Kandy to Ella Train
One of Sri Lanka’s best-known train rides, usually 6 to 7 hours through tea country, with the best views between Nanu Oya and Ella.
What the Kandy to Ella train actually is
The Kandy to Ella train is a stretch of Sri Lanka’s Main Line, the railway from Colombo to Badulla. The line reached Kandy in 1867, Nanu Oya in 1885 and Badulla in 1924. It climbs to Pattipola, the highest station in the country at roughly 1,900 metres, before dropping to Ella. A normal journey takes about 6 to 7 hours; some slower trains are reported as taking longer.
The ride is popular because the best stretch, from Nanu Oya to Ella, runs through tea, mist and tunnels. Second-class reserved seats with open windows and doors are the usual choice.
Check the line status before you plan. Cyclone Ditwah damaged parts of the Main Line in late 2025, and repair and reopening have been phased, so a through Kandy–Ella journey has not always been available. Sri Lanka Railways publishes the current position, and we can tell you what is running before you commit to the ride.
Worth your attention
The climb to Pattipola
The line rises through tea estates to roughly 1,900 m, the highest station on the network.
The tea slopes beyond Nanu Oya
The most scenic stretch is Nanu Oya to Ella, with tea, mist, waterfalls and tunnels.
Open doors and windows
Second and third class have open doors; first class is air-conditioned with sealed windows.
Nine Arches Bridge
The curved stone viaduct near Ella is more often watched than ridden; some travellers buy a ticket to Demodara to cross it.
Before you go
Do this
- Check line status with Sri Lanka Railways before planning; sections of the Main Line have been closed for repair since the late-2025 cyclone.
- Reserve ahead: seats open 30 days before, up to five per booking.
- Choose second class reserved for open windows.
- Sit on the right from Kandy to Nanu Oya and on the left after, as guides often advise.
- Take water and snacks; food on board is limited.
Know this first
- Service on the Main Line has been disrupted since the late-2025 storm damage, so confirm that a through train is running before you build a day around it.
- Delays are common and the journey can run much longer than the timetable.
- Reserved seats in peak season sell out weeks ahead.
- Third class and unreserved can be crowded and you may stand.
Getting to Kandy to Ella Train
Most people see Kandy to Ella Train as part of a stay around Ella. Our Ella guide covers where to stay, how long to give it and what else is nearby. It is also listed in our Haputale guide.
Coming straight from the airport, the relevant run is Colombo Airport to Ella — fixed price per vehicle, driver waiting inside arrivals with a name board.
Read the full Ella guideFrom Colombo Airport
Car up to 3 passengers; vans quoted on the route page. No night surcharge.
Kandy to Ella Train — frequently asked
What is the Kandy to Ella train?
A scenic section of Sri Lanka’s Main Line from Kandy to Ella, normally taking 6 to 7 hours through tea country.
Is the Kandy to Ella train running?
It depends on the day. Storm damage in late 2025 closed parts of the Main Line and reopening has been phased, so check Sri Lanka Railways before you go. If a through train is not running, we can drive you between Kandy and Ella and, where the line allows, put you on the best section (Nanu Oya to Ella).
How do I book?
Reserved seats open 30 days ahead on the official Sri Lanka Railways site, or through agents at a higher price.
Which class is best?
Second class reserved is the usual recommendation: an assigned seat and open windows.
Also worth stopping for around Ella
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