Quick answer
Weekend escapes from Colombo by train include the coastal line to Bentota, Hikkaduwa and Galle, roughly 2 to 3 hours with the sea beside the tracks, and the main line to Kandy, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, climbing the Kadugannawa incline. Hatton's tea country is roughly five to six hours by train. Book reserved seats ahead where possible, travel light and never lean out of the doors.
Key takeaways
- Colombo Fort to Galle on the coastal line takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours.
- Colombo Fort to Kandy takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, climbing the Kadugannawa incline.
- Colombo to Hatton by train takes roughly five to six hours, too long for most weekends.
- Reserved seats on popular trains sell out; book ahead where possible.
- Leaning out of train doors for photographs causes serious injuries every year.
Why take the train for a weekend
Weekend escapes from Colombo by train avoid the Friday traffic, cost little and turn the journey into an experience. Watching the sea from the coastal line or paddy fields from the climb to Kandy beats a car on the expressway.
Trains are slow and can be crowded, especially on Friday evenings and poya weekends. Reserved seats in observation or second-class carriages make the journey comfortable; unreserved third class is cheap but often packed.
Travel light. Luggage space is limited, and stations are often a tuk-tuk ride from hotels.
- →No Friday traffic.
- →Scenery from the window.
- →Light luggage only.
The coastal line
The coastal line runs south from Colombo Fort along the shore, sometimes metres from the waves, through Mount Lavinia, Kalutara, Bentota, Hikkaduwa and Galle, then on to Matara and Beliatta. Journey times to Bentota are roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, to Hikkaduwa roughly 2 to 2.5 and to Galle roughly 2.5 to 3.
For the best views, sit on the right-hand side heading south. A weekend in Galle Fort by train is the classic: Friday evening train, Saturday on the ramparts, Sunday on the beach at Unawatuna, Sunday afternoon train back.
The coastal line is busy with commuters on weekday mornings and evenings, so travel outside those hours if you can.
- →Bentota: roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.
- →Hikkaduwa: roughly 2 to 2.5 hours.
- →Galle: roughly 2.5 to 3 hours.
The main line to Kandy and the hills
The main line runs east from Colombo Fort through paddy fields, then climbs the Kadugannawa incline to Peradeniya and Kandy, roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. A weekend in Kandy by train gives the evening puja, Peradeniya gardens and the lake.
Beyond Kandy, or branching at Peradeniya, the line climbs into tea country through Hatton, Nanu Oya and on to Ella. Hatton is roughly five to six hours from Colombo by train, and Ella much further. For a weekend, combine the train one way with a car the other.
Observation carriages on some services give wide windows. Book well ahead, because they sell out.
- →Kandy: roughly 2.5 to 3 hours.
- →Hatton: roughly five to six hours.
- →Observation carriages sell out early.
Booking and safety
Reserved seats on popular trains can be booked ahead through Sri Lanka Railways' official channels, and some sell out quickly for weekends and holidays. Never quote or pay inflated fares to touts. Unreserved tickets are sold at the station on the day.
Safety matters on Sri Lankan trains. Doors often stay open, and leaning out for photographs or sitting in the doorway causes serious injuries every year. Keep children well away from the doors and hold on when moving between carriages.
Bring snacks and water, because catering on trains is limited, though vendors sell short-eats, peanuts and tea at stations and on board. Keep small notes for these purchases and for the tuk-tuk at the far end.
Planning a train weekend
Plan a train weekend from Colombo around the timetable, which changes; check current times before booking. Lankan Stays & Trails can arrange tickets where available, a driver to meet you at the destination station or a car for the return leg.
A good combination is the train out and a car back, especially for Kandy and the hills, which gives scenery one way and flexibility the other.
- →Check current timetables.
- →Train out, car back.
- →Tuk-tuk from the station to the hotel.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a weekend trip from Colombo by train?
You can take a weekend trip from Colombo by train to Galle, Bentota, Hikkaduwa or Kandy, all roughly 2 to 3 hours away. The coastal line runs beside the sea, and the main line climbs to Kandy. Book reserved seats ahead where possible for weekends.
How long is the train from Colombo to Galle?
The train from Colombo Fort to Galle takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours on the coastal line, depending on the service. Express trains stop less often. Sit on the right-hand side heading south for sea views, and travel outside commuter hours if possible.
How long is the train from Colombo to Kandy?
The train from Colombo Fort to Kandy takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours, climbing the Kadugannawa incline through paddy fields and hills. Some services have observation carriages, which sell out quickly. Book reserved seats ahead for weekends and holidays.
How do I book train tickets in Sri Lanka?
Book reserved train seats in Sri Lanka through Sri Lanka Railways' official channels, at stations or through an agent. Popular weekend and holiday trains can sell out. Unreserved tickets are sold at the station on the day. Check current booking arrangements before you travel.
Is the train safe in Sri Lanka?
Trains in Sri Lanka are generally safe, but doors often stay open. Never lean out or sit in the doorway for photographs, which causes serious injuries every year. Keep children away from the doors, watch your bags in crowded carriages and hold on when moving between carriages.
Which side of the train is best from Colombo to Galle?
The right-hand side of the train is best from Colombo to Galle, facing the direction of travel, because the coastal line runs with the sea on that side for long stretches. On the return journey to Colombo, sit on the left.
Can I take the train to Ella for a weekend?
Taking the train to Ella for a weekend from Colombo is not practical, because the journey takes most of a day each way. For a weekend, choose Kandy or the coastal line, or take the train only on the scenic hill section and use a car for the rest.