Kandy to Ella train
Blue train from Kandy to Ella, book first-class seats, timetables, top travel tips, all in one guide for the ultimate Sri Lankan train adventure...
Duration
1 Days
Group Size
Max 1
Languages
English
Age Range
01-80
Tour Overview
Tour Highlights
🌟 Tour Highlights
Enjoy the world-famous Kandy to Ella train journey in one day.
Travel & Arrival:
As there are times when trains in Sri Lanka do not depart on schedule, please arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before the train's departure. Try your train journey in the morning. You can then enjoy the beautiful scenery around you.
Seat Booking:
🎟 Seat Reservations: Book your train ticket a month in advance, especially during July–August and December–January.
💰 Seat Prices: Starting from $4
📍 Best Views: Sit on the right side when travelling from Kandy to Nanu Oya, then switch to the left side.
🛎️ Seat Reservation Options: Tourstro helps you reserve seats with scenic views and manage all reservations.
Train Details:
🕒 Journey time: Approximately 6–7 hours.
Train schedule:
Departs Kandy: 08:47 AM or 11:10 AM
Arrives Ella: Around 03:15 PM or 05:30 PM
Train types:
Observation class, first-class with air conditioning, second-class, and third-class with the same facilities.
Scenic Destinations
📍 Hatton – Start point for Adam’s Peak hikes
📍 Nanu Oya – Closest station to Nuwara Eliya (10 km by car)
📍 Ella – Home to Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, and Little Adam’s Peak
Essentials to Bring
💧 Water bottle and light snacks
🧥 Jacket for cool highland air
🔋 Power bank and camera
🍱 Be ready to bring your lunch, and don't buy from train vendors
Other Train Ride Schedules
Nanu Oya to Ella: 01.10 PM & 04.08 PM
Bandarawela to Demodara: 11.15 AM & 03.40 PM
Ella to Badulla: 1.29 PM & 04.27 PM
Ella to Kandy: 09.42 AM & 11.34 PM
Nanu Oya to Kandy: 10.14 AM, 12.40 PM & 3.50 PM
Badulla to Ella: 05.45 AM, 08.20 AM, 10.15 AM & 11.00 AM
Tour Itinerary
Itinerary Overview
The Kandy to Ella train journey is widely regarded as one of the most scenic in the world. This is because it is a green paradise with breathtaking views. The journey takes approximately 6-7 hours and passes through cool towns like Hatton and Nuwara Eliya. There are three classes of seats. There are seats at different prices, and you can reserve a seat of your choice. However, due to the popularity of this journey, seats sell out quickly, especially during peak travel times. Therefore, it is recommended to book your seat at least a month in advance.
Duration
1 days
Route
Kandy to Ella Train ride to Kandy to Ella Train ride
Key Destinations
Kandy to Ella Train ride
The train journey from Kandy to Ella is one of the most popular scenic train journeys in the world. This is because the railway line is designed to take you through panoramic views of mountain ranges, lush tea plantations, cool, misty forests, towering waterfalls, and colonial-era villages. The journey from Kandy to Ella takes between 6 and 7 hours. But, although it sounds long, the scenic views along the way make it feel less tiring. The first train, the Podi Menike (train number 1005), departs from Kandy at 8:47 a.m. and arrives in Ella at 3:15 p.m. The second train leaves at 11:10 a.m. and arrives at 5:30 p.m. For the return trip, two trains depart Ella at 6:39 a.m. and 9:23 a.m. As the journey is popular with tourists, it’s recommended to book seats in advance, especially during peak seasons (July-August and December-January). The train offers three classes: first, second and third class. During the journey, you will encounter beautiful towns such as Peradeniya, Hatton, Nanuoya, and Haputale. Some travellers prefer shorter sections, such as Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or Nuwara Eliya to Ella. Open windows, local vendors and breathtaking views ensure an unforgettable experience. However, Tourstro is ready to turn any destination into the perfect train adventure.
What's Included
What's Included
Frequently Asked Questions
Tour Pricing
Starting from
$4
per person
Group Pricing
$4
$6
Save $2.00Need help?
+94 707 778 888
