoons of the east coast.
• Puttalam line and Kelani Valley line: mostly commuter routes, useful for Negombo and the coast north of Colombo, and for Avissawella inland.

Heavy rain and landslides can close sections, especially on the hill-country line, so always check the latest status on the official Sri Lanka Railways seat reservation site before you build your route around a train.

Always check the latest status on the official Sri Lanka Railways seat reservation site or Travel Updates before you build your route around a train.

Which train journey is the most scenic?

Nanu Oya to Ella is the one people travel for. The line climbs to Pattipola, the highest station on the network, then drops through tea country, pine forest and tunnels. Most travellers say the stretch between Haputale and Ella is the highlight. The ride takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, often more, because Sri Lankan trains rarely keep to time.

The coast line is a different kind of beautiful: fishing boats, palm-backed beaches and waves breaking just below the track. It is busy with commuters, so travel outside rush hours.

Long-distance trains to the north and east

These routes are less about dramatic views and more about seeing the flat, open side of the island: paddy fields, reservoirs, scrub jungle and small country stations. They are also a cheap way to reach parts of the island that few visitors see.

• Colombo to Jaffna: the Northern line runs through Kurunegala, Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Kilinochchi, then crosses Elephant Pass onto the Jaffna peninsula. The Uttara Devi intercity takes about 6.5 hours, the Yal Devi express about 8 hours, and there is an overnight Night Mail. Services continue to Kankesanthurai.
• Colombo to Mannar (Talaimannar): trains leave the Northern line at Medawachchiya and cross the causeway onto Mannar Island, ending at the old ferry pier in Talaimannar. The journey takes about 6.5 to 7 hours, and the daily service has air-conditioned first-class seats you can reserve.
• Colombo to Trincomalee: the line branches east at Gal Oya Junction and runs through dry-zone forest to the coast. Expect most of a day, with day and Night Mail options. Trincomalee is the base for Nilaveli, Pigeon Island and whale watching in season.
• Colombo to Batticaloa: this route passes Habarana and Polonnaruwa, so it also works for the ancient city, before reaching the lagoons of the east coast. The Udaya Devi and the Pulathisi intercity run by day, with an overnight Night Mail; the full journey takes around 8 to 9 hours.

Is the train the best way to travel long distances?

Not always. The scenery is lovely for an hour or two, but a full day on a Sri Lankan train can be tiring: hard seats outside first class, crowded carriages on weekends and holidays, basic toilets, and delays that can add hours to an 8-hour trip. Stations are also often a tuk-tuk ride from your hotel at each end.

For long legs such as Colombo to Jaffna, Trincomalee, Batticaloa or Mannar, a car with a private driver is usually the more convenient choice and often faster door to door. You leave when you want, stop at Anuradhapura, Dambulla or a roadside curry shop on the way, and arrive at your hotel rather than a station. A good plan for many travellers is to ride the scenic Nanu Oya to Ella section by train for the experience, and use a driver for the long transfers. You can find private drivers on VisitLanka and contact them directly.

How do you book train tickets?

Reserved seats are sold online through the Sri Lanka Railways seat reservation system. Bookings open 30 days before the date of travel and close two hours before departure. You can book a maximum of five seats at once, and you need your passport details.

Reserved seats on the hill-country trains sell out quickly in December to March and during local holidays. If you miss out, unreserved tickets are sold at the station on the day, but expect to stand on busy services. Many guesthouses and drivers can also help you book.

First, second or third class?

• First class: air-conditioned, reserved, and quiet. The windows do not open, which is a drawback for photos.
• Second class reserved: fans, opening windows and doors, and the best mix of comfort and views. Most travellers' favourite.
• Third class: cheapest and most crowded, with hard seats. Fine for short coastal hops, hard going on long-distance routes.

Some special tourist trains, such as the Ella Odyssey, run on the hill-country line with observation carriages and photo stops. Timetables change, so check before you book.

Which side of the train should you sit on?

On the hill-country line between Nanu Oya and Ella, both sides have views, but the right-hand side heading towards Ella gets more of the deep valleys around Haputale. On the coast line heading south from Colombo, sit on the right for the sea.

Practical tips for the journey

Bring water and snacks, although vendors sell tea, peanuts and vadai on most services. Keep valuables in a small bag on your lap, not on the luggage rack. Carry a warm layer for the hill country, where it can be cool at Pattipola. Toilets exist on most long-distance trains but are basic.

Large bags fit on overhead racks, but a backpack is easier than a big suitcase. If you are travelling with heavy luggage, a private driver can take your bags by road and meet you at the next station.

Planning your route around the train

Build your plan around the sections that suit you: stay in Nuwara Eliya, ride to Ella, then continue by road to Yala or the south coast. If you are heading north or east, decide whether you want the train for the experience or a driver for speed and comfort. If the Kandy section reopens before your trip, you can add it back in.

Map your stations, transfers and stays in one place: Plan your Sri Lanka trip on VisitLanka.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Kandy to Ella train running in 2026?

Not end to end, as of October 2026. Trains run between Nanu Oya and Ella (and on to Badulla), so most travellers drive from Kandy to Nanu Oya and take the train from there.

Can you take the train from Colombo to Jaffna?

Yes. The Northern line has been running fully since April 2026, with the Uttara Devi intercity taking about 6.5 hours and the Yal Devi about 8 hours. Book reserved seats ahead, especially around holidays.

Is there a train from Colombo to Trincomalee or Batticaloa?

Yes, both lines reopened in January 2026, with day trains and overnight Night Mail services. Expect most of a day for either trip, so many travellers use a private driver instead.

Is it better to take the train or hire a driver in Sri Lanka?

For short scenic sections like Nanu Oya to Ella, take the train. For long journeys to Jaffna, Mannar, Trincomalee or Batticaloa, a private driver is usually more comfortable, more flexible and often quicker door to door.

How far ahead should I book the Ella train?

As soon as bookings open, 30 days before you travel. In peak season, second-class reserved seats on popular services can sell out on the first day.

Is first class worth it on Sri Lankan trains?

For comfort and air conditioning on long journeys, yes. For photos and the classic experience on the hill-country line, most travellers prefer second class because the windows open.