24/05/2026
global.and.beyond.travel EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW…
….before riding the Kandy to Ella train in Sri Lanka
✋ Comment TRAIN for our complete guide
Everyone talks about the full six-hour ride. But right now parts of the line aren’t running normally after recent flooding, so shorter hill-country sections are the easiest way to experience it
Honestly? Even when the full route is back, this is still the smarter way to ride it if you’re short on time
Save this before you plan 👇
🎟️ How to buy tickets
• Book online via 12Go Asia or the official Sri Lanka Railways site�• Tickets usually open 30 days in advance�• Tickets sell out fast, especially mornings�• If you miss out online, ask your driver to help buy local tickets closer to the day
💰 Approx prices (can vary):�• 1st Class Reserved: $8–$15 AUD�• 2nd Class Reserved: $5–$10 AUD�• 2nd/3rd Class Unreserved: a few dollars
💺 Which class to choose (door photos vs comfort)
Sri Lanka trains don’t work like Japan, each class gives a different experience:
✨ 2nd or 3rd Class (Unreserved / Public class)�• Windows + open doors�• Best for photos hanging out the side�• Can be crowded
✨ 1st Class Reserved�• Air-conditioning + assigned seats�• Less crowded�• Doors usually closed
👉 What we’d do:�Buy one 1st Class Reserved seat + one public/unreserved ticket so you can sit in air con and still move through the train to access the doors for photos
🌿 The scenic section most people actually want:
You don’t need the full Kandy → Ella ride
Focus on:�📍 Nanu Oya → Ella (2–2.5 hrs)
📍 Haputale → Ella (1–1.5 hrs)
📍 Ella → Demodara loop (15 mins for Nine Arches bridge crossing)
This is where tea plantations, misty hills and the famous scenery begins
🛺 Easiest way to do it from Ella
• Stay based in Ella�• Grab a tuk tuk to Nanu Oya or Haputale station�• Ride the scenic stretch back into Ella
You’ll roll across the Nine Arch Bridge area just before arriving, hands down our most favorite part of the trip!
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