Best train rides in Sri Lanka: our top picks

Put simply, the small island nation of Sri Lanka offers some of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Weaving through misty tea plantations, lush jungles, and along sublime coastal vistas, it really is worth considering including at least some of the best train rides in Sri Lanka in your Sri Lanka itinerary. Read on to discover why.

What are the best train rides in Sri Lanka? 

Before going into detail on the best Sri Lanka train rides, here’s a brief overview to whet your appetite.

Passing tea-clad hills, waterfalls, and the Nine Arch Bridge, the Kandy to Ella train ride is the very best of the best train rides in Sri Lanka (and the world).

For coastal views, the Colombo to Galle coastal ride hugs the Indian Ocean, delivering palm-fringed beaches and fishing villages right outside your window. 

The same is true of the glorious Matara to Galle train trip.

As a bonus, the best train rides in Sri Lanka don't just serve incredible views —  they're also affordable, and blend slow travel joys with authentic local experiences, as revealed right below.

Editor's tip: to enjoy the freeing benefits of tailor-made travel, contact our local Sri Lanka experts. They can curate your perfect itinerary — including some of the best train rides in Sri Lanka — for any duration.

1. Kandy to Ella 

Often hailed the most scenic train journey in the world, the Kandy to Ella train ride stretches for 7+ hours through Sri Lanka’s lush hill country.

Departing from Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, the train gradually climbs into the hills, passing through pine forests and villages. 

Notable stops include Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya), Hatton (gateway to Adam’s Peak), and Haputale. 

Highlights include tunnels curving into tea-covered valleys, the dramatic views around Haputale, and the approach to Nine Arch Bridge near Ella.

On arrival, be sure to take time to enjoy Ella — a laid-back village surrounded by tea plantations and cloud forests. 

Here you can hike to Little Adam’s Peak for sunrise views, visit the photogenic Nine Arch Bridge, swim at Ravana Falls, and do a deep dive into Sri Lanka tea.

How to get to Kandy

Kandy is easily accessible from Colombo by train (about 3 hours) or bus (3.5–4 hours). 

When to take the Kandy to Ella train

The best months are December to May, when the skies are clear, and the hills are vividly green. 

Also note that early morning departures from Kandy are ideal for good light and clear views along the way.

Advance booking is recommended, especially for reserved second or observation class.

In the early stages of planning your Sri Lanka itinerary? Use our guide to how to plan a trip to Sri Lanka.

2. Colombo to Galle 

Hugging Sri Lanka’s southwest coastline for around 2.5 hours, the Colombo to Galle train ride is one of the most picturesque coastal train journeys in Sri Lanka.

Departing from Colombo Fort Station, the train quickly reaches the coast, providing endless ocean views, particularly after Mount Lavinia. 

You’ll pass beachside towns like Moratuwa, Kalutara, and Hikkaduwa, where surfers and fishing boats are visible from your window. 

On arrival, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Galle is a joy for culture vultures, as a result of its 17th-century Dutch Fort, colonial architecture, and charming cafes. 

Nearby beaches like Unawatuna and Jungle Beach are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

How to get to Colombo Fort

Colombo Fort Railway Station is centrally located in the city, easily reached by tuk-tuk, taxi and bus.

From Bandaranaike International Airport, it takes around 45 minutes by taxi or bus to reach Fort Station.

When to take the Colombo to Galle train 

The Colombo to Galle train ride is enjoyable year-round, with the best weather and sea conditions between December and April, during the dry season on the southwest coast. 

Want wider weather context? Read up on when to visit Sri Lanka.

3. Ella to Badulla 

The Ella to Badulla train ride is a short yet exceptionally scenic stretch (about 1.5 hours), and completes the final segment of the hill country line. 

Departing from Ella, the train immediately passes over the Nine Arch Bridge, where many travelers position themselves to photograph the train as it curves across. 

The ride continues through tea estates, small villages, and lush jungle with spectacular mountain views, with waterfalls like Dunhinda Falls visible along the way.

Once in the charming hill town of Badulla, be sure to visit Muthiyangana Raja Maha Vihara, the Old Welekade Market and nearby attractions like Dunhinda Falls and Bogoda Wooden Bridge.

How to get to Ella

Ella is accessible by train from Kandy or Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) as part of the longer hill country journey, or by bus and taxi from major southern destinations like Arugam Bay or Mirissa.

Want wider transport context? Wise up on getting around Sri Lanka, and getting to Sri Lanka.

When to take the Ella to Badulla train

The best months to visit are December to May.

4. Colombo to Jaffna 

Covering around 7–8 hours, the Colombo to Jaffna train ride offers a journey through changing landscapes from Sri Lanka’s lush southwest to the dry, culturally distinct north. 

After leaving Colombo Fort, the train passes through paddy fields and coconut plantations before reaching Anuradhapura, where ancient stupas can be glimpsed. 

Next, the landscape shifts to arid scrubland, dotted with palmyra palms as you enter the Northern Province. Along the way, you’ll get to see village life, local markets, and fields of water buffalo and other local wildlife.

On the subject of wildlife, if that’s top of your travel priorities, read up on the best safaris in Sri Lanka.

In Jaffna, you’ll be rewarded with the chance to visit Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and Jaffna Fort. 

You could also take a ferry to Nainativu Island to see Nagadeepa Temple and explore remote beaches.

How to get to Colombo Fort

Colombo Fort Railway Station is centrally located, accessible by taxi, tuk-tuk, or bus from across the city or directly from Bandaranaike International Airport (45-minute taxi ride).

When to take the Colombo to Jaffna train

The best time to visit Jaffna and take this train ride is January to April, and June to September, when the north is dry and hot, making it ideal for exploring temples and beaches. 

Editor’s tip: while planning your trip, take inspiration from the best things to do in Sri Lanka.

5. Colombo to Trincomalee 

The Colombo to Trincomalee train ride (approximately 8–9 hours) takes travelers from the bustling capital across the central plains to the serene east coast.

This lesser-known journey is ideal for travelers looking to explore Trincomalee’s beaches, temples, and marine life while experiencing authentic Sri Lankan rail travel.

Departing Colombo Fort, the train passes through Kurunegala’s coconut plantations and Habarana’s scrub jungles, with glimpses of paddy fields, lakes, and local village life. 

Wildlife sightings near Habarana are possible, with occasional views of elephants grazing. 

As you near Trincomalee, the landscape changes to flat lands with palmyra palms and coastal breezes, with Nilaveli and Uppuveli beaches perfect for swimming, snorkeling and whale watching. 

Keen to cover the coast? Read up on the best beaches in Sri Lanka, and the best places to surf in Sri Lanka.

You also want to discover more reasons to visit Sri Lanka's east coast.

How to get to Colombo Fort

As above!

When to take the Colombo to Trincomalee train

The best time to take this journey is May to September when Trincomalee is sunny and dry.

6. Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) to Haputale 

Taking around 2.5 hours, the Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) to Haputale train ride is one of the most scenic short segments of Sri Lanka’s hill country rail network.

Departing from Nanu Oya near Nuwara Eliya, the train slowly climbs through picturesque tea plantations, offering views of workers plucking tea leaves against a backdrop of green hills. 

You’ll pass Ambewela and Ohiya before arriving at the peaceful hill town of Haputale, which offers stunning viewpoints like Lipton’s Seat.

Hiking trails around Haputale also offer rewarding sunrise and sunset views across the valleys.

How to get to Nanu Oya

Nanu Oya Station is 8 km from Nuwara Eliya town, and accessible by tuk-tuk or taxi. 

Nuwara Eliya itself is accessible from Kandy by train (4 hours) or car (3.5 hours).

When to take the Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) to Haputale train

The best time to travel is December to May when skies are clear, and the hills are lush. 

New to the island? Read our Sri Lanka travel tips for first-timers. 

7. Kandy to Nanu Oya 

The Kandy to Nanu Oya train ride is one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved rail journeys, and forms the first half of the famous Kandy-Ella route. 

As a result, it’s one of the best train rides in Sri Lanka if you want big scenery, but are short on time.

On that subject, you might want to make use of our 7 days in Sri Lanka itinerary, which packs plenty of experiences into a week. 

Lasting around four hours, this segment climbs steadily through misty hills, lush tea estates and forest-clad slopes while maintaining a comfortable duration for those wanting a shorter hill country experience, such as folks visiting Sri Lanka with kids.

How to get to Kandy

Kandy is accessible by train (3 hours) or bus from Colombo, or a 3-hour taxi ride from Bandaranaike International Airport.

When to take the Kandy to Nanu Oya train

The best period is December to May.

Morning departures from Kandy allow you to arrive in Nuwara Eliya by midday, giving time to explore town attractions.

8. Colombo to Anuradhapura 

The Colombo to Anuradhapura train ride (approximately 4.5–5 hours) offers a gateway to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

Blending rural scenery with glimpses of historic regions en route to one of the country’s most sacred ancient cities, this journey is ideal for travelers who are keen to explore Anuradhapura’s UNESCO-listed ruins.

Departing from Colombo Fort, the train traverses coconut plantations, lush paddy fields, and scattered villages. 

As you approach Anuradhapura, the landscape shifts to dry zone plains with occasional tank reservoirs and ancient irrigation channels, providing glimpses into Sri Lanka’s agricultural heritage.

Anuradhapura itself is home to one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, and filled with ancient stupas, temples and monasteries. 

Key highlights include the Sacred Bo Tree (Sri Maha Bodhi), Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Jetavanaramaya and Isurumuniya Rock Temple.

How to get to Colombo Fort

As above!

When to take the Colombo to Anuradhapura train

The best months to visit are January to April and June to September, which are drier in the north-central region. 

Wondering where to stay? Wise up on the best Sri Lanka accommodation, and the best boutique hotels in Sri Lanka.

9. Matara to Galle 

The Matara to Galle train ride is a short but stunning coastal journey (1 hour) along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, passing palm-fringed beaches, surf breaks, and fishing villages. 

Departing from Matara, the train hugs the coast with the turquoise Indian Ocean just meters away. 

Look out for colorful fishing boats, stilt fishermen near Weligama, and surfers riding waves near Midigama and Ahangama.

How to get to Matara

Matara is easily accessible from Colombo by bus (3–4 hours) or train (3 hours).

When to take the Matara to Galle train

The best time is December to April, during the dry season on the south coast. 

10. Colombo to Batticaloa 

The Colombo to Batticaloa train ride (9–10 hours) traverses from the west coast to Sri Lanka’s serene east coast, passing through the island’s central plains and cultural regions before reaching the coastal city of Batticaloa.

Departing Colombo Fort, the train moves past paddy fields and coconut plantations, entering the Cultural Triangle region near Polonnaruwa, with glimpses of ancient stupas occasionally caught from the train. 

As you approach the east, the landscape becomes drier, with palmyra palms and red-earth roads dominating the scene.

As for Batticaloa itself, it's known for its lagoon and the historic Batticaloa Fort, with beautiful beaches like Pasikudah and Kalkudah offering calm, shallow waters.

How to get to Colombo Fort

As above.

When to take the Colombo to Batticaloa train

The best time is May to September, aligning with the dry season on the east coast for beach visits and clear skies along the journey. 

Keen to enjoy some of the best Sri Lanka train rides? While planning your trip, wise up with our Sri Lanka travel advice, and our Sri Lanka travel health tips.

Not keen on planning? Check out our customisable Sri Lanka itineraries, and contact our local Sri Lanka travel experts, who can plan and book every detail of your trip.