Quick answer
The best places to visit in Sri Lanka by train are Kandy, Nanu Oya for Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Ella and Badulla on the main hill line; Negombo, Colombo, Kalutara, Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Weligama and Matara on the coast line; Anuradhapura, Vavuniya and Jaffna on the northern line; and Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee and Batticaloa on the eastern lines. Sigiriya, Yala and Udawalawe are not on the railway.
Key takeaways
- The main line from Colombo to Badulla passes Kandy's junction, Nanu Oya, Haputale and Ella.
- The coast line runs south from Colombo to Galle, Matara and Beliatta.
- The northern line reaches Anuradhapura, Jaffna and Kankesanthurai.
- Sigiriya, Dambulla, Yala and Udawalawe have no station.
- Reserved seats on popular routes sell out; book ahead and confirm timetables.
The hill country line
The main line climbs from Colombo through Peradeniya junction, with a short branch into Kandy, then up through tea country to Hatton, Nanu Oya, Pattipola, Haputale, Bandarawela, Ella and finally Badulla. The stretch from Nanu Oya to Ella is the most scenic railway journey in Sri Lanka.
Places worth stopping at include Kandy, for the Temple of the Tooth; Hatton, for Adam's Peak and tea estates; Nanu Oya, the station for Nuwara Eliya, roughly 20 minutes away by road; Haputale, for Lipton's Seat; and Ella, for its walks and the Nine Arch Bridge, which the train crosses just beyond Ella.
Ohiya and Pattipola, the highest stations, are starting points for Horton Plains, though most visitors go by road from Nuwara Eliya.
- →Kandy: the Temple of the Tooth.
- →Nanu Oya: for Nuwara Eliya.
- →Haputale and Ella: views and walks.
The coast line
The coast line runs south from Colombo Fort along the sea, often just metres from the waves, through Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Beruwala, Bentota, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa and Galle, then on to Weligama, Matara and Beliatta. It is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel the south-west coast.
Galle station is a short walk from the fort. Hikkaduwa, Bentota and Weligama stations are close to their beaches. Mirissa has a small station too, served by slower trains. North of Colombo, the Puttalam line serves Negombo and Chilaw.
Express trains are faster but crowded; slow trains stop everywhere and give a local experience.
The coast line is also the easiest way to hop between beaches without a driver. A morning train from Galle to Weligama or Matara takes under an hour, and stations are a short tuk-tuk ride from most guesthouses. Trains are often quieter in the middle of the day.
- →Galle: a short walk to the fort.
- →Hikkaduwa and Bentota: near the beach.
- →Negombo: on the Puttalam line.
The northern and eastern lines
The northern line runs from Colombo through Kurunegala to Anuradhapura, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and Jaffna, ending at Kankesanthurai. It takes roughly seven hours to Jaffna, making the train a comfortable alternative to the long drive. A branch reaches Mannar and Talaimannar.
The eastern lines split at Maho and Gal Oya junction, with trains to Habarana, Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa. Habarana station is the closest to Sigiriya, but most travellers continue by road.
Lankan Stays & Trails often combines a train leg with a driver for the rest of the trip, so travellers enjoy the railway's best stretches without being tied to timetables everywhere.
- →Anuradhapura and Jaffna: northern line.
- →Trincomalee and Batticaloa: eastern lines.
- →Habarana and Polonnaruwa: for the Cultural Triangle.
Places the train does not reach
Several of Sri Lanka's best places have no station. Sigiriya and Dambulla are reached by road from Habarana or Kandy. Yala, Udawalawe, Tissamaharama, Tangalle and Arugam Bay have no railway, and neither does most of the Knuckles Range or Sinharaja.
For these, buses, tuk-tuks or a car and driver are needed. A common pattern is train into the hills, then road for the Cultural Triangle, safaris and the east coast.
- →No station: Sigiriya, Dambulla.
- →No station: Yala, Udawalawe, Tangalle.
- →No station: Arugam Bay.
Booking and tips
Reserved seats in first and second class on popular routes, especially Kandy to Ella and Colombo to Jaffna, sell out ahead, so book as early as possible. Unreserved seats can be bought on the day but trains can be very crowded. Timetables change, so confirm before travelling.
Sit on the correct side for views: on the hill line heading towards Ella, many travellers prefer the right-hand side for valley views, though both sides have highlights. On the coast line heading south, the sea is on the right.
Keep valuables close, carry snacks and water, and be ready for delays.
- →Book reserved seats early.
- →Check timetables locally.
- →Choose your side for views.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get to Sigiriya by train?
There is no railway station at Sigiriya. The nearest stations are Habarana, on the eastern line, roughly 30 minutes away by road, and Dambulla has none. Most travellers reach Sigiriya by road from Kandy, Colombo or Habarana.
What is the most scenic train ride in Sri Lanka?
The most scenic train ride in Sri Lanka is the hill line from Kandy to Ella, especially the stretch from Nanu Oya through Pattipola and Haputale to Ella, passing tea estates, forests and mountain views. The coast line from Colombo to Galle is also very attractive.
Can I take the train to Galle?
You can take the train to Galle on the coast line from Colombo Fort, a journey of roughly two to three hours depending on the train. Galle station is a short walk from the fort. The line runs close to the sea for much of the way.
Is there a train to Jaffna?
There is a train to Jaffna on the northern line from Colombo, taking roughly seven hours, and continuing to Kankesanthurai. It is a comfortable alternative to the long road journey. Book reserved seats ahead, especially at weekends and holidays.
Which station is for Nuwara Eliya?
The station for Nuwara Eliya is Nanu Oya, roughly 20 minutes away by road. Tuk-tuks and buses wait for trains. Nuwara Eliya itself has no station, as the line passes below the town.
How far ahead should I book Sri Lankan train tickets?
For popular routes like Kandy to Ella and Colombo to Jaffna, book reserved seats as early as possible, as they often sell out well ahead. Booking windows change, so check current rules. Unreserved seats can be bought on the day.
Can I reach Trincomalee by train?
You can reach Trincomalee by train on the eastern line, usually via an overnight or long day service from Colombo that branches at Gal Oya junction. Journey times are long, so many travellers combine the train with road transfers. Check current timetables before planning.