The Ultimate Guide to riding the Blue Train in Sri Lanka: Ella to Kandy adventure
The famous blue train in Sri Lanka, going through the green hills of the tea fields and highlands was a dream coming true for us. Kandy to Ella, the peaks, the passage on Nine Arches bridges, the vibes and local chatting. It’s one of the most unmissable journeys in Sri Lanka, and happy we’ve done it twice.
We did it; we boarded the most scenic train ride in the world. The Kandyl to Ella train, aka the Sri Lanka blue train, was a dream that came true on our first trip to the country.
In this ultimate guide, we will share how to get from Kandy to Ella by train, where to get the tickets, prices, and, of course, the train schedule and tips.
Spoiler alert: We have done the journey twice, collecting as much updated information as possible and tons of photos for you to check out.
Update: 2026 Travel Disruption
The train track Ella to Kandy is currently suspended. Severe damage, washouts, and landslides have partially damaged the route following the devastating Cyclone Ditwah. We were there in Sri Lanka when this happened and honestly witnessed with our eyes the devastation. You can still travel on the route, from the station of Nanu Oya. Full details on how to get there here.
Our experience on the Sri Lanka Blue Train
When we first landed in Sri Lanka, riding the famous Ella to Kandy blue train wasn’t part of our plan. We’d seen those postcard-perfect photos of people hanging out of train doors, but it was more of a “we’ll see if it works out” kind of thing.
Spoiler alert: This was part of our incredible first and second trip to Sri Lanka, and in some ways, both times were the highlight of our trip.
Taking the train in Asia is always a fantastic journey, in one way or another. Read well, bad or good. Hence, the blue train is one of a kind. We did a short trip of about 3 hours on board the train, which felt like minutes, as it was engaging, and the rolling hills kept us entertained the whole time.
On the first trip, we got the first-class tickets, but we quickly moved backwards through the second class to snatch the epic photos. The interaction with locals on the train is what stands out, at the point that some of them were helping us snapping photos, laughing and sharing life.
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A Practical Guide to Boarding the Sri Lanka Blue Train
Let’s be real: this isn’t just a train ride. It’s a seven-hour journey through lush tea plantations, rolling hills, and misty mountain passes. More than once, you wish to step out and explore every single place.
The famous Sri Lankan train isn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B; it’s about soaking up every moment in between.
And yes, leaning out of the open doors (safely!) while the wind rushes past your face is as magical as it looks in photos.
Blue train update route: Nanuoya to Ella
Following the devastating cyclone Ditwah, that partially destroyed train tracks, roads and connections, the blue train, route Kandy to Ella is partially suspended. The journey is still possible though, departing from mid-route at Nanu Oya Station, nearby Nuwara Eliya. It’s shorter, four hours train ride but still passing through the highlands and tea seats.
It’s the most beautiful part of the journey and it passes Pattipola (the highest train station in Sri Lanka at 1,890 meters), and winds through Haputale down to Ella.
From Kandy to Nanu Oya
The distance from Kandy to Nanu Oya station is approx. 80 km, through the A5 Highway south through Gampola and the Ramboda Pass. It takes about 3 hours by car, and 4.5 by public bus (which also require a transfer at Nuwara Eliya).
It can be a costly journey by taxi, on our research PickMe app shows LKR 12,000 at peak hours – Only cars, no tuk tuk will take the route. The cheapest option is the public bus, which costs 1,100 LKR from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya bus station. From there you must take a tuk tuk for a 20 minute ride.
Blue Train Sri Lanka Route Overview
Departure Station Key Stops Along the Way Arrival Station Tickets
The full route technically runs from Colombo Fort to Badulla (or vice versa). Still, most people stick to the scenic stretch between Kandy and Ella.
How to Plan Your Blue Train Journey
- Arrive Early: Platforms get crowded quickly, especially at major stations like Kandy or Ella.
- Get your tickets in advance, either a few days earlier or booking online here.
- Pack Snacks: There are vendors on the train, mainly hopping on at the stops, selling everything from fruit to hot drinks and small snacks. However, we suggest passing by a grocery store and stacking your own snacks.
- Bring some change and small notes.
- Toilets on board are a NO-GO!
- Be Flexible: Delays happen often on this route—it’s all part of the charm.
- Bring Layers: Yes, it gets chilly! The wind (doors and windows open) and the different altitudes you will reach along the route make you wish you had a jumper.
- Charge Your Camera: Bring your camera, and make sure all batteries are charged; you’ll need it!
Ella to Kandy or Kandy to Ella?
The route works both ways, but we recommend starting in Kandy if you want to catch the morning light over the hills. The best station to hop on board is from Peradeniya Junction (near Kandy) around 9 AM and winds its way south toward Ella.
Alternatively, boarding the blue train from Ella to Kandy offers equally stunning views but a slightly different vibe as you descend through the hill country.
Kandy to Ella train Classes
Which class should you choose? Well, this is mostly up to you. There are 3 classes on the train, with ticket prices and comfort that vary (not a lot). So, below you will find our consideration about the classes on the blue train in Sri Lanka:
FIRST CLASS
We tried the first class and loved the AC. Well, we used it for just about an hour. After that, we were too busy hanging out of doors and snapping photos of tea fields and rolling hills. First class offers comfy seats, while the windows are open somehow midway to the bottom.
SECOND CLASS
The second class is where you’ll find open windows (full-way) and locals. These are the easiest tickets to find if you book in advance. During busy holidays, it is impossible to get on board. You’ll get no AC but fans every three rows.
THIRD CLASS
The lowest tier is the most affordable ticket. The Third class is often overbooked with people standing. However, this is the most authentic way to experience the train, yet very rough.
We have just walked through and never booked it, but there are plenty of stories about locals sharing snacks and tales— like the one that people scream while passing through tunnels.
The cheapest ticket also means no seat allocated and a chance to spend the whole trip standing. If you are up for the short route, just a couple of stations and the thrill of the best train ride in the world, eventually go for the 3rd class.
Kandy to Ella Train Booking Tips
- Book early! Tickets sell out fast, especially for first-class seats. You can reserve tickets online for the first class or buy them at any train station in Sri Lanka for the second and third class. The official website doesn’t work for the Blue train (it always says it is sold out and to book up to one month in advance) and offers only tickets for the Odyssey (tourist train).
- Book through an online service. We book all our tickets in Asia through 12Go, a popular platform which also sells tickets for the Blue Train. You must book in advance as tickets get sold out in advance. On the website, 1st, 2nd and 3rd class.
- If online booking isn’t an option, head straight to a station when you arrive in Sri Lanka. The earlier, the better. If you are in Colombo, you can purchase tickets for every stretch of the route there.
How much is a train ticket from Kandy to Ella?
The tickets for the Kandy to Ella train in Sri Lanka are very cheap. Taking the ordinary train will cost 300 LKR for the 3rd class and 600 LKR for the 2nd class.
The first class is mostly unavailable at the station, and you must book online in advance on resellers – 12Go Asia – which will purchase it for you. Be aware that tickets sell fast, and you must get them at least 20 days before departure.
Try your luck on the day of the travel.
Turning up at the train station might be worth it after all. If you have tried to get a ticket online, try going to the station. Often, there are cancellations or mistakes in selling the tickets, and you might be lucky to get a spare one.
If you are like us, planning every move, this might not be ideal. So check online in advance; it is worth a few bucks more for a reservation.
How Long is the Train Ride from Kandy to Ella?
The blue train ride from Kandy to Ella takes 6 to 7 hours. The distance between two major destinations in Sri Lanka is only 136 Kilometres (by car), but the train speed and multiple stops make it take longer.
Which is the Better Train Side from Kandy to Ella?
Both sides are great, but taking the Sri Lanka blue train from Kandy to Ella, the best side is by far the right, with more rolling hills, cloud forests, tea fields, and the best view.
Some parts of the track are one lane, which means the right has only the pure nature for the whole trip. However, doors will be on both sides, and you can get your fair share of adrenaline anyway.
Is it better to go from Kandy to Ella or Ella to Kandy?
Both ways are incredibly unique. We did both ways and by far, the Kandy to Ella was one of a kind. However, the last time, departing from Badulla on the Ella to Kandy train, we stopped at Nine Arches, which felt even more magical.
What time does the Kandy to Ella train leave Kandy Station?
The train from Kandy to Ella leaves the station of Kandy at 8.46am, 9.40am, and 11:03am daily and arrives at Ella Train Station at 3.17pm, 4.36pm, and 4.56pm.
There is a night train (not blue), the 1126, which departs at 3.30am and arrives in Ella at 1.24pm after a 10-hour ride.
Where is Kandy Train Station?
The Kandy railway station is right in the centre of the city, easily accessible by taxi or tuk-tuk. It takes about 10 minutes by car and 20 minutes to reach the train station from the centre of the town.
Less blue, still scenic – Board the Odyssey
On our last trip to Sri Lanka, we had to try the new, touristy train. The Odyssey, runs along the scenic route and is the alternative to the blue train, yet pricey, but you can book in advance.
Technically, as specified by the tourist board, there was high demand for the blue train, and often complaints by tourists for not finding enough tickets.
They created this special train that is one of a kind, running through charcoal, passing and stopping on 9 arches, too. The train shows the best of the UVA region. Check this new tourist train route in Sri Lanka.
Highlights Along the Blue Train Route
- Nine Arches Bridge
- Train hanging photos, Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Landscape
Nine Arches Bridge
If there’s one spot that defines this journey, it’s the Sri Lanka bridge train, also known as the Nine Arches Bridge or “Bridge in the Sky.” This colonial-era marvel is tucked between lush green hills near Ella.
On our first trip, we missed seeing it up close but made up for it later by riding another train that stopped briefly on the bridge itself.
Pro tip: if you’re not on board when a train passes, hike down to watch one cross—it’s worth every step. You’ll catch the best photos!
Sri Lanka Instagrammable photos
Yes, those Instagram-famous shots of people dangling out of train doors are real. But safety first! Stick to slow-moving sections of the journey (locals will often point these out, and they also helped us stay safe as much as possible).
Watch out when hanging out. We limited our risk of shooting when the train was going slower or approaching train stations. Also, consider the surroundings. Branches often reach the train, and trees are close by. Don’t get too far. Stay safe!
Rolling tea plantations and villages
The scenery is like flipping through a live postcard collection: mist-covered mountains, passing by cascading waterfalls, and vibrant green tea fields that stretch endlessly more than you can see.
The midst makes everything even more cinematic, and you can’t believe it isn’t a Hollywood movie. You’ll also pass small villages where kids wave enthusiastically at passing trains—a simple but heartwarming moment.
What we loved most about this journey
We’ve been on our fair share of scenic train rides—from Vietnam’s Reunification Express to endless journeys in Thailand, even stretching challenges as far as going from Singapore to Bangkok by train. Well, this blue train in Sri Lanka is still one of the best experiences.
The villages, the scenery, and the whole trip, from boarding, make this memorable. I want to stretch this moment of melancholy far, saying that even the stations in Sri Lanka have something nostalgic from an era that is stretching out too far but never too old.
Well, it might also be that my memories go to those moments leaning out of an open door with nothing but fresh mountain air around you.
What are the best times of year to take the Kandy to Ella train for the best views
The best times of year to take the Kandy to Ella train for the best views are from December to February when the weather is cooler and there is a chance of clear skies. We had our ride by mid-August, another excellent time to visit Sri Lanka.
However, approaching Nuwara Eliya, we got clouds and a dark sky in some places. In fact, June to August offers warm weather and less misty rain in Ella, though Kandy may experience some light showers from the southwestern monsoon.
Where to stay in Ella
COZY HOUSE HOSTEL
HOLLY HOUSE HOMESTAY
POOMAZ PEACE PALACE
ARAWE RETREAT
Where to stay in Kandy
Hostels
Kandy BackPacker’s Hostel: This is the most trendy hostel in Kandy, it is often fully booked, so you better act fast. It also offers budget double rooms, and has a fantastic outdoor pool to chill out, and breakfast is included.
Funk Bunk Inn: One of the most fun hostels in Kandy. The price is quite cheap, and with $10, you can have a private double room or even stay as a family. CHECK AVAILABILITY HERE!
White Rose Hostel: One of the closest to Kandy town. This hostel offers three and four-bed dorms, divided by gender. It has no bunk beds, which is quite nice for backpackers. BOOK NOW!
Budget Friendly
Haven Upon Hills: Guest house – Only $15 per night – 9.7 Reviews on Booking.com. It offers complimentary bike rentals and rooms with mountain, city and garden views, a few steps away from Kandy Ceylon Tea Museum.
Kandy Rivers Edge Nature Resort: Completely immersed in nature is perfect for couples and families who want to stay away from the crowds, but at a short distance from Kandy town. See the features and availability.
Luxury hotels
The Grand Kandyan: We stayed here, and it is priced at $80 per night during the high season. The price is about $50 per night if you book in advance.
