Yes. Anyone can get into the unreserved second- or third-class carriages by buying a normal ticket at the station right before the train leaves. This can be handy if you decide late. Still, there is a catch. If the train is very busy, you may end up standing for a long time. If you want…
If you miss a reserved train, your ticket is no longer valid. You must then buy a new ticket for the next train that still has seats. Go straight to the stationmaster’s office or the main ticket desk. Ask about the next departures. If the express service is sold out, you may need an unreserved…
Sri Lanka runs a few overnight “Night Mail” trains that go from Colombo to distant destinations. Some routes include Badulla, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. These trips take most of the night. Passengers use sleeping berths with simple bedding. This can help travellers save on hotel expenses while they cross the island. There are also first-class sleeping…
You can take a bicycle on trains in Sri Lanka. However, it cannot go in the regular passenger carriages. It has to be put in the guard’s van or the luggage carriage. Plan extra time before your trip. Arrive early at the station so the staff can handle it. You also need to buy the…
Riding the train with children can be a safe and enjoyable experience. It can also feel exciting, especially when you plan ahead and book seats. If you do not reserve, it gets messy quickly. An unreserved carriage can be crowded, and handling little kids there is stressful. When you have reserved seats, the ride is…
Yes. You can take large backpacks and suitcases on the trains without paying extra baggage charges. Still, think about how it feels in real life. Getting through tight doors and crowded carriages with very heavy luggage can be hard. If you use a smaller pack or a mid-sized rolling suitcase, you will move around more…
The scenery looks the same whether you go one way or the other. Still, many travellers often choose the trip from Ella to Kandy since it feels less packed. Most backpackers and tour groups head south from Kandy on a set itinerary. If you travel the other direction, it is simpler to get reserved seats,…
Yes, the train ride from Colombo to Kandy is very pretty. It starts out in flat city areas. As the journey progresses, the view changes. Trees and green hills start to appear. Closer to the central province, the land rises into mountains. The trip takes about three hours. Along the way, you can spot thick…
For the best views, choose the right side of the train going from Kandy to Nanu Oya. Then move to the left side when you travel from Nanu Oya to Ella. As the train heads up into the hills, the scenery changes a lot. Both sides show beautiful village life and natural landscapes. This seating…
The train trip from Kandy to Ella is often described as a top journey in Sri Lanka. The route curves through the island’s central hills. The ride takes about seven hours. Along the way, you pass thick green forests and wide tea fields. You also cross foggy mountain stretches and large viaducts. Many travellers say…
