5 of the Best Train Journeys in Sri Lanka

12 March 2025

By Teardrop Hotels

Sri Lanka was recently featured in National Geographic’s "Best Train Trips in the World to Take in 2025 and Beyond”. Inspired by this, we’ve rounded up the best train routes across the island – from the bustling suburbs of Colombo to the misty valleys of Ella – so you can experience Sri Lanka’s breathtaking landscapes in the most unforgettable way.

Originally built by the British in the late 1800s, Sri Lanka’s rail system was designed solely to transport tea and coffee for export. Today, these trains are an integral part of daily life, offering an authentic and unfiltered glimpse into the country. A train ride in Sri Lanka is more than just a journey – it is an experience. You might find yourself sharing a seat with a family returning from holiday, exchanging travel tips with fellow explorers, or simply soaking in the everyday rhythms of local commuters. Every ride is filled with warmth, connection, and discovery.

This isn’t a luxury experience but a scenic journey on a regular commuter train, offering an authentic glimpse into Sri Lanka’s daily travel. Most trains now offer observation cars with air conditioning, while second and third-class carriages retain their charm with open windows, wind in your hair, and the rhythmic clatter of tracks beneath you.

1. Colombo to Kandy

The journey from Colombo to Kandy offers a perfect introduction to Sri Lanka’s changing landscapes, transitioning from suburban bustle to lush highlands. Departing from Colombo’s historic Fort Railway Station, the train winds past rubber estates and low-country tea plantations, gradually ascending into the misty hills. The cool breeze and scenic vistas make this three-hour journey unforgettable. Duration: 3 hours.

2. Kandy to Ella

The Kandy to Ella route is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world! As you wind through emerald-green tea plantations, mist-covered hills, dense forests, and charming villages you’ll experience the island in its most raw and beautiful form. The 8-hour journey meanders through numerous tunnels and over picturesque bridges, including the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella. The views are simply breathtaking, with deep valleys stretching as far as the eye can see. Vendors hop on at station stops, offering crispy ‘isso wade’ (prawn fritters), steaming cups of sweet coffee, and freshly cut fruit. Duration: 8 hours.

3. Nuwara Eliya to Ella

This shorter segment of the iconic Kandy-Ella train route is one of the most scenic rides in Sri Lanka’s tea country. Ideal for those short on time or seeking a shorter railway experience, the journey from Nanu Oya Railway Station (near Nuwara Eliya) to Demodara Railway Station (near Ella) offers mesmerising views of misty mountains, lush tea estates, and cascading waterfalls. One of the highlights of this ride is the Demodara Loop, an engineering marvel where the track spirals around a mountain and passes under itself through a tunnel. The train also crosses the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a picture-perfect spot surrounded by dense jungle and rolling tea plantations. Duration: 4 hours.

4. Bentota to Galle

For those who love the coast, the Bentota to Galle train ride offers spectacular views of Sri Lanka’s southwestern shoreline. Running parallel to the Indian Ocean, the journey treats you to breathtaking scenes of golden beaches, swaying coconut palms, and colourful fishing boats bobbing on turquoise waters. Depending on the time of day, you might witness groups of fishermen hauling in their nets, or rows of fresh catch laid out to dry on rooftops. Further out at sea, keep an eye out for surfers riding the waves or locals enjoying a swim. Though short, this train journey is a memorable glimpse into Sri Lanka’s coastal charm. Duration: 1.5 hours.

5. Anuradhapura to Jaffna

For an off-the-beaten-path adventure, the Anuradhapura to Jaffna train route offers a fascinating journey through Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, history, and culture. This train ride, an excellent alternative to a long drive or overnight bus, takes you from the ancient city of Anuradhapura, home to sacred UNESCO-listed stupas and ruins, to Jaffna, a vibrant northern city celebrated for its distinct Tamil heritage and cuisine. The landscape shifts dramatically, from the lush greenery of the cultural triangle to dry, open plains dotted with palmyra trees – a signature feature of the northern region. As the train makes its way to Jaffna, you’ll witness a lesser explored yet historically rich part of Sri Lanka, offering an insight into the island’s diverse heritage. Duration: 4.5 hours by intercity train, or 6 hours on regular services