Having traveled in some Asian countries one of our highlights so far was taking the train in Sri Lanka. For people who do not travel regularly with it, it is far more than a cheap option to travel from one place to the other but it is joining Sri Lanka’s society.
Besides trying all varieties of fresh fruit and deep-fried snacks you have a stunning view on Sri Lanka’s coastline or its even more impressive highlands. First, we were unsure whether the train is the best way of transport for us, as we have heard many stories of overcrowded trains and insecure journeys.
In our case, we did not experience anything similar.
The following blogpost will provide you with handy information as well as links you’ll need and tries to give you a feeling of what it is like taking the train in Sri Lanka.
1st, 2nd or 3rd class train travel in Sri Lanka
Not every train offers first-class tickets, but all trains we drove with, differentiated between second and third class. We were unsure which class might be the best to choose and the following describes that depending on your situation.
Train in Sri Lanka: 1st class tickets
We drove with a reserved first-class ticket from Nanu Oya to Ella as the train ride after Haputale is considered to be one of the most beautiful train roads in the world. That’s why we did not want to risk a bad view and just reserved seats one day in advance for 1,000 LKR directly at the train station.
The first class is more comfortable and most of all more quiet as the rest of the train. Our train to Ella had a big front window that provided us a great view on the impressive train road through Sri Lanka’s highlands.
💵 Reserved 1st class ticket from Nanu Oya to Ella: 1,000 LKR (3.50 USD)
Do you want to know more about the train ride in Sri Lanka? We bundled some further info in our Sri Lanka eBook.
Train in Sri Lanka: 2nd class tickets
2nd class is more crowded and henceforth more hectic but it reflects Sri Lanka.
We really enjoyed it here and that’s why we mostly traveled in the second class where we met a lot of nice people. Here, everybody seems to travel: Grandma’s with their grandchildren, teachers that discuss corrected exams with their pupils, merchants, singers, musicians, students coming home from abroad, surfers and other tourists who are in Sri Lanka for the same reason as you are.
The windows in second class wagons are always open which brings a nice air stream. Installed and most of the times working fans at the wall, are also refreshing while sitting there and enjoying Sri Lanka’s beauty.
Once you got used to Sri Lanka’s interpretation of the open door policy, you will love it. For two reasons:
The first reason is that open doors of the train bring even more fresh air. Arrived in Sri Lanka you will start to love everything that brings you refreshment, even if it’s for just a draft.
Secondly, open doors invite you to take a seat on the stairs and enjoy the panorama. Especially while driving along the coastline you can start to daydream with the repetitive and meditative sound of the rails. But, be careful. We are not used to sit on the stairs of a train and a stronger curve could end up in a dangerous situation. So, take the possibility and enjoy the ride, but use the handrails and try to be as careful as possible.
Prices we paid for trains in Sri Lanka
- Colombo Fort – Hikkaduwa: 160 LKR
- Hikkaduwa – Galle: 35 LKR
- Weligama – Kandy: 340 LKR
- Kandy – Hatton: 160 LKR
- Nanu Oya- Ella: 1,000 LKR (first class)
Train in Sri Lanka: 3rd class tickets
Since we drove a lot of train in Sri Lanka we were not able to get a ticket for the second class on every trip so we experienced the third class, too.
Expecting a horrible train ride we were pleased once we saw that the only noticeable difference were seats (or benches) for three instead of two people. As well as that there are no fans which makes the train ride a bit warmer, especially when it stops.
Nevertheless, this train ride was no bad experience at all as the third class was hardly booked whereas we noticed the second class being pretty packed with backpackers leaving Galle.
Important Information for Taking the Train in Sri Lanka
One of the reasons we started this blog was because we couldn’t find all the information we needed while backpacking in Sri Lanka. That’s why we want to provide you with all the helpful details to make your trip just as special.
Finding the right information about possible train connections and ticket reservations in Sri Lanka is not always that easy. But with these helpful links, you’ll be well-prepared. 🙂
Train Connections and Timetables in Sri Lanka
To find all possible trains traveling from point A to point B, you can use this link to the official Sri Lanka Railway website. We found this site to be reliable, and it displays train connections and schedules for the specific dates you plan to travel by train. However, note that the timings might vary slightly, so precise planning to the minute isn’t always possible.
Through this link, you can only find all possible trains for the respective day, but you cannot make reservations if you wish to do so.
This is because not all trains and classes allow you to book tickets with seat reservations in advance.
Purchasing Train Tickets in Sri Lanka
When it comes to buying train tickets in Sri Lanka, you generally have two options:
- Purchase or reservation on the day before / on the same day (or up to 30 days in advance) on-site
- Reservation (including seat) up to 30 days in advance online
Buying Train Tickets in Sri Lanka On-site
If you prefer to stay flexible and get your ticket on-site, you should arrive at the station well in advance (about an hour before departure). Since it’s common to purchase tickets directly at the station, it can get a bit crowded.
Important: If you choose this very flexible option, you won’t have the opportunity to reserve a ticket with a seat, as you can only choose between unreserved tickets for the 2nd or 3rd class. This means you may have to stand during the journey if seats are unavailable. For a reserved seat, you must always book your ticket in advance.
Reserving Train Tickets in Sri Lanka Online
If you want to play it safe and reserve your ticket (including a seat) in advance, you can book your ticket online here:
Alternatively, you can also use this website. On this site, you can only reserve tickets up to 30 days in advance.
Buying Tickets on the Day of Travel
Unless you’re traveling during peak season or on a very popular route, we always recommend buying train tickets just an hour before departure. This way, you remain flexible at all times and in all places.
However, if you want to travel in 1st or 2nd class and it’s during high season, a public holiday, or on a popular route, always book in advance.
Which Platform Does My Train Depart From?
Don’t hesitate to ask more than one person for information about where your train departs. Often, when you buy your ticket, you may receive incorrect information about the platform from the usually very friendly ticket seller. Our personal record was getting five different pieces of advice from five different people at the station in Kandy.
Yet, in the end, things usually work out just fine when taking the train in Sri Lanka!
Train routes in Sri Lanka
Whenever there is the possibility to take the train we highly recommend to do so. First, you experience the tropical flair and also you save money while backpacking in Sri Lanka.
From Colombo Fort to the south until Matara
This train road is either directly by the coast or parallel to it in on a small jungle path. For us, just arriving from Germany and hopping on the train it was nice to see the ocean and its first powerful waves (if you plan on surfing in Sri Lanka, here’s a guide) So, our first trip was a relaxing treat after Colombo.
On this route you can stop in many different nice places such as Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, Medigama and Mirissa. Matara itself is not “the place” to go in Sri Lanka as locals just go there to buy groceries or do the shopping and don’t seem to like it either.
From Colombo Fort via Kandy to Badualla
From Colombo to Kandy we drove in the dark so we can’t say anything about the view or anything else. Coming already from Weligama (more than five hours train ride) on the same day, just changing trains in Colombo our deep love to driving train in Sri Lanka slowly but surely faded away.
Having said that, the train ride from Kandy to Badulla is absolutely stunning. It is mainly separated into the first half from Kandy to Haputale and then to Ella and Badulla. At least one of them should be on your list while in Sri Lanka. Especially the trip from Haputale to Badulla is considered to be one of the top five train roads in the world.
From Colombo to the North
On our trip to Sri Lanka we did not visit the north, thus we did not take any trains in that direction. Nevertheless, we met people on our trip who have been by train in the north and reported similar experiences as we had in Sri Lanka’s highlands and south.
➳ For a detailed map just click here.
By the way, are you still looking for accommodation for your trip to Sri Lanka?
We mainly book our accommodations for our travels through Booking and have already reached Genius Level 3. This allows us to get up to 20% off participating accommodations and enjoy free room upgrades or complimentary breakfast since reaching Level 2. We can highly recommend using this platform for your perfect accommodation fit.
Find your favorite one here:
Still looking for Wanderlust?
➳ You are looking for more infos on Backpacking in Sri Lanka?
➳ Or are you interested in our Sri Lanka Highlights?
➳ You are still not sure which places to visit while traveling Sri Lanka? Have a look at our Sri Lanka Travel Route!
➳ You can’t decide which National Park to visit in Sri Lanka?
➳ Before heading to Sri Lanka get a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s food!
➳ Last but not least here you will find some tips to travel cheap in Sri Lanka.
