We’ve all done a train ride, whether it’s to commute to work or go on short holidays around the country. Train rides are definitely the more economical method of travel, as well as the most convenient in most cases.
However, train rides in Sri Lanka are a holiday and cultural experience on its own. Whilst the island paradise of Sri Lanka may be small, it covers some of the world’s most thrilling train/ rail journeys, and Sri Lanka has even been named by Lonely Planet as the nation with the most scenic train rides!
Buying train tickets in Sri Lanka.
‘Third class compartment’ tickets may be the cheapest option, but does not guarantee you a seat and is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis, and tends to get pretty full, pretty fast with commuters opting to even stand in order to get to their desired destination. It isn’t a holiday-er friendly compartment especially if you’re travelling with large luggage/ backpacks, or even with kids.
‘Second class compartment’ tickets often have both unreserved and reserved options, and are a little more popular, as travellers get to actually enjoy the epic views and train ride in medium comfort. However, it does tend to get pretty warm particularly as you travel through most parts of the country.
‘First class compartments’ are considered luxury compartments as they are air-conditioned, have comfortable seating, tray tables for meals, a private bathroom for the compartment, charging ports, and free wifi.
In addition, most trains have a first-class observation compartment as well, located at the back of the train to give passengers a clear and brilliant view of Sri Lanka’s most epic destinations.
To book your train tickets and for more information – contact your travel planner.
Where to travel by train in Sri Lanka.
Taking Colombo as the epicentre of your holiday, you can pick any destination around Sri Lanka to travel to, as there are many routes that originate from here to anywhere in the island.
Whilst the train may be costlier than taking a bus, the benefits of a train ride are threefold: comfort and space, the incredible views, and of course the varying degree of people you are bound to meet and strike up a conversation with when you’re travelling by train.
Pick your route via the national rail network.
The most beautiful train routes in Sri Lanka.
Kandy to Nanu Oya
The train ride from Kandy (central highlands) to Nanu Oya (the main stop for Nuwara Eliya) takes approximately 4 hours, and runs directly, with no transfers required – and is probably going to be one of the most scenic few hours you’ll experience on your holiday..
Your destination is at the heart of the hill and tea country of Sri Lanka, where the lush greenery, steep mountainscapes, tea plantations, waterfalls and water bodies, and valleys are a feast for the eyes, and chances are you may even spy tea pluckers in colourful saris going about their daily routines, undisturbed.
Pro tip: Take the earliest train, and pack a lunch! The best time to travel is between January to May or October to December.
Nanu Oya to Ella
The train ride from Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) to Ella (South East of Kandy) takes approximately 3 hours, and runs directly, with no transfers required.
Chances are, you’ve probably already seen many Instagram-worthy and award-winning photography that has been captured on this journey. From dense forest and hill-country mountainscape, to ancient ruins, enigmatic tunnel-ways, and popular sites such as the nine-arches bridge, little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock – this journey is truly one full of excitement and rich colour, as well as acts as a gateway to the supremely chilled-out and tourist-friendly town of Ella.
Pro tip: Take the earliest train, and pack a lunch! The best time to travel is between January to May or October to December.
Colombo to Jaffna
The train ride from Colombo (Sri Lanka’s commercial capital) to Jaffna (North most town in Sri Lanka) takes approximately 7 hours.
Most famous for peacock sightings and natural wildlife, the train ride to Jaffna may seem long but if you’re determined to visit the cultural marvel that is the epicentre of Sri Lankan-Tamil history and heritage, then the train ride there will be one of epic proportions. Your train ride will take you past Kurunegala (a town close to Kandy) and through the cultural triangle (with a short stop at Anuradhapura – an ancient city famous for religious sightings, birding and wildlife), passing major lakes and internal water bodies.
Pro tip: Aim to arrive at your destination before lunch time! Best time to travel is between January to October.
Colombo to Galle OR Matara
The train ride from Colombo to Galle or Matara (Southern Coastal towns) takes approximately 3 hours, and runs directly, with no transfers required.
From fresh crisp, ocean-air to smiling faces of the local residents of these coastal towns that you’ll pass, this particular train ride really brings you closer to the authentic Sri Lankan experience. We’d recommend getting a seat on the west (or right) side to ensure you’ve got a front-row seat to the coastal marvels of Sri Lanka.
Pro tip: Aim to arrive at your destination before lunchtime! The best time to travel is between January to May or October to December.
Ready to hop aboard your train ride around Sri Lanka?
It’s time to book your holiday and get rattling and rolling.
