Sri Lanka’s train journeys are often ranked among the most beautiful in the world. If you’re wondering how to book Sri Lanka train tickets for your scenic ride through misty hills, stone bridges, or coastal views, this guide is for you. Traveling by train is an unforgettable way to experience the island’s charm, but booking tickets and reserving seats can sometimes be tricky. This article will walk you through everything you need to know for a smooth, stress-free train journey.
At Hopscotch Lanka Travels, we’re here to help you enjoy this experience smoothly and stress-free. Planning your trip and wondering how to book Sri Lanka train tickets in 2025? This guide covers everything from ticket options to prices and scenic routes.
Why Choose Train Travel in Sri Lanka?
- Scenic Views: Pass through tea estates, mountains, jungles, and coastline.
- Affordable: Tickets are budget-friendly even for premium classes.
- Authentic: Travel alongside locals and enjoy the rhythm of daily life.
- Eco-Conscious: Trains offer a greener travel option.
Train Classes & Ticket Prices (2025)
| Route | First Class (Reserved / A/C) | Second Class (Reserved) | Second Class (Unreserved) | Third Class (Unreserved) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo → Galle | ~$8.00 | ~$3.00 | ~$2.00 | ~$1.50 |
| Colombo → Nanu Oya | ~$15.00 | ~$6.00 | ~$5.00 | ~$2.50 |
| Kandy → Ella | ~$20.00 | ~$8.00 | ~$4.00 | ~$2.00 |
Class Descriptions:
- First Class: Air-conditioned, reclining seats, sometimes panoramic observation cars. Best for long scenic journeys.
- Second Class: Fan-cooled, windows open. Reserved = guaranteed seat. Unreserved = may be standing.
- Third Class: Basic wooden benches, no reservation, very budget-friendly and crowded.
💡 Prices are in USD equivalents and can fluctuate slightly due to exchange rates and seasonal demand.
How to Book Ella Odyssey Train Tickets in Sri Lanka
The Ella Odyssey is one of the most scenic train journeys in Sri Lanka. Here’s everything you need to know about booking your Ella Odyssey tickets:
Ticket Prices (One Way)
First Class (Air-Conditioned) – LKR 5,000 per person
Second Class – LKR 4,000 per person
Third Class – LKR 3,000 per person
How to Book Ella Odyssey Train Tickets
You can book Ella Odyssey train tickets up to 30 days before your travel date. There are three booking methods:
At the Railway Station
Visit major railway stations such as Colombo Fort, Maradana, Gampaha, Kandy, Ella, Nanu Oya, Diyathalawa, etc., between 9.00 AM and 4.00 PM.
Booking opens 30 days prior to the travel date.Via Mobitel M-Ticketing Service
If you are a Mobitel user, dial 365 from your phone. This is a 24-hour service, but only available for Mobitel lines.
Make sure you have enough credit to cover the fare.
Booking is available 30 days in advance.Online via Sri Lanka Railways Website
Book directly through the official website: https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/
For Tourists
If you’re already in Sri Lanka and want to book last minute, we recommend checking availability using one of the three methods above. Otherwise, Hopscotch Lanka Travels can help you pre-book tickets in advance (especially helpful for peak season).
Pro Tip
Tickets for the Ella Odyssey can sell out quickly, especially in First and Second Class Reserved, so make sure to book as early as possible!
The Best Scenic Train Rides in Sri Lanka
1. Colombo to Kandy – A Journey from City to Serenity
Route: Colombo Fort → Kandy
Distance: 125 km (approx. 3 hours)
Best For: First-time visitors to the Hill Country
Step aboard at bustling Colombo Fort and enjoy the transition from urban sprawl to rolling green hills. The ride to Kandy offers charming views of tropical forests, village stations, and paddy fields, all while the air cools as you ascend into the hills.
💡 Don’t Miss:
Break your journey in Kandy, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist sites.
2. Kandy to Badulla – Through the Heart of Tea Country
Route: Kandy → Badulla
Distance: 165 km (approx. 7–8 hours)
Best For: Panoramic tea plantation views
This leg is often called Sri Lanka’s most scenic rail route. As you leave Kandy, the tracks weave through emerald tea plantations, misty hills, and colonial bridges. You’ll spot tea pickers in vibrant saris and pass iconic landmarks like the Nine Arch Bridge and Demodara Loop.
🛑 Travel Tip:
Most travelers stop at Ella and explore the bridge by foot or hike to scenic viewpoints. For a less crowded experience, start your journey from Badulla.
3. Ella to Badulla – Across the Iconic Nine Arch Bridge
Route: Ella → Badulla
Distance: Approx. 1 hour
Best For: Photography and colonial-era engineering
The Nine Arch Bridge is the crown jewel of this route. Rising 24 meters above the jungle floor, this 100-year-old stone bridge is a marvel of engineering and a magnet for Instagrammers. For the best views, sit on the left side of the train when leaving Ella.
✨ Insider Tips:
Avoid crowded compartments by boarding early morning or from Badulla.
Want that perfect photo? Try the Ella Odyssey tourist train, which stops for photos at the bridge.
4. Ella to Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) – Endless Tea Hills
Route: Ella → Nanu Oya
Distance: 137 km (approx. 6 hours)
Best For: Tea plantations and colonial charm
Travel through vibrant green hills and tranquil valleys to reach Nuwara Eliya, the “Little England” of Sri Lanka. Hop off at Haputale for a detour to Lipton’s Seat, the historic viewpoint named after tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton.
📍 Must-Do:
Visit the Dambatenne Tea Factory and hike down the plantation trail for some of the most beautiful tea views in Sri Lanka.
5. Colombo to Galle – A Coastal Ride by the Sea
Route: Colombo Fort → Galle
Distance: 120 km (approx. 2–2.5 hours)
Best For: Ocean views and beach town vibes
Hugging the coastline, this train ride brings the sea almost to your window. The rhythmic sound of waves and the salty breeze make it a soothing experience. Pass by popular beach towns like Hikkaduwa and Bentota, perfect for spontaneous beach hopping.
6. Anuradhapura to Jaffna – Into Sri Lanka’s Resilient North
Route: Anuradhapura → Jaffna
Distance: 195 km (approx. 3.5 hours)
Best For: Cultural contrasts and post-war revival stories
Once inaccessible due to war, this route reopened in 2014 and now offers a peaceful passage into the Tamil-majority North. Pass religious landmarks, water reservoirs, and flat salt plains as you cross Elephant Pass and enter vibrant Jaffna.
🌸 Why Go:
Jaffna offers a unique blend of Hindu culture, colonial history, and serene island escapes far from the typical tourist trail.
Best Train Stations in Sri Lanka
| Station Name | Location & Distance from Colombo | Key Features & Attractions | Facilities / Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ella | Ella, Uva Province (~271 km) | Gateway to Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Falls; tourist hotspot | Ticket counter, benches, restrooms, platform shelter |
| Nanu Oya | Near Nuwara Eliya (~207 km) | Colonial-style station; hub for hill country trains (e.g., Podi Menike, Udarata Menike) | Two platforms, heritage station, serene surroundings |
| Weligama | Southern coast (~142 km) | Regular stop on coastal line; popular among commuters and tourists | Ticket counter, waiting area, restrooms, parking, food stalls nearby |
| Idalgashinna | Uva Province (~240 km) | One of the highest stations; hilltop views of two valleys | Stop for express & local trains (e.g., Podi Menike, Night Mail) |
| Demodara | Near Badulla (~277 km) | Famous for Demodara Loop tunnel (rail spirals under station) | Stop for all Main Line trains, unique rail engineering |
| Haputale | Central Highlands (~248 km) | Stunning views of tea estates & valleys; peaceful hill station | Basic facilities, highland scenic point |
Book Train Tickets in Sri Lanka
In this section, we’ll walk you through how to book Sri Lanka train tickets online and in person
Option 1: Book Through a Travel Agent (Recommended)
The easiest and most reliable option, especially for tourists. We at Hopscotch Lanka Travels can secure your reserved tickets in advance—even for routes that often sell out.
Benefits:
- No waiting in long queues
- Guaranteed reserved seating
- Ticket delivery or digital confirmation
- Local support if your travel plans change
🎟️ Contact us to reserve your tickets
Option 2: Buy at the Station
You can buy tickets in person at major railway stations.
- Booking window: 30 days in advance
- Long queues are common, especially in Colombo and Kandy
- Popular classes (First and Reserved Second) sell out quickly
Option 3: Book Online
Online options are limited and sometimes all the tickets are sold out.
Insider Tips for Your Train Journey
Book Early: Especially for the Kandy–Ella route or during peak season (Dec–March, July–August)
Arrive at the Station Early: Platforms can be confusing; arrive at least 30 minutes before departure
Bring Snacks and Water: Onboard food is limited
Charge Devices: Charging points may not be available
Secure Your Luggage: Keep valuables close, especially in unreserved classes
For Photographers: Sit on the left side from Kandy to Ella for the best views!
Plan Like a Pro: Useful Train Booking & Travel Links for 2025
Train Ticket Booking & Schedules
[Sri Lanka Railways Official Website (SLR)]
🔗 https://eservices.railway.gov.lkOfficial train schedules, station details, and service notices
Book 3rd Class reserved and some intercity tickets online
[12Go Asia – Sri Lanka Train Booking]
🔗 https://12go.asiaUser-friendly platform for booking 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class tickets
Great for foreigners (accepts international cards)
[Visit Sri Lanka Tours (seatreservation.lk)]
🔗 https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lkReliable for first-class observation saloon and scenic route bookings
Popular with tourists; optional delivery to hotels
Train Routes, Maps & Timetables
[TrainSchedule.lk – Live Train Timetable Finder]
🔗 https://trainschedule.lk/Search real-time train schedules by date, departure station, and destination
Clean interface and ideal for both tourists and locals planning a trip
[The Man in Seat 61 – Sri Lanka Section]
🔗 https://www.seat61.com/SriLanka.htmExtremely detailed guide for foreigners using trains in Sri Lanka
Explains train types, best scenic routes, classes, and booking options
🎒 Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka’s rail network isn’t just a way to get from A to B—it’s part of the adventure itself. Whether you’re gazing at endless green hills or watching the coastline roll by, a train journey here is a must-do.
Let Hopscotch Lanka Travels take the hassle out of booking your tickets, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Few of our packages covers these scenic rides
📩 Ready to ride the rails?
Get in touch with us today and we’ll book your train journey across Sri Lanka, hassle-free.
👉 [Contact Hopscotch Lanka Travels Now]
📞 +94 717 87 87 87| 📧 [email protected] | 🌐 hopscotchtravels.com
