The 9 Best Scenic Train Rides in Sri Lanka

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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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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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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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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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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6.Train Tickets From Kandy to Ella

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 57 reviews · from $20Best value

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

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

Travel through Sri Lanka’s hill country on a reserved first-class train journey between Kandy and Ella, with hotel transfers, snacks, and one drink included. A driver takes you to the station and collects you at the far end. Allow ten hours, flexibility on departure time, and possible class changes if you book within 30 days.

“Esperienza molto bella con tratte spettacolari e paesaggi mozzafiato. il prezzo pagato è follia in relazione al costo reale del biglietto di 1° classe. La comunicazione con il fornitore del servizio potrebbe essere migliore, abbiamo avuto conferma della prenotazione solo la sera prima. Ha comunque garantito il servizio promesso.”

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