Sri Lanka · KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN RIDES

Kandy to Ella by Train: The 15 Best Tickets & Tours

25 tours  ·  from $14

Reserved seats open about a month ahead and go quickly; unreserved means the doorway. The 15 below cover tickets alone, tickets with transfers, and the day trips built around the ride, with prices and departure times.

Kandy to Ella Train Tickets - Reserved Seats - Starting at Peradeniya instead of central Kandy
Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Kandy to Ella Train Rides in Kandy, Kandy Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Kandy to Ella Train Tickets – Reserved Seats

1.Kandy to Ella Train Tickets – Reserved Seats

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 523 reviews · from $26Our pick

Ride Sri Lanka’s famous blue train from Peradeniya near Kandy toward Nanu Oya or Ella. Your 2nd or 3rd-class reserved seat is arranged in advance, with hotel delivery often available and WhatsApp support from the ticket coordinator. Expect tea country, waterfalls, long hours, and a steep markup over railway fares.

“Wow! I’m so pleased with this experience. I booked within a few days (for a Wednesday) because I wasn’t able to get any online and wasn’t sure what to expect but the coordination was very smooth. Ticket coordinator was friendly and tickets were delivered the evening before. As a solo traveler they even gave me an extra seat and I was super grateful for that! I got reserved second class seats and they were the best!! Train was not very full either so was able to move around to both sides. Although I think my side had the best views :)”

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From Ella: Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour - Nine Arch Bridge, seen from two angles
Ella Tours, Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences

From Ella: Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour

2.Ella Unfogettable Day tour & Train Ride Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 7 hours · from $37Top rated

Travel by tuk-tuk and train with an English-speaking guide such as Shifar, Rishad, or Jegan. See Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, and Pallawela Waterfall, with time for a Sri Lankan lunch. The day mixes famous sights, short hikes, photography, and a scenic railway ride.

“We enjoyed the tour very much and would do it again :) Our tour guide was really friendly and showed us lovely spots.”

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Ella Private Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory-All Inclusive - Little Adam’s Peak and the first big view
1-Day Tours, Bentota Tours, Ceylon Tea Plantation Tours, Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Private, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Ella Private Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory-All Inclusive

3.Ella Private Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory-All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 61 reviews · from $190

Start from select south coast towns and spend a long day in Sri Lanka’s hill country with a private driver-guide. Visit Ravana Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara Loop, and Kelliebedde Tea Factory, with lunch, train tickets, entry fees, and hotel transfers included.

“Where do we start! First off Bentota Travels (Sam) is just a legend. This tour was incredible, Sam’s communication and confirmation of our Driver, times and everything else was fantastic. Danuskha our driver was just the best. So happy, infoRead more”

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Train Tickets From Kandy to Ella - Key points to know before booking
Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Kandy to Ella Train Rides in Kandy, Kandy Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Train Tickets From Kandy to Ella

4.Train Tickets From Kandy to Ella

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 57 reviews · from $20

Reserve a seat on Sri Lanka’s famous Kandy to Ella railway, with tickets sent by email and WhatsApp or collected at the station. The roughly seven-hour ride passes tea plantations, hill towns, and the Nine Arches Bridge. Book at least 32 days ahead for the best chance of getting your preferred train and class.

“Hold your nerve, tickets didn't come through until 4.00am on the day of travel. We had ordered 3rd class reserved seats and got two seats together in a block of 6(no window seat) HOWEVER.... No one else had seats in the block. We had so much room both with a window view.”

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Day trip to ELLA & LIPTON's SEAT with Train Ride [ALL INCLUSIVE] - Little Adam’s Peak adds a manageable walk
1-Day Tours, Galle Tours, Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Day trip to ELLA & LIPTON’s SEAT with Train Ride [ALL INCLUSIVE]

5.Day trip to ELLA & LIPTON’s SEAT with Train Ride [ALL INCLUSIVE]

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 54 reviews · from $135

Travel from Galle to Ella and Haputale on a private 14 to 16-hour tour with hotel pickup, Ravana Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arches Bridge, a one-hour train ride, and a tuk tuk safari to Lipton’s Seat. Guides such as Mathews add local insight, but expect a very early start and a long road day.

“Amazing Experience ever. with in Day we cover all these things with this Nuts. Rawana Wter Falls and Little Adams Peak hiking then Nine Arches Bridges and back to Liptons Tea and had amazing Train Ride and had a Wonderfull Tuk Tuk ride. No need to stay in Ella with in Day they covered All those things and comfortable journey with safe hands.”

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Train Tickets from Nanuoya (NuwaraEliya) to Ella - The middle section, where the ride earns its reputation
Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Nuwara Eliya Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Train Tickets from Nanuoya (NuwaraEliya) to Ella

6.Train Tickets from Nanuoya (NuwaraEliya) to Ella

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 37 reviews · from $20

Reserve a seat on Sri Lanka’s famous Nanuoya to Ella railway route. You receive an e-ticket and booking reference by email and WhatsApp, then board at Nanuoya Railway Station for a 3 to 4-hour ride through tea country, waterfalls, and mountain views. You may continue to Badulla.

“This experience was really bad , I bought a ticket for 14:30 pm but when I arrive they told us that the train should had left at 16:30 pm so we were forced to buy a new ticket and we wasted the 17.50€ of our ticket booked on this app while the ticket we bought at the train station was only 3€ ! Please do not book with viator!!”

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Colombo to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats) - The 2nd-class reserved carriage
Colombo Tours, Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Colombo to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

7.Colombo to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

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

Take a reserved 2nd-class intercity train from Colombo Fort to Kandy at 7:00 am or 3:30 pm. Your e-ticket arrives by WhatsApp or email, and the non-stop ride offers jungle, villages, tea estates, and countryside views without station-ticket stress.

“A very stress free experience. Received the E-ticket well in advance. First class! Great snacks an cool drinks available and the best coffee ever.”

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Ella Odyssey Train Reserved Seats Kandy to Ella - The scenic stops: what you can expect
Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Kandy to Ella Train Rides in Kandy, Kandy Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Ella Odyssey Train Reserved Seats Kandy to Ella

8.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 special train pauses at viewpoints, waterfalls, mountain ranges, and forest areas for photographs. Your paper ticket is delivered before 7:00 am, with help available through Mahaweli Tours.

“Nice trip by train with gorgeous views of the countryside.”

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Ella: First Class Scenic Train Ticket To/From Nanuoya - Leaving Ella or starting near Nanuoya
Ella Tours, Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences, Workshops

Ella: First Class Scenic Train Ticket To/From Nanuoya

9.First Class Scenic Train Ticket To/From Nanuoya

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 19 reviews · 5 hours · from $95

Take a one-way first-class train ride between Ella and Nanuoya, usually lasting about five hours. You get a reserved seat, English-speaking assistance, and a small-group booking for up to four people. Due to track damage, some departures currently begin at Ambewela with a complimentary shuttle.

“the customer service was excellent I had a small hiccup and all the team was on line to help and resolve which was resolved amicably”

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Ella Private Day Tour with Train Ride and Visit to Nine Arch - Little Adam’s Peak: one hour of walking for wide views
Bentota Tours, Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences

Ella Private Day Tour with Train Ride and Visit to Nine Arch

10.Ella Private Day Tour with Train Ride and Visit to Nine Arch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $145

Travel by private air-conditioned vehicle from Bentota to Ella with an English-speaking guide, then see Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, a tea garden, Rawana Falls, and the Demodara to Bandarawela train route. Sindu Tours provides tickets, snacks, and sightseeing fees.

“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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First Class Scenic Train Ticket From Kandy To Ella - First-class seating and what it really gives you
Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Kandy to Ella Train Rides in Kandy, Kandy Tours, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences, Workshops

First Class Scenic Train Ticket From Kandy To Ella

11.First Class Scenic Train Ticket From Kandy To Ella

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 13 reviews · from $95

Take a prebooked first-class train from Kandy toward Ella, with a complimentary shuttle to Ambewela under the current schedule. Expect 6 to 10 hours of tea country, misty hills, waterfalls, villages, and large-window views. Seats are reserved, but train time and seat preferences are not guaranteed.

“Would recommend if you want a hassle free travel experience on the famous train .Communication was excellent .Arrived on time took us to the station ,told us the platform and even gave us snack bags Had the best seats We had loaRead more”

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All Inclusive Ella From/To Kandy Scenic Train Journey - What first class really gives you
Ella Tours, Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

All Inclusive Ella From/To Kandy Scenic Train Journey

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

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

You travel from Kandy toward Ella by reserved first-class train, with hotel pickup, station assistance, snacks, fruit, sandwiches, and one drink. A driver collects you at the far station. Check dates carefully: the train may start at Ambewela while repairs continue, and first-class seating is not guaranteed for late bookings.

“Communication before the trip was excellent. On the day we were told the driver would be there to collect us at 7. After chasing a tuk tuk turned up (we had a driver we could have used). Also connected to a senior manager to help smooth the process at the station. On arrival said manager was nowhere to be seen. We were handed tickets and a plastic bag with a few beers and a sandwich in and pointed towards the station entrance. After this we were left to figure out the train was delayed, which train was ours and to find our seats all of which the experience we paid…”

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Nuwaraeliya (Nanuoya) to Ella Reserved Train Tickets - Choosing between the two daily departures
Colombo Tours, Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Tickets, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Nuwaraeliya (Nanuoya) to Ella Reserved Train Tickets

13.Nuwaraeliya (Nanuoya) to Ella Reserved Train Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · from $20

Reserve the famous blue train from Nanuoya, near Nuwara Eliya, to Ella. You receive a paper ticket at your hotel, with a printed seat in second or third class. The daily ride takes about two to three hours through tea estates, mountain country, rivers, and waterfalls.

“Very good views and it was a memorable ride. Seats were comfortable. A little anxiety for not receiving the physical tickets earlier but it was still on time. It was confusing to find the seat numbers but we reached out to the uniformed staff to ask. Overall, the train ride really opened up our hearts to see endless hills and beautiful scenary of Sri Lanka.”

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Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 "Podi Menike") - From Kandy into Sri Lanka’s tea country
Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Kandy to Ella Train Rides in Kandy, Kandy Tours, Tour Reviews, Train Experiences

Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 “Podi Menike”)

14.Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1005 “Podi Menike”)

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7 reviews · from $45

Take Train 1005, Podi Menike, from Kandy or Peradeniya to Ella in about six to seven hours. You will pass villages, tea estates, and mountain scenery, with the finest views between Hatton and Haputale. Lakpura staff, including Hansika, handle reserved tickets, but confirm your departure details carefully.

“The trainride is definitely worth it and a must-do if you visit Sri Lanka. We had reserved 2nd class tickets. The doors were opened regularly to make instragrammable pictures.”

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From Kandy to ELLA Private day tour - Ramboda Waterfall, steps, spray, and cold water
Kandy to Ella Train Rides, Kandy to Ella Train Rides in Kandy, Kandy Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Kandy to ELLA Private day tour

15.From Kandy to ELLA Private day tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $100

Travel privately from Kandy toward Ella with an English-speaking driver, stopping at Damro Labookellie Tea Centre, Ramboda Waterfall, Nuwara Eliya, Seeta Amman Kovil, Gregory Lake, and Nine Arches Bridge. Lal is one named guide associated with the tour.

“This was what we needed absolutely crazy tour and really loved to see ambuluwawa tower that was amazing structure with beautiful view. The driver was very friendly and we felt safe with him and he is very knowledgeable person.Thanks for the worlds end tour.”

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New in Kandy to Ella Train Rides

★ 3.0Train tickets from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or Hatton StationFrom $144 reviews
★ 3.5The World`s Most Beautiful Train Trip Kandy to Ella Private Day TourFrom $1503 reviews
★ 3.5Kandy to Ella train ride on (Train No: 1015 “Udarata Menike”)From $453 reviews
★ 5.0Kandy to Ella3 reviews

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