A Mini Guide on Taking the Train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Last Updated on April 11, 2025 by Oliver

When I first started planning our Sri Lanka trip, I knew I wanted to take that famous train ride—the one winding through the hills from Kandy to Ella that everyone seems to talk about. I pictured misty mountains, endless tea plantations, and that perfect moment leaning out of a train door, wind in my face.

What I didn’t realize is that the full journey from Kandy to Ella takes around eight hours… and not all of it looks like a postcard. A good chunk of the ride is just regular towns and countryside—not quite the magical scenery I had in mind.

It turns out, the most stunning part of the route—the one with the waterfalls, rolling tea hills, and jaw-dropping views—happens between Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

This mini guide is based on my own experience taking the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, and my intention is to give you everything you need to know. From buying train tickets and choosing the right class, to what to expect on board and how to make the most of this epic train journey!

Why Take the Train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella Instead of Kandy to Ella?

If you’ve done any research on train travel in Sri Lanka, chances are you’ve seen people rave about the full Kandy to Ella train journey. And while it’s true that it’s one of the most famous train rides in the world, here’s the thing: the most beautiful part of the journey actually kicks in after Nuwara Eliya.

From Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya’s nearest train station) to Ella, the train passed through dense jungle, stunning tea fields, waterfalls, and mountain tunnels. It’s slower, more peaceful, and every few minutes you’ll want to stick your head out the window just to make sure you’re not dreaming.

The Kandy to Nanu Oya portion, on the other hand, is long and—while pleasant—not particularly jaw-dropping. If you’re short on time or don’t feel like sitting on a train for most of your day, starting in Nuwara Eliya gives you the best of the ride without the drag.

Pro Tip: Most people ride the train toward Ella, but here’s something a lot of travelers don’t realize—you can absolutely go in reverse, from Ella to Nuwara Eliya, and the views are just as stunning. I was honestly stressed that going “backwards” meant I’d miss out on the iconic scenery, but nope. It was the same fairytale landscape… just with fewer people.

The carriage was way less crowded, which meant I could actually move around, grab a good door spot, and soak it all in without being elbow-to-elbow with a dozen selfie sticks. If you’re coming from the south or already in Ella, this is such a chill way to do the ride. Plus, spending a couple days in Nuwara Eliya is a great way to break up the journey before continuing on to Kandy—cooler weather, colonial charm, and tea fields that go on forever.

Train Classes: Which One Should You Book?

Sri Lankan trains turned out to be way more hectic than I imagined. From locals jumping on and off at each station, girls hanging out the window for instagram, it was just a lot! So here’s the lowdown on the different classes:

• First Class Ticket: First class reserved seating and air-conditioning is what you’ll get in this class. But here’s the catch: the windows don’t open. That means no breezy, wind-in-your-hair vibes or sticking your head out to get a better view. It’s for sure comfortable, but you miss out on a big part of the train experience. And I mean, i didn’t come all the way to Sri Lanka to not get the full experience!
• Second Class Ticket (Reserved): This is the sweet spot. You get an assigned seat (so no scrambling for a spot), and the windows open so you can enjoy the views. You can also move freely around the carriage. If you’re looking for a relaxed journey with great scenery, this is the class to go for.
• Second Class Ticket (Unreserved): It’s cheaper, and the hustle is real. There are no guaranteed seats, so you might end up standing for part of the ride. If you’re flexible and not on a tight schedule, this can be a budget-friendly option. But be prepared for a bit of chaos if the train gets crowded.
• Third Class Ticket: If you want to experience local life in full force, third class is where it’s at. It’s super affordable, but also packed. No reservations here, so you could end up standing for the whole journey. I wouldn’t recommend this unless you’re really up for an adventure.

My Tip: Sri Lanka is super popular right now, and tickets can sell out fast! If you’re after reserved seats, definitely book as soon as you can. Train tickets are released one month in advance. Really the only downside to this is you lose your flexibility. When we were on a 3-month backpacking trip, Oliver and I went with second class unreserved. We were on a chill schedule, so it worked for us.

However, when we took the train from Kandy to Colombo, we ended up in third class—and trust me, it was a nightmare. Packed like sardines, standing for hours, being jostled at every stop. Honestly, I was pretty sure I caught COVID from the experience.

So, while third class is a true local experience, just be careful. It can be cramped, uncomfortable, smelly, and all around just not a good time.

You can check out our full Sri Lanka Itinerary here to see how we did the journey from Ella to Nuwara Eliya — it includes 5 different itineraries, depending on what you’re looking for!

How to Buy Tickets

There are a few different ways to get your hands on train tickets in Sri Lanka, but here’s what worked best for me:

• Buy in advance online: Websites like 12Go Asia or Sri Lanka Railways let you reserve tickets ahead of time—super helpful if you want 2nd class reserved. They do add a fee, but it’s 100% worth it to avoid showing up and hoping for a miracle. You will still have to print your ticket at the station!
• Buy in person at the station: You can also grab tickets directly from the station, but this only works well if you’re buying unreserved seats or traveling during off-peak times. For reserved seats, they can sell out fast, especially on the Nuwara Eliya to Ella route. We bought all of our tickets unreserved at the stations and never struggled to get one, just some of the trains were more cramped than others.

Pro Tip: Nanu Oya is the train station near Nuwara Eliya—it’s about 15–20 minutes away by tuk-tuk, so make sure to factor that into your timing! We booked our tuk tuk at our cottage stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Train Schedules and Class Ticket Prices

Overview of the beautiful train ride:

• Route: Nanu Oya Train Station to Ella
• Distance: 64.54 km
• Travel Time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the train service.

Train Options:

1. Tourist Train
   • Departure: 8:10 AM daily (except Tuesdays)
   • Special Features: Slower pace, larger windows, and more room. This train also crosses the famous Nine Arches Bridge on a different section of the train route.
2. Express Trains
   • Departure Times: 9:20 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:30 PM
   • Travel Time: Around 2 to 2.5 hours

Train Ticket Prices:

• At the Station (In Person)
  • 1st Class: 1,500 LKR
  • 2nd Class: 300 LKR
  • 3rd Class: 160 LKR
• Online
  • 12Go Asia: Reserved 2nd class ticket for around $7
  • Sri Lanka Railway Seat Reservation: 3rd class listed for 5,000 LKR (around $16.50)

How to Make the Most of Your Train Ride (My Tips for Riding the Train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella)

The train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella is nothing short of spectacular, but a little preparation can make it even better. Here are some tips to help you maximize your experience:

1. Which Side to Sit On

For the best views, always sit on the left side of the train when traveling from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) to Ella. This side offers breathtaking views of lush green hills, tea plantations, mountains, and valleys. If you’re traveling in reverse from Ella to Nuwara Eliya, the right side gives you the same stunning views.

2. What to Bring

While the Ella train ride is scenic, it can get a bit warm and stuffy, especially during midday. Here are a few things to consider packing:

• Water: You’ll need to stay hydrated, especially if you’re going during the warmer months.
• Snacks: There are food vendors on the train, we had some spicy samosas and fried egg roll type things. But I recommend bringing things you know you’ll like because you really never know what the locals will be selling.

3. Keep Your Window Open

If you’re in second or third class, you’ll have the chance to open the windows and feel the breeze as you chug along. Don’t miss out! There’s nothing like the wind in your hair and the view of the rolling hills as the train winds through Sri Lanka’s gorgeous countryside.

4. What to Expect Inside the Train

• Crowds: Depending on the season, the train can get crowded, so if you’re in unreserved seating, be prepared to stand or share your space with fellow travelers. If you want more comfort, consider booking a reserved second class seat.
• Vibe: In general, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, but it can get a little hectic around stops. Be ready for people to board and get off at various points.*If you’re in the third class for your train trip, stops are absolute chaos, with cramming and pushing and feeling like not single other person can fit, but here come 10 more.
• Peprare for delays: Whether you’re already on the train or waiting for one to arrive, prepare to be about half an hour late either way! But it’s Sri Lanka, it’s chill, no on is really in a hurry.

5. Be Careful at the Doors

I know it looks so effortlessly as the girls hang out of the doors in the IG pics, but this is still a moving train, and one wrong slip and woof who knows what could happen. So just remember to be safe, don’t do something you aren’t comfortable with just for some internet clout.

FAQs: The Train Ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

What is the Nuwara Eliya to Ella train ticket price?

Ticket prices vary based on class and seating preference. At the station, 2nd class tickets are typically 300 LKR, and 3rd class tickets are 160 LKR. Online booking platforms may charge higher fees; for example, 12Go Asia lists 2nd class reserved seats at around $7, and 3rd class at approximately $16.50. ​

How do I make a Nuwara Eliya to Ella train booking?

You can book tickets online through the Sri Lanka Railways official website, 12Go Asia, or at the train station. For reserved seats you’ll want to book ASAP during high season. And you can only book unreserved tickets on the day of your train ride.

When is the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella time?

Several trains depart daily from Nanu Oya station (the nearest station to Nuwara Eliya) to Ella. Departure times include 9:25 AM, 1:10 PM, 2:38 PM, and 4:08 PM. ​

Should I book the Nuwara Eliya to Ella train first class?

Personally, I don’t think so. For any other train journey, the air con and reserved seats are amazing. But I truly think reserved second class is the sweet spot here. You get a seat, the windows open for killer views, and you can move around a bit. First class is more for comfort, but on this route, you’ll want the full experience with the breeze and the scenery.

What’s the best train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella?

Personally, I don’t think it matters. The journey is quite short, so what matters is getting a good seat on the left side of the train to have epic views the whole 2 1/2 hours!

Final Thoughts on the Nuwara Eliya to Ella Train Ride!

I absolutely loved the journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella (or backwards, for me!) — the views were unreal. I was lucky enough to avoid the crowds, which made it even better. I truly hope this guide helps you plan an epic train trip and gives you all the confidence to enjoy this iconic Sri Lankan adventure to the fullest.

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