Top 5 Train Rides in Sri Lanka You Must Experience

Sri Lanka is full of stunning landscapes, from green tea hills to beautiful beaches and old colonial towns. Taking a train is one of the most magical ways to see all this beauty. The best train rides in Sri Lanka are famous worldwide for their slow, scenic views, and peaceful charm.

This post will take you through the best train rides in Sri Lanka, give you practical tips, and help you plan your rail adventure across this tropical paradise. You’ll learn which rides to choose, how much they cost, where to sit, and what to expect. Let’s get rolling!

Why the Best Train Rides in Sri Lanka Are So Special

Many travelers say that their favorite part of visiting Sri Lanka was the train ride. But why? What makes it so different?

1. Incredible Views

You don’t just travel—you float through rolling hills, thick jungles, waterfalls, and oceanside views. The best train rides in Sri Lanka are like nature tours on wheels.

2. Budget-Friendly

Tickets start at just $1–$3 depending on class and distance. You get hours of fantastic scenery without spending much.

3. Authentic Experience

You’ll meet friendly locals, eat snacks sold on the train, and feel like part of the country. These aren’t luxury rides—they’re better!

4. Open Doors and Windows

Many trains let you sit by the open door or lean out the window for photos. It feels adventurous and free.

Best Train Rides in Sri Lanka You Should Try

Let’s explore the most scenic, famous, and beloved train rides in Sri Lanka. These routes are highly rated by travelers and bloggers worldwide.

1. Kandy to Ella – The King of Scenic Train Journeys

This is the most famous and arguably the best train ride in Sri Lanka. It’s a 6–7 hour trip that passes through lush tea estates, cloud-covered forests, and charming hill towns.

What You’ll See:

• Tea Plantations: Green carpets of tea stretch across hills.
• Nine Arches Bridge: A must-see and one of the most Instagrammed spots in Sri Lanka.
• Rural Villages and Waterfalls: Simple life and natural beauty.

Why It’s the Best:

This ride offers natural beauty, comfort, and cultural charm. It’s the top choice among the best train rides in Sri Lanka.

Insider Tips:

• Book 2nd class reserved tickets early.
• Bring a light jacket—it can get cool.
• Sit on the right side from Kandy for the best views.

2. Colombo to Kandy – Gateway to the Hills

The ride from Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, to the cultural city of Kandy is perfect for those short on time but still wanting a taste of Sri Lanka’s countryside.

What You’ll See:

• Rivers and Jungles: Peaceful views outside busy Colombo.
• Small Towns: Catch glimpses of everyday life.
• Kandy: Home to the famous Temple of the Tooth.

Why It’s Worth It:

This journey offers an easy start to the highlands. It’s one of the best train rides in Sri Lanka if you have limited time.

3. Nanu Oya to Ella – Short, Sweet, and Stunning

This is a shorter section of the Kandy–Ella line but packed with scenic moments. Nanu Oya is the stop for Nuwara Eliya, also known as “Little England.”

What You’ll See:

• Tea Gardens in the Mist
• Tall Bridges and Deep Valleys
• Foggy Forests

This ride feels like you’re in a storybook. It’s often rated as one of the best train rides in Sri Lanka for nature lovers.

4. Colombo to Galle – A Ride Along the Sea

Want ocean views all the way? Take the train from Colombo to Galle, a colonial town by the sea.

What You’ll See:

• Sandy Beaches
• Fishermen at Work
• Historic Galle Fort

The train runs along the beach for much of the journey. It’s one of the most relaxing and scenic train journeys Sri Lanka offers.

Pro Tip:

Sit on the left side if you’re heading from Colombo to Galle for ocean views.

5. Badulla to Ella – Peaceful and Serene

This part of the railway is less busy but offers dramatic landscapes. It’s ideal for slow travelers who want to quietly enjoy nature.

What You’ll See:

• Cliffs, Forests, and Paddy Fields
• Mountain Streams and Waterfalls

It’s not as well known, but it’s one of the hidden gems among the best train rides in Sri Lanka.

Best Times for Train Travel in Sri Lanka

The good news? Trains run year-round. But for clear skies and sunny views, here’s when to go:

• Hill Country (Kandy, Ella, Nanu Oya): December to April
• South Coast (Colombo to Galle): November to April

Avoid the monsoon if you want the best photos and smooth travel.

All Aboard: Classes and Comfort Levels

When choosing the best train rides in Sri Lanka, the train class you pick matters:

First Class

• Air-conditioned and comfy.
• Windows are sealed, so no breeze.
• Best for comfort, not views.

Second Class Reserved

• The sweet spot! Fans, open windows, and assigned seats.
• Ideal for photographers and families.

Second Class Unreserved

• Cheaper but crowded. No seat is guaranteed.

Third Class

• The most local experience.
• Can be packed but full of life.

For most scenic train journeys in Sri Lanka, 2nd class reserved is the best choice.

Best Seats for the Best Train Rides in Sri Lanka

Picking the right seat can make your ride extra special. On the best train rides in Sri Lanka, the view is everything—and knowing where to sit helps you enjoy it even more.

Window Seats Are the Best

If you love looking out and snapping photos, go for a window seat. Try to get a 2nd class reserved ticket. This gives you your own seat by a window that opens. You can feel the wind, hear the sounds, and even lean out for a cool photo (carefully, of course!).

Right Side or Left Side?

Here’s a quick guide for views:

• Kandy to Ella: Sit on the right side for views of tea gardens, valleys, and the Nine Arches Bridge.
• Ella to Kandy: Sit on the left side—you’ll see the same views in reverse.
• Colombo to Galle: Choose the left side from Colombo to get nonstop ocean scenes.
• Galle to Colombo: Sit on the right side for beach views.

Open Door Spots

On many trains, you can sit or stand near the open door (especially in 2nd or 3rd class). This is perfect for photos and feeling the fresh air. Just be careful—hold on tight and stay safe!

Ask for Good Seats

If booking through a travel agent or in person, politely ask for a seat on the side with views. Most people are happy to help.

The right seat makes the best train rides in Sri Lanka even better!

Photo Tips for Scenic Train Journeys Sri Lanka Offers

The scenic train journeys Sri Lanka has are a dream for travelers who love photography. You don’t need a fancy camera—just the right moment, light, and angle!

Best Times for Great Shots

Early morning or late afternoon gives you soft light—called the “golden hour.” If you’re taking the Kandy to Ella train, aim for a morning ride. The mist over the hills looks magical!

Must-Shoot Moments

• Nine Arches Bridge: Stand near the door for a wide shot.
• Tea Plantations: Snap photos as the train curves through green fields.
• Open Doors: Capture your legs dangling or hands holding the rail for a fun shot.
• Ocean Views (Colombo to Galle): Great for selfies with sea behind you.

Tips for Better Photos

• Use Burst Mode: For when the train is moving fast.
• Clean Your Lens: Dust and fingerprints ruin shots.
• Use Natural Light: Turn off flash and avoid over-editing.
• Shoot From the Door: Carefully lean out for wide views (but don’t drop your phone!).

Hashtags to Use

• #besttrainridesinSriLanka
• #scenictrainjourneysSriLanka
• #ninearchesbridge
• #srilankatravel
  
  

Taking pictures on the scenic train journeys Sri Lanka offers is part of the fun. So charge your phone, bring a power bank, and make your ride unforgettable!

Food and Snacks on the Best Train Rides in Sri Lanka

A train trip in Sri Lanka isn’t complete without trying the local snacks! On the best train rides in Sri Lanka, vendors hop on and off the train selling tasty treats right to your seat.

What You Can Buy on the Train

• Vadai: Spicy fried lentil patties—hot and crunchy.
• Samosas: Triangle snacks filled with potatoes or meat.
• Pineapple Slices: Fresh and juicy, sometimes sprinkled with chili salt.
• Boiled Corn: Sold by local farmers near hill stations.
• Tea and Coffee: Served in paper cups. Sweet and milky!

You’ll hear them coming: “Vadai, vadai!” or “Ceylon tea!” It’s part of the experience!

Are Train Snacks Safe?

Most are fine to eat, especially the hot fried items. But if you have a sensitive stomach, be cautious. Pick vendors that look clean, and avoid items left out too long.

What to Pack Yourself

• Bottled water
• Fruit or granola bars
• Sandwiches if you’re on a long ride
• Wipes and napkins

If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or traveling with kids, packing your own food is a good idea. Trains don’t have kitchens, so options are limited.

Pro Tip

Eat before the trip and snack along the way. The food, smells, and sounds make the best train rides in Sri Lanka even more fun and local.

How to Book the Best Train Rides in Sri Lanka

• At Stations: Go in person and book early (days ahead for popular routes).
• Online: Try 12GoAsia or Sri Lanka Railways.
• Via Agent: Ask your hotel or travel planner.

Booking early ensures the best seat with the best views on the best train rides in Sri Lanka.

What to Pack for Your Train Trip

• Water and Snacks
• Camera or Phone
• Sweater or Jacket
• Sunglasses and Hat
• Travel Pillow
• Toilet Paper (just in case)

Keep your bag light, and bring cash for snacks sold onboard.

Hidden Gems Along the Way

While riding the best train rides in Sri Lanka, make time to explore:

• Ella: Climb Little Adam’s Peak and visit Ravana Falls.
• Nuwara Eliya: Tea factories and colonial buildings.
• Galle: Walk along the old fort walls and explore cafes and beaches.
• Kandy: Visit temples and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Best Train Rides in Sri Lanka – Travel Tips for Families

Traveling with kids? These tips will help:

• Book reserved seats: So you’re not standing.
• Pack entertainment: Books, coloring, or music.
• Bring snacks: Food options are limited.
• Toilet talk: Use restrooms before boarding.

The best train rides in Sri Lanka are kid-friendly, with slow speeds and lots to look at!

Evenings like these remind us that sustainability isn’t just a goal—it’s a way of being, together.

Rehan Solis

Best Train Rides in Sri Lanka – Worth Every Minute

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without a scenic train journey. The best train rides in Sri Lanka are more than just travel—they’re peaceful, beautiful, and hearty. You’ll ride through mountains, jungles, and beaches while meeting friendly people.

Whether it’s your first or tenth visit, these scenic train journeys in Sri Lanka offer something special every time. So hop on, slow down, and let Sri Lanka show you its magic.

The best train rides in Sri Lanka are waiting. Will you ride them?

Ready to explore the best train rides in Sri Lanka? Let us help you plan the perfect trip! Contact our travel team for route planning, ticket assistance, and insider tips.