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    The Six Best Train Journeys in Sri Lanka

    The Honeymooner’s Guides Best Routes in 2025
    Sri Lanka's railway was first conceived in the mid-1850s by the British Colonial Office to facilitate the transport of coffee from plantations in Kandy to Colombo for export. With numerous expansion projects along the colonial railway routes, today, Sri Lanka’s four corners are accessible, offering mesmerising views and enchanting scenery. The Lonely Planet travel magazine acclaimed the journey from Colombo to Badulla as one of the five best train journeys in the world for 2025.

    The 7 Main Train Routes servicing Sri Lanka

    1. Up-Country Line: This line travels to Kandy, from which there is one line to Matale and a second line to Badulla. (The Classic Train Ride is the one between Colombo and Badulla.)
    2. The Southern Coastal Line operates between Colombo, Galle, and Matara. It was recently extended to Beliatta, and as of January 20-25, a further extension to Katharagama is currently under construction.
    3. The northwestern coastal line, commonly known as the Chilaw-Puttalam line, extends from Colombo to Negombo, Chilaw, and Puttalam and concludes at Periyangavilu.
    4. The Colombo to Talaimannar line traverses the north-central region, including Anuradhapura, before returning to the northwest coast and concluding in Talaimannar. It is one of two train routes available for those visiting Anuradhapura.
    5. The Northern Railway Line operates from Colombo to Jaffna, passing through Anuradhapura. It terminates at KKS, or Kankasenthurai, in the Jaffna district.
    6. The Colombo-Batticaloa Line is the primary railway line serving the eastern part of the country. Tourists heading to Trincomalee can disembark at Gal Oya Junction and then board a local train to Trincomalee.
    7. The Kelani Valley Line runs between Colombo and inland to Avissawella.

    Why Explore Sri Lanka by Train?

    A train journey in Sri Lanka is the ideal way to appreciate the island’s breathtaking nature, immerse oneself in a slice of its colonial railway history, and connect with its people and culture. Every aspect of the journey poignantly evokes the country’s colonial heritage. From the wooden black-and-white signboards and analogue clocks adorning the railway stations to the colonial officers’ suits, the entire experience feels like a scene from a bygone era.

    Here are the Honeymoon Guide’s Best Sri Lankan Train Journeys to experience in 2025.

    Note: Updated in 2025 with new Information on the recently launched “Special Calypso” and “Ella Odyssey” Trains that feature unique tourist point-and-shoot photo stops on the Up-Country Line.

    1. Colombo to Badulla- The All-Time Classic

    1. Colombo to Badulla- The All-Time Classic

    “Lonely Planet’s Most Scenic Train Journeys in the World”

    In 2025, Lonely Planet listed the route from Colombo to Badulla, called the Classic Sri Lanka Train Tour, as one of the most scenic in the world. This journey begins at Colombo Fort’s central railway station and ends in Badulla, the last station in the hill country. The entire trip takes approximately 10 to 11 hours and covers a distance of 291 km. The train passes through unspoilt emerald landscapes and delightful colonial train stations with names like Great Western and waterfalls, tunnels, and tea estates. Alternatively, you can return by train from Badulla to Colombo.


    Tip: The best views are offered from the left side of the train when heading out of Colombo toward Badulla.

    Highlights of the Colombo to Badulla Train Journey

    Tickets: Air Conditioned First Class is LKR 5,000 Per person.
    Travel Time:10-11 Hours
    Train Options (From Fort Railway Station): 5:55 am, 8:30 am, 9:45 am and the night mail at 8:30 pm

    2. Kandy to Badulla

    Kandy to Badulla

    2. Kandy to Badulla

    “A picturesque journey through the central highlands”

    If you’re pressed for time, take the train from Kandy Railway Station to Badulla for a shorter version of the classic journey. The train winds through picturesque landscapes, weaving in and out of tunnels. This 7-8-hour journey of 165 km allows you to soak in the central highlands' best landscapes and enchanting views. Be sure to secure a seat on the left-hand side of the train to experience the scenic marvels.

    Scenic Highlights of the Kandy to Badulla Train Journey



    • Manicured Tea Estates

    • Journey through peaks and valleys

    • ‘Demodara’ Gravity Loop and ‘Nine Arches Sky Bridge’

    • ‘Great Western’ and ‘Idalgashinna’ Railway Stations

    • Rock Tunnels



    Tickets: Air Conditioned First Class is LKR 2,000 Per person
    Travel Time: 7-8 Hours
    Train Options (From Kandy Railway Station): 8:25 am, 8:55 am, 11:10 am


    • Please note ticket prices and train schedules are subject to change. Prices and schedules are current as of January 2025.


    3. Ella to Badulla

    Ella to Badulla

    3. Ella to Badulla

    “An express journey through scenic beauty”

    The 45-minute train ride between Sri Lanka’s highest village, Ella, and the last railway station in the highlands, Badulla, offers an enchanting glimpse of the stunning central highlands: the Demodara loop, the Nine Arches sky bridge, mountain villages, and lush tea estates. If travelling from Ella, sit on the left side of the train for the best views.

    Scenic Highlights of the Ella to Badulla Train Journey



    • Badulu Oya River Basin

    • Demodara Dam

    • Demodara Gravity Loop

    • Nine Arches Sky Bridge

    • Cloud Forests



    Tickets: Air Conditioned First Class is LKR 1,500 Per person
    Travel Time: 40-50 Minutes
    Train Options (From Ella Railway Station): 6:40 am, 3:39 pm, 5:00 pm and 6:39 pm.


    • Please note ticket prices and train schedules are subject to change. Prices and schedules are current as of January 2025.



    4. Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) to Ella

    Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) to Ella

    4. Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) to Ella

    "A spell-binding journey of the Central Mountain Scenery”

    Take a spellbinding journey through the ‘Ella Gap’, tea terraces, mist-covered mountain landscapes, and the cloud forest train station of ‘Idalgashinna’ from Nuwara Eliya to Ella. This 55 km train journey takes between 3 and a half hours to 4 hours. If travelling from Nuwara Eliya, sit on the left side of the train for the best views.

    Highlights of the Nanu Oya to Ella Train Journey



    • Idalgashinna Train Station

    • Tea Terrace Mountains and Valleys

    • Ella Gap

    • Ohiya the Train Station to Horton Plains Viewpoint



    Tickets: Air Conditioned First Class is LKR 2,000 Per person
    Travel Time: 40-50 Minutes
    Train Options (From Nanu Oya Railway Station): 9:18 am, 1:04 pm, 4:04 pm and 9:19 pm.


    • Please note ticket prices and train schedules are subject to change. Prices and schedules are current as of January 2025.


    Special Tourist Trains Operating in the Central Highlands

    The Calypso Train

    Since mid-2024, the Railway Department has added a special roundtrip train between Badulla and Bandarewela, which makes five photo stops along the way, including a 10-minute stop at the Demodara Station. This three-and-a-half-hour roundtrip train journey highlights the popular tourist photography spots along this short route for travellers to enjoy photography of the sites and scenery.

    Ella Odyssey Train

    The Ella Odyssey train is a unique service between Colombo and Badulla. It includes extra photography stops at popular tourist viewpoints, such as Horsetail Waterfall, Adam’s Peak Viewpoint, Great Western Station, Idalgashinna Station, Elgin Waterfall Viewpoint, Haputale, Kithal Ella Waterfall, Nine Arches Bridge, and Ohiya Tunnel. The train departs from Colombo every Wednesday and Saturday at 5:30 a.m. and returns to Colombo every Thursday and Sunday, leaving Badulla at 9:15 a.m.

    Note: Please check with the Railway Department, as dates and times are subject to change.

    5. Colombo to Galle

    Colombo to Galle

    5. Colombo to Galle

    “A coastal journey with stunning ocean views”

    Journey along Sri Lanka’s southern coastline from the capital city of Colombo to the Dutch Fort city of Galle. The express intercity train is the best option, with limited stops along the enchanting Indian Ocean and the charming seaside fishing villages. Before arriving in Galle, the train chugs through popular coastal resorts such as Bentota, Hikkaduwa, and Ambalangoda (which has gained a reputation for its vibrant artisanal masks). For the finest ocean views, choose a seat on the right-hand side of the train.

    Highlights of the Colombo to Galle Train Journey



    • Colombo Fort Main Railway Station

    • Views of Colombo City

    • Endless views of the Indian Ocean and Shoreline

    • Beachside Towns

    • Fishing Villages



    Tickets: Air Conditioned First Class is LKR 1,900 Per person
    Travel Time: 2 hours – 2 Hours and 30 minutes
    Train Options (Express Train options from Colombo Fort Railway Station): 6:50 am, 10:30 am, 2:30 pm and 4:46 pm


    • Please note ticket prices and train schedules are subject to change. Prices and schedules are current as of January 2025.



    6. Anuradhapura to Jaffna

    Anuradhapura to Jaffna

    6. Anuradhapura to Jaffna

    “A journey through ancient wonders to Northern Charm”

    This 195-kilometre train journey from the ancient kingdom of Anuradhapura to the northern capital of Jaffna traverses the untamed landscapes of the north-central and northern provinces. With its vibrant Hindu culture and unspoiled beaches, Jaffna remains a lesser-visited destination. The journey to Jaffna follows an almost straight route across flat lands that showcase stunning wild scenery, salt flats, and the ‘Elephant Pass’ peninsula. (This train departs from Colombo for those wishing to relish the entire journey from Colombo to Jaffna)

    Scenic Highlights of the Train Journey Between Anuradhapura & Jaffna



    • Ancient Stupas and Lakes of Anuradhapura

    • Wild shrub jungles

    • Salt Plains

    • Elephant Pass



    Tickets: Air Conditioned First Class is LKR 1,700 Per person
    Travel Time: 3 hours - 3 Hours and 30 minutes
    Train Options (Options from Anuradhapura Railway Station): 00:30 am, 9:17 am, 10:45 am and 3:35 pm

    Please note ticket prices and train schedules are subject to change. Prices and schedules are current as of January 2025.

    FAQ’s and The Honeymoon Guide’s Best Tips for Train Travel in Sri Lanka

    What’s the Best Seat for Amazing Views?

    When journeying to Kandy, Ella and Badulla, choose seating on the left side for the Best Views. Choose seats on the train’s left, travelling towards Badulla for the most stunning vistas. This is where the tea plantations, waterfalls and valleys are in full view.

    When travelling on the southern coastal line between Colombo to Galle, choose seating on the right side of the train for ocean views.

    What are the Railway Ticketing Options:

    First Class: Enjoy air-conditioned comfort with reserved seating. This option usually includes reclining seats, ample luggage space, and expansive windows for optimal viewing. Early booking is usually best, as seats fill up quickly.

    Second Class: Choose between reserved and unreserved seating. Book your tickets in advance (Second Class Reserved) for guaranteed seating. Unreserved tickets can be purchased at the station; however, a seat is not guaranteed.

    Third Class: This is the most economical option. Tickets are purchased directly at the station.

    Embrace the Doorstep and Window Views

    Be bold and stand safely by the doorway for a different perspective and the opportunity to capture breathtaking photos. Just be ready to share the space with other eager sightseers and Instagrammers!

    What’s better, Express vs Immersive?

    Choose the express train to complete your journey more quickly. However, if time allows, consider the more immersive experience of the slow train, particularly on the Up-country route from Kandy and beyond. You’ll stop at small village train stations and have the chance to interact with the locals.

    Embrace the Delays!

    Soak in the Slow Travel Vibe: Sri Lankan train journeys are all about savouring the journey and reaching your destination. Don’t worry if the train is late-this is typical.

    Engage with the Locals

    The train journey is a great way to experience Sri Lankan life. To make it more enriching, smile, wave, and initiate conversations with fellow passengers, railway officers, and station masters.

    Snacks and Drinks

    All main railway stations have food outlets and refreshments. However, food vendors will be on board selling cool drinks, local street food snacks, and pastries. If you have dietary restrictions, pack some snacks, as the train vendors mainly offer spicy treats.

    Sri Lanka Railways Contact Information

    Hotline: +94114600111

    Website: http://www.railway.gov.lk/web/index.php?lang=en for bookings: https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/

    Email: gmr@railway.gov.lk

    Railway Route Map of Sri Lanka: http://www.railway.gov.lk/web/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=162&Itemid=186&lang=en

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