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Famed as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys, the iconic blue train ride from Kandy to Ella in Sri Lanka definitely lives up to the hype.
A worthy addition to any travel itinerary in Sri Lanka, this magical 9 hour train journey takes you on a ride through an ever-changing landscape, passing lush forests, small villages, sprawling vistas and hundreds of picturesque tea plantations dotted all over high mountain peaks. Attracting travellers from around the world every single day, it’s easy to see why the Kandy to Ella train ride is so renowned worldwide.
Now one of the country’s most popular things to do, this guide explains everything you need to know before you book your tickets, including where’s best to sit, when to go,how to book and plenty more essential tips.
- Capital: Colombo
- Population: 23 million
- Language: Sinhala, Tamil, English
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR): £1/$1 = 390/313 LKR
- SIM cards: I highly recommend getting a SIM card for your travels in Sri Lanka. This means you can use apps like Uber or Grab for cheaper taxi fares but it also means you never need to rely on WiFi for internet. Get an affordable E-SIM here: Sri Lanka: eSIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan
- Visa info: Tourists are required to have a visa before arriving in Sri Lanka, called an ETA, for which the costs is $30 USD. Apply for an ETA online here.
Journey duration & stops
The train actually originates in Colombo and is heading to Badulla, but the most scenic section of the line occurs between Kandy and Ella.
Although mostly advertised as a 6 hour journey, in reality the Kandy to Ella train will take approximately 9-10 hours in total. A popular option among travellers is to break up the ride by spending some time, perhaps even a couple of days, in Nuwara Eliya to explore the stunning tea plantations and breathless landscape that the region has to offer.
The stops between Kandy and Ella are as follows:
- Kandy
- Hatton (Adam’s Peak)
- Nanuoya (Nuwara Eliya)
- Haputale
- Ella
Personally, with limited time in Sri Lanka, I just went all the way to Ella in one day. If I was to ever do the journey again I would definitely allow time for Nuwara Eliya and Haputale as I have heard great things abut both locations.
Expected costs for different classes
You can buy tickets at Kandy train station on the day of departure, however the train fills up fast so you risk having to wait for the next departure which might not be until the next day.
The trip is incredibly affordable for such a long journey.
- First class tickets at the station cost 3000 rupees ($10)
- Second class costs 700 rupees ($2- $3)
- Third class costs just 300 rupees ($1.50).
It is important to note that the tickets you buy at the station are unreserved, meaning you are not guaranteed a seat.
In order to bag a reserved seat you’ll need to book in advance. Booking in advance is slightly more expensive but it guarantees you the luxury of a seat. Even though you’ll likely be moving around the carriage to take pictures and stand by the door, it’s wise to have a base for such a long journey.
You can purchase second class reserved Kandy to Ella train tickets in advance online through this link with 12Go. Alternatively you could try booking through Get Your Guide here.
Note that with online bookings for reserved seats you often need to book up to 1 month in advance.
6 top tips to know before the journey
1. Which class is for you
Although first class is normally the recommended choice for long, cheap journeys like this, it’s not going to be the option you want for this trip.
If you sit in first class you won’t be able to open the windows or hang out of any doors, and that’s what this journey is all about!
Second class is ideal as the seats are comfy enough and you have the option to move freely around the carriage and take some awesome pictures. This is the preferred class for most travellers to get the best overall experience.
In third class you’ll be crammed in like sardines and have hard benches to sit on, so I don’t recommend that. Spend the extra few dollars and enjoy some form of comfort.
2. Which side to sit on
If you’re not aware of the seating arrangement beforehand, you could be stuck with a view of bushes and trees while the other side are taking in panoramas of tea plantations and mountains for the majority of the journey.
To keep it short and simple, here’s where you ideally want to be seated:
- Sit on the right from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
- Sit on the left from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
3. Train times
You’ll want to catch the express line from Kandy, for which there are only two realistic departure times (unless you want to leave at 3:35am), both of which are aboard the stunning blue train.
The train departs Kandy at both 8:55am and 11:10am, but for the most updated schedule you can check online here.
4. Take supplies with you
5. It will be busy
With hoards of commuting locals and sightseeing travellers taking the journey every single day, the ride is understandably rarely quiet.
Mostly thanks to Instagram, the popularity of the Kandy to Ella train has increased tremendously among tourists in the past 10 years and you can’t really avoid the hustle and bustle of it all. You’ll find that the majority of people on the train are Sri Lankan people though, so this is a great opportunity to mingle with locals and get a better insight into their lives.
Overall point: don’t expect it to be relaxing… or peaceful!
6. Be safe!
Don’t risk your life for a photo!
Obviously this journey is famous because you can dangle your feet out of the doors and take some truly awesome shots, but that poses obvious risks.
As the train travels fairly slow it’s a pretty safe journey in general, but there are no excuses for being reckless. Remember: there are no doors and the windows are always open. Sure, stand at the open doors in 2nd and 3rd class and experience that addictive sense of freedom as the wind rushes past, but be wary of what’s around you.
I personally had a couple of close calls with overgrown bushes and telegraph poles, and I even lost my hat out of the window… mostly thanks to my own stupidity, I must admit!
What to expect on the train ride
Waiting in the typically beautiful Sri Lankan train station in Kandy for the historic, turquoise coloured train to approach from Colombo is a pretty exciting prospect.
As you board you’ll realise just how rickety, slow and noisy it is. I loved that about this journey though – so much character!
While the train slowly meanders along the tracks heading south you have a fabulous opportunity to mingle with fellow travellers and village people, try local snacks from the onboard vendors and soak up some breathtaking scenery. Prepare for stunning views of seemingly endless tea plantations and mountain peaks while passing through tunnels and tiny villages too.
Eventually, as you get closer to Ella, the view opens up and showcases some of Sri Lanka’s most impressive wide open vistas, with rugged mountains that bring with them a satisfying fresh air into the carriage before arriving in the small mountain town of Ella.
Does the train cross 9 Arch Bridge?
You’ve probably heard of the famous 9 Arch Bridge in Ella. Well, the picturesque landmark is not far from the centre of town but unfortunately only trains that are heading from Ella to Badulla will cross it, meaning the Kandy to Ella route does not.
A super popular thing to do in Ella is to watch the blue train cross this bridge as it is easy to get to by tuktuk or on foot and only requires a short walk from the road. You can walk along the bridge before it comes to find the perfect spot to view it from.
Personally, I think the hillside is the best location as you get an elevated position to see the train coming towards you.
Where to stay in Ella
Ella has loads of amazing budget homestay, hostels and guesthouse options for backpackers. People travelling on the other end of the scale may have to sacrifice one or two things in a place like this, but there are still a few ‘fancier’ place as well.
The best budget hostel for backpackers is Hangover Hostel which includes breakfast on all bookings and has the option for dorm or private reservations.
Browse Booking.com or Hostelworld to find the best deals in Ella.
Best tours in Kandy & Ella
Thank you for reading this travel guide – I hope you found it helpful! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible 
Happy travelling!
HELPFUL RESOURCES FOR PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Accommodation: Booking.com, Hostelworld
Tours: GetYourGuide, Viator, Klook, TripAdvisor
Transport: 12Go, Omio, Trip.com, Rome2Rio
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