Sri Lanka · SCENIC TRAIN RIDES

The 15 Best Scenic Train Rides in Sri Lanka

34 tours  ·  from $14 a head

The hill line is the reason half of you came. These 15 cover reserved seats on the Kandy to Ella run and the shorter hops around it, with real prices, how far ahead the booking window opens and which carriages are worth the extra.

Kandy to Ella Train Tickets - Reserved Seats - Choosing Ella or Nanu Oya
Scenic Train Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kandy

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 commonly delivered to your accommodation before departure, and coordinator Geesara is noted for clear WhatsApp communication. Hotel pickup is optional, not included.

“Incredible views, make sure you reserve your seats. Best part of the trip is the last hour, although the whole trip was amazing.”

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Ella: Tea Factory, Train, and Nine Arch Day Tour with Pickup - Ravana Waterfall gives the day an early visual reward
Hill Country Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Tea Plantations & Factories, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Colombo

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

This long, full-day Ella trip links Ravana Waterfall, a 25-minute train ride, Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Halpewaththa Tea Factory, Ravana Pool Club, and an optional zipline. Hotel pickup, an air-conditioned vehicle, a guide, water, and seasonal fruit are included. Guides such as Dinesh, Krish, Ranga, and Rukshan have helped make the packed schedule work for past groups.

“What a day! We were about 1 day to leave the country and curious how to make dream about Sri Lanka come true and see from train majestic scenery, Apple vacations did a great job and made perfect trip to Ella from Colombo! Our Guide Krish was very kind, supportive and thoughtful to our needs, he put his soul so we can leave Sri Lanka really happy! We did see waterfall, 9 Archs, had time to walk within Ella's streets with amazing scenery and train trip dream also did come true with help of best routing decisions of Krish! Thank you so much! We are so happy with the tour!”

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Colombo/Negombo: Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella 3-Day Trip with Train - Day one: Dambulla caves, Sigiriya Rock, and Kandy
1-Day Tours, 3-Day Experiences, Scenic Train Rides, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya Tours in Dambulla, Tour Reviews, Tours in Dambulla

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 three-day trip links Sri Lanka’s big sights by air-conditioned vehicle, from Sigiriya Rock and Dambulla Cave Temple to Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth, Ella’s sunrise hikes, and Udawalawe safari country. Guides such as Ranga, Chathu, Rukshan, and Danish are available depending on the departure. The Nanu Oya to Ella train is included when weather and rail service allow.

“Embarking on the Sigiriya – Kandy - Ella tour with guide Rukshan was a delightful experience from start to finish. We explored the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple and ascended the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, soaking in the rich history and breathtaking views. Our stay at the Royal Kandyan provided a tranquil retreat after a day of exploration. Visits to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Glenloch Tea Factory enriched our understanding of Sri Lankan culture. Rukshan's passion for his homeland was evident as he shared anecdotes about the region's landmarks. Our journey concluded at the enchanting Nine Arches Bridge in Ella. With Rukshan's guidance, we captured unforgettable memorie...”

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From Ella: Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour - Nine Arch Bridge, with time to wait for the train
Scenic Train Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Ella

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

See Ella’s main sights by tuk-tuk, train, and on foot with guides such as Shifar, Rishad, or Jagan. Ride from Demodara to Ella, visit Nine Arch Bridge and Ravana Falls, hike Little Adam’s Peak, and cool off at Pallawela Waterfall. Lunch and zipline entry cost extra.

“Jegan was a delightful host, full of knowledge about the area and Sri Lanka that we learnt a lot. The tour was a good mix of activities and we definitely recommend it to anyone wanting a good sense of Ella and its site if you have only a few days to spend.”

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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, Multi-Day Sri Lanka Tours, Private, Scenic Train Rides, Tea Plantations & Factories, Tour Reviews, Tours in Bentota

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 such as Pradeep, Dinesh, or Danuskha. Visit Rawana Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara Loop, and a tea factory, then ride the train from Demodara to Haputale. Lunch, tickets, entry fees, water, 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 booking
Scenic Train Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kandy

Train Tickets From Kandy to Ella

6.Train Tickets From Kandy to Ella

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 57 reviews · from $20

Book a reserved seat from Kandy to Ella and cross Sri Lanka’s hill country by rail. Your local operator confirms the train and class, then sends an e-ticket by email or WhatsApp. The roughly seven-hour ride passes tea plantations, mountain towns, and the Nine Arches Bridge before ending in Ella. Book at least 32 days ahead for the best chance of getting your preferred class.

“The earlier train left 2hours late and not knowing this could happen, I got inside the wrong train. Viator sent me the right ticket train and communication was great, I just didj t understand why the train was leaving earlier than expected as I arriRead more”

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From Ella- All inclusive Day Trip of 8 Iconic Sights & Train - Ravana Falls starts the day with local legend
1-Day Tours, Multi-Day Sri Lanka Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ella

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

This private Ella day trip links Ravana Falls, Ella Rock, Kithalella, Demodara Loop, the Nine Arch Bridge, a Demodara to Ella train ride, Flying Ravana Mega Zipline, and Little Adam’s Peak. Guides such as Nuwan and Ruwan also help with photos, route changes, and safe driving. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

“IT WAS really nice trip Sam was very helpful he found perfect place to take a snap 9 arch bridge and we had a great time...nice lunch everything is great...”

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Day trip to ELLA & LIPTON's SEAT with Train Ride [ALL INCLUSIVE] - The one-hour train ride is the heart of the day
1-Day Tours, Hill Country Tours, Multi-Day Sri Lanka Tours, Scenic Train Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours in Galle

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 the Galle area to Ella and Haputale with pickup, private transport, a tuk-tuk ride to Lipton’s Seat, and a one-hour train journey. You’ll see Ravana Falls, Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, tea pickers, Buduruwagala Temple, and wide mountain views. Guide Mathews is one named guide associated with the company.

“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
Scenic Train Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Nuwara Eliya

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 train and receive an e-ticket by email or WhatsApp. The 3 to 4 hour ride passes tea fields, waterfalls, and mountain scenery. Choose from available coach classes, arrive 20 minutes early, and finish in Ella or continue to Badulla.

“We book the tickets from Viator and we got the seats a day before the ride ! Everything was fine and perfect ! Totally safe”

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Colombo to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats) - What the Reserved Second-Class Seat Is Worth
Scenic Train Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Colombo

Colombo to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

10.Colombo to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

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

You receive an e-ticket for a reserved second-class seat on the 7:00 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. non-stop train from Colombo Fort to Kandy. The 2 to 3-hour ride passes villages, jungle, and tea estates. No printed ticket is needed, but confirm the meeting point and ticket delivery time before departure.

“So, the tickets are accurate, the train is on time, the e-ticket works for the controllers and no need to print it out. The only thing is the agency shares the e-ticket on the night before, i.e. 5-6 hours before the train which, having booked from abrRead more”

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Ella Odyssey Train Reserved Seats Kandy to Ella - Starting at Kandy Railway Station at 9:40 am
Scenic Train Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kandy

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 at 9:40 am in a reserved second or third-class seat. The six-hour ride pauses at scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, mountain ranges, and forest areas for photographs. Tickets are delivered before 7:00 am, with pickup offered and a maximum of 10 bookings.

“Great communication, organisation and very helpful answering questions about my up coming train trip . Will use again there services.”

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Ella: First Class Scenic Train Ticket To/From Nanuoya - The journey from Nanuoya or Ella
Scenic Train Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Tours in Ella

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, with a five-hour ride through Sri Lanka’s highlands. Expect tea plantations, waterfalls, and mountain views. The route may currently begin or end at Ambewela, with a complimentary shuttle due to track damage. Tickets require your passport or national ID.

“Good communication, handover of tickets, pick up from hotel and transport to start the journey from Ambewela.”

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From Kandy: Nuwara Eliya by Train - Meeting your guide at Nanu Oya
Scenic Train Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours in Kandy

From Kandy: Nuwara Eliya by Train

13.Nuwara Eliya by Train

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

Spend 11 hours traveling from Kandy into Sri Lanka’s tea country by train, then continue by private air-conditioned vehicle. Your English-speaking chauffeur guide meets you at Nanu Oya, takes you through Nuwara Eliya, Lake Gregory, Ramboda Falls, and Blue Field Tea Factory, returning you to Kandy around 7:30 PM.

“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 - Kandy and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
2-Day Experiences, Private, Scenic Train Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Colombo

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, with a three-hour blue train ride, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Peradeniya gardens, a tea factory, and a Kandyan cultural show. Private guides vary, but Sunny is praised for safety, flexibility, and useful stops along the way.

“A great tour with a competent and knowledgeable guide. He took our wishes into account and only drove to the places that actually interested us. 👍”

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Ella Private Day Tour with Train Ride and Visit to Nine Arch - Nine Arch Bridge shows the engineering behind the view
Hill Country Tours, Private, Scenic Train Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Bentota

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 day trip with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle, snacks, tickets, and a Demodara to Bandarawela train ride. You’ll visit Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, an organic tea garden, and Rawana Falls. Confirm the guide and private group setup before departure.

“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
★ 3.0Train from Colombo to KandyFrom $145 reviews
★ 5.0Ella Sir Lanka Most Beautiful Train Ride In the World by JasonFrom $4804 reviews
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