Quick answer
The 14-day Sri Lanka itinerary takes the train on day 7, from Ohiya or Pattipola to Ella, roughly two to two and a half hours, with an optional first leg from Kandy to Nanu Oya on day 6, roughly four hours. Book reserved seats in the observation, first or second class as soon as the booking window opens, since they sell out well ahead in high season. If seats are gone, unreserved tickets bought on the day are the backup.
Key takeaways
- The main train leg is day 7, from Ohiya or Pattipola to Ella, roughly two to two and a half hours.
- The optional day 6 leg runs from Kandy to Nanu Oya, roughly four hours.
- Reserved seats sell out well ahead in high season; book when the window opens.
- Unreserved tickets can be bought on the day but carriages are crowded.
- Your driver takes the luggage by road, so you travel with only a day bag.
The train legs on the 14-day route
The 14-day Sri Lanka itinerary uses the hill-country railway once for certain, on day 7, from Ohiya or Pattipola, the stations nearest Horton Plains, to Ella. This is widely considered the most scenic stretch of the line, through tunnels, tea estates and deep valleys.
Rail lovers can add a second leg on day 6, taking the train from Kandy to Nanu Oya, roughly four hours, instead of driving. The route's standard version drives on day 6 for a tea factory stop.
- →Day 7: Ohiya or Pattipola to Ella, roughly two to two and a half hours.
- →Optional day 6: Kandy to Nanu Oya, roughly four hours.
- →Alternative: Nanu Oya to Ella, roughly two and a half to three hours, if skipping Horton Plains.
Choosing a class
Trains on the hill-country line usually have first class, observation saloons on some services, and reserved and unreserved second and third class. Observation saloons have large windows at the rear, and first class is air-conditioned on some trains, which means closed windows.
Many travellers prefer reserved second class, with opening windows and a lively atmosphere. Unreserved carriages are cheap but can be very crowded in high season.
- →Observation saloon: large rear windows, on some trains only.
- →First class: comfortable, sometimes air-conditioned with closed windows.
- →Reserved second class: opening windows, good for views.
- →Unreserved: cheap but crowded.
How and when to book
Reserved seats can be booked through the official online system or at stations, within a set window before travel. Windows have changed over the years, so check the current rules when you plan. In high season, seats on popular trains sell out soon after the window opens.
Operators and some agents can book on your behalf. Some special tourist trains also run on the line on certain days, with their own booking arrangements.
Have your passport details and exact travel date ready before the window opens, and double-check the boarding and arrival stations before paying. Keep a printed or saved copy of the ticket, since it may be checked on board.
- →Check the current booking window before you plan.
- →Book the moment the window opens in high season.
- →Keep a copy of the ticket on your phone and on paper.
Boarding at Ohiya or Pattipola
Ohiya and Pattipola are small stations, and boarding there with a reserved seat requires booking from that station. Check that your ticket shows the correct boarding station and that the train stops there.
Arrive early, since trains can run late or early, and platforms are basic. After Horton Plains, allow time to reach the station without rushing.
- →Book from the correct boarding station.
- →Check the train stops at Ohiya or Pattipola.
- →Arrive early and allow for delays.
If reserved seats are gone
If reserved seats are sold out, unreserved tickets can be bought at the station on the day. Carriages may be crowded, especially from Kandy, but boarding at a smaller station such as Ohiya can mean more space.
Another option is to ride a shorter section, or to drive with your driver and stop at viewpoints along the line. The views from the road are different but still beautiful.
Safety and comfort on the train
Leaning out of train doors for photographs is popular but has caused serious injuries. Keep inside the carriage and take photos from windows.
Keep valuables with you, and carry water and snacks. Your driver takes the luggage by road, so travel with only a day bag. Lankan Stays & Trails books reserved seats as early as possible for guests on this route.
Frequently asked questions
How do I book the train from Ohiya to Ella?
Book reserved seats through the official online system or at a station, from Ohiya as the boarding station, within the current booking window. Seats sell out in high season, so book as soon as the window opens. Operators can also book for you.
How far ahead can I book the Kandy to Ella train?
Reserved seats can be booked within a set window before travel, which has changed over the years. Check the current rules when planning. In high season, seats sell out soon after the window opens.
Which class is best on the Ella train?
Many travellers prefer reserved second class for opening windows and atmosphere. Observation saloons offer large windows on some trains. First class is comfortable but may be air-conditioned with closed windows.
What if the Ella train is sold out?
Buy unreserved tickets at the station on the day, which may be crowded. Boarding at a smaller station such as Ohiya can help. Alternatively, drive with your driver and stop at viewpoints along the line.
Can I take luggage on the Sri Lanka train?
Yes, but space is limited and carriages can be crowded, with little room for large suitcases. On the 14-day route, your driver takes the luggage by road, so you travel with only a day bag containing valuables, water and a warm layer.
Is the train from Ohiya to Ella the best section?
It is widely considered the most scenic stretch, through tunnels, tea estates and valleys, passing Idalgashinna, Haputale and Bandarawela. Boarding near Horton Plains puts it on day 7 of the 14-day route.
Do trains in Sri Lanka run on time?
Not always. Delays are common on the hill-country line. Arrive early, keep plans flexible and have a backup, such as driving with your driver, if the train is very late.