Train Travel in Sri Lanka: Routes, Classes and Tips

Train travel at a glance

The main train lines

1. The Main Line: Colombo, Kandy, the hill country and Badulla

The Main Line runs from Colombo Fort up into the hills via Peradeniya (for Kandy), then climbs through Hatton, Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya), Pattipola, Ohiya, Idalgashinna and Haputale, and on to Ella and Badulla. The section from Nanu Oya to Ella is famous for its tea estates, waterfalls, tunnels and the Nine Arch Bridge.

Status: at the time of writing (November 2026), trains run between Nanu Oya and Ella, while services towards Kandy are suspended after damage to the line. Timetables can change quickly, so check before you plan.

See Kandy to Ella by train, Idalgashinna and Nine Arch Bridge.

2. The Coastal Line: Colombo to Galle and Matara

The Coastal Line runs south along the sea from Colombo through Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Bentota, Hikkaduwa and Galle to Matara and beyond. Parts of the line run right beside the beach, with views of fishing boats and waves. It's a practical way to reach Galle from Colombo. Trains can be crowded at commuter times.

See Colombo to Galle, things to do in Bentota and things to do in Hikkaduwa.

3. The Northern Line: Colombo to Jaffna

The Northern Line runs from Colombo to Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, across the Elephant Pass causeway to Jaffna and Kankesanthurai. Express trains make it a comfortable way to reach the far north. See Colombo to Jaffna and things to do in Jaffna.

4. The Eastern Lines: Trincomalee and Batticaloa

Lines branch east to Trincomalee and Batticaloa. Night trains run on some routes. See Colombo to Trincomalee.

5. Other lines

Smaller lines include the Puttalam line along the northwest coast and the Kelani Valley line east of Colombo. They're mainly used by local commuters.

Train classes

On popular scenic routes, many travellers prefer reserved second class: it has open windows for photos and a guaranteed seat.

Some routes also have special tourist trains with dedicated carriages. Availability changes, so ask us what's running when you travel.

How to book tickets

• Reserved seats can usually be booked up to about 30 days ahead through Sri Lanka Railways' online seat reservation system or at major stations.
• Popular routes sell out quickly, especially the hill country in the high season.
• Unreserved tickets are sold at the station on the day; you may have to stand.
• Bring your passport when booking in person.
• Systems and rules can change, so check the latest process before you travel.

We can help arrange tickets as part of your tour. See how to book.

Is train travel in Sri Lanka safe?

Generally yes. Trains are busy and friendly. Take normal care: - Keep valuables close, especially in crowded carriages. - Stay inside the carriage and away from open doorways. Never sit in a doorway or lean outside; this has caused serious accidents. - Watch your step at stations; platforms can be low. - Do not walk on railway tracks, through tunnels or across rail bridges. Use permitted public paths and crossings.

See is Sri Lanka safe?.

Train or private driver?

The best of both: ride the train for the most scenic section, while your driver takes your luggage by road and meets you at the station. This works perfectly between Nanu Oya and Ella. See our private driver page and our train tour.

The most scenic train journeys

Tips for the hill country train

• Sit on the right side heading from Nanu Oya towards Ella for many of the best views, though both sides are beautiful.
• Bring a jacket: it's cool at altitude.
• Pack snacks and water; vendors sell food, but not always.
• Expect delays and keep your plans flexible.
• Charge your phone and camera before you board.

Trains and the weather

Heavy rain can cause landslides and delays, especially in the hill country. During the monsoon seasons, trains may be cancelled or rerouted at short notice. A private driver gives you a backup plan. See Sri Lanka's rainy season.

Train travel with children

Children usually love the train, especially the tunnels and bridges. Book reserved seats, bring snacks and keep children away from open doors. See Sri Lanka with kids.

Train travel with luggage

There's limited space for big suitcases. Travel light, or let your driver carry your bags by road.

Railway sights to visit

• Nine Arch Bridge, Ella: the famous colonial viaduct.
• Demodara Loop: where the line spirals and passes under itself.
• Pattipola: Sri Lanka's highest railway station.
• Idalgashinna: a misty ridge-top station with a scenic walk to Haputale.
• The National Railway Museum: see historic locomotives. See museums in Sri Lanka.

Getting to the stations

Trains on a Sri Lanka itinerary

A classic plan is to drive from the airport to Sigiriya and Kandy, drive to Nuwara Eliya, take the train from Nanu Oya to Ella, then drive to a safari and the south coast. If the line status changes, we'll adjust the plan. See our Sri Lanka itinerary, Kandy to Ella and Ella to Kandy.

What it's like on board

Expect slow, swaying carriages, open windows and doors, and vendors walking through selling snacks like vadai, peanuts and tea. Local passengers are friendly and often curious about visitors. In the hill country, the train stops at small stations where people get on with baskets of vegetables and flowers. It's not luxurious, but it's one of the most memorable ways to see daily life in Sri Lanka.

Train journeys from Colombo

From Colombo Fort station, trains run south along the coast to Galle and Matara, north to Jaffna and Trincomalee, and east into the hill country. For your first day, the coastal line to Mount Lavinia or further south is an easy introduction. For long journeys, book reserved seats. See Colombo and day trips from Colombo.

Night trains

Night mail trains run on some routes, including to Badulla and Batticaloa. Sleeping berths are limited and basic, so most travellers prefer daytime trains to enjoy the scenery.

Train travel and photography

The hill country line is a photographer's dream. Shoot from the windows, not the doorways. The best light is in the morning. The Nine Arch Bridge and Demodara are best photographed from the ground, with a train crossing. Ask at Ella station or check timetables to plan your shot.

Train travel for budget travellers

Trains are one of the cheapest ways to travel in Sri Lanka. If you're on a budget, combine the train with buses and tuk-tuks, and save the private driver for the routes with no train, such as Sigiriya, the safaris and the south coast beaches. See our budget tour.

Accessibility

Stations and trains have steps, high carriages and few facilities for travellers with reduced mobility. A private car is usually more comfortable. Tell us your needs, and we'll plan the best way to enjoy the scenery.

A sample train day: Nanu Oya to Ella

• Morning: your driver drops you at Nanu Oya station, near Nuwara Eliya, and takes your luggage on to Ella.
• On board: about 3–4 hours through tea estates, Pattipola, Ohiya and the tunnels near Idalgashinna, then down through Haputale and Bandarawela.
• Afternoon: arrive in Ella, meet your driver and check in.
• Sunset: Little Adam's Peak or the Nine Arch Bridge.

This plan depends on the line status at the time you travel, and we'll confirm it before your trip. See Ella and two days in Ella.

Trains and the Cultural Triangle

Trains don't reach Sigiriya or Dambulla, and train connections to the other Cultural Triangle sites are slow and infrequent, so most travellers go there by car. Use the train for the routes where it shines: the hill country and the coast. A mix of train and private driver gives you the best of both.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Not checking the current line status before planning.
• Not booking reserved seats in the high season.
• Leaning out of doorways for photos.
• Planning tight connections after a train journey.
• Carrying big suitcases on crowded trains.