The 6 Best Train Journeys from Colombo

1.Tea Factory, Train, and Nine Arch Day Tour with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 98 reviews · 16 hours · from $140Our pick

Travel from Sri Lanka’s southwest coast to Ella with a guide and air-conditioned transport. You’ll see Ravana Waterfall, ride the train for about 25 minutes, walk to Nine Arch Bridge, climb Little Adam’s Peak, visit a tea factory, and have time at Ravana Pool Club. Ziplining is optional and costs extra.

“Krish was a fantastic tour guide! He has a bubbly, friendly attitude and his attention to detail to personalise the itinerary to make the most of the day was second to none. I had a great day and saw everything I wanted to. Even when I was nervous to go down the zipline, his encouragement got me through! Overall, this day is going to be a highlight of my trip! Highly recommend”

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2.Colombo to Kandy Train Tickets (Reserved Seats)

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 28 reviews · from $18

Book a reserved 2nd-class seat on a non-stop intercity train from Colombo Fort to Kandy. Choose the 7:00 am or 3:30 pm departure, receive an e-ticket by WhatsApp or email, and watch villages, jungle, and tea estates pass by.

“We did’nt have time to buy ourselves the tickets so it was the best option for us. The tickets’s delivery could not be easier, and the train journey was absolutely stunning ! Thanks !”

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3.Sri Lanka Private 2-day Tour: Train Trip, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · from $275

Travel privately from Colombo through Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, with a three-hour blue train ride, the Temple of the Tooth, Peradeniya gardens, a cultural show, and a tea factory visit. Guides such as Sunny may tailor stops, but train seats are not guaranteed.

“I got a completely different experience than almost every other review here. My guide wasn’t really a guide at all but more like a private driver. He didn’t really say a word the entire 2 days to me as he didn’t speak english well. But he was a great driver, always on time, and dropped me off and picked me up everywhere like clockwork. I accepted that I basically paid for a private chauffeur for two days which is fine. Still had a good time seeing all the sights, and as promised, they took care of all train tickets, hotel, etc.”

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4.Nuwaraeliya (Nanuoya) to Ella Reserved Train Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 10 reviews · from $20

Book the famous Nanuoya to Ella train in advance and receive a paper ticket at your hotel. Choose between two daily departures, then enjoy a reserved second or third-class seat, opening windows, tea estates, mountain views, rivers, and waterfalls during this 2 to 3-hour ride.

“Very good views and it was a memorable ride. Seats were comfortable. A little anxiety for not receiving the physical tickets earlier but it was still on time. It was confusing to find the seat numbers but we reached out to the uniformed staff to ask. Overall, the train ride really opened up our hearts to see endless hills and beautiful scenary of Sri Lanka.”

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5.Train from Colombo to Kandy

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 5 reviews · from $14Best value

You travel from Colombo Fort Railway Station to Kandy by reserved train seat, usually in 2 to 3 hours. Your electronic ticket arrives by email or WhatsApp, and you can arrange hotel pickup or drop-off for an added fee. The small service accepts up to six people.

“The vendor tells you to go to the fort railway to retrieve your ticket. When I went there, I didn’t have a reservation. After I paid for another ticket, he asked me why I asked for a refund. He then stated he sent me a e ticket and I didn’t need the paper ticket. I don’t like this confuRead more”

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6.2 Day Tour of Yala & Ella with Hill Country Scenic Train Ride – All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 5 reviews · from $340Top rated

Travel from Negombo or nearby coastal areas to Yala and Ella with a private driver-guide, safari jeep, meals, hotel, entry fees, and train tickets included. You’ll see Rawana Falls, Nine Arch Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak, a tea factory, and ride the hill train for 60 to 70 minutes.

“This was one of the best tours I’ve ever been on! Our driver Ishan was an expert and super friendly and helpful. They even got me a cake for my birthday! Every experience from the safari to the train ride was excellent. The communication and coordination of the tour agency was perfect. I can’t wait to come back to Sri Lanka, thank you so much!”

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