The Kandy to Ella train is one of Sri Lanka’s great travel experiences.
It curls through tea plantations, cloud forest and mountain villages, and is normally one of the cheapest ways to travel between the two destinations.
There is one important catch at present.
Cyclone Ditwah caused extensive damage to Sri Lanka’s hill-country railway in late 2025, and the complete Kandy to Ella route is not currently open.
As of October 2026, trains are running between Nanu Oya and Ella, but damaged sections between Kandy and Nanu Oya prevent a direct journey.
You can still experience part of it.
Travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or Nanu Oya by road, then board a train for the dramatic high-altitude section to Ella.
Here is how to plan it, plus how the normal journey works once the line reopens…
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Is the Kandy to Ella Train Running Now?
No direct Kandy to Ella train is operating as of October 2026.
Cyclone Ditwah caused landslides, washouts and rockfalls across the Upcountry Railway Line.
Services have resumed between Colombo Fort and Peradeniya or Gampola after repairs to 103 damaged points, but trains between Peradeniya and Kandy remain suspended because work on the Peradeniya Black Bridge is incomplete.
Further gaps remain between Gampola and Nawalapitiya and between Hatton and Nanu Oya.
The latest reopening therefore does not create a continuous railway from Kandy to Ella.
The Nanu Oya to Badulla section, which passes through Ella, reopened on 20 June 2026.
Travellers can therefore still ride across the high plateau through Ambewela, Pattipola, Ohiya, Haputale and Bandarawela.
| Section | Status in October 2026 | What it Means for Travellers… |
| Kandy to Peradeniya | Closed | Kandy station is not connected to the restored main-line services |
| Peradeniya/Gampola to Nanu Oya | Partly closed | No continuous train journey to Nanu Oya |
| Nanu Oya to Ella | Open | Scenic trains are operating |
| Ella to Badulla | Open | Useful for continuing to Demodara or Badulla |
Check the Sri Lanka Railways website and reservation portal immediately before booking, but be aware restoration dates and temporary timetables can change, particularly during periods of heavy rain.
How Best to Travel from Kandy to Ella During the Closure
The most rewarding current option combines a road transfer with the working railway.
Take a bus, shared transfer, taxi or hired car from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, then continue approximately 8km to Nanu Oya station.
Allow around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic, weather and stops.
I would travel the previous day and spend a night in Nuwara Eliya, rather than gamble on a tight connection. Mountain roads and punctuality are not always best friends!
Published temporary arrangements from Nanu Oya have included departures at approximately 9am and 2.30pm, taking roughly 2.5 hours to Ella.
Use this information only as a planning guide and always confirm your train through the official timetable or reservation search as well.
If the timing does not work, buses connect Kandy and Ella, usually with a change, while a private car is the easiest door-to-door alternative.
How the Kandy to Ella Journey Usually Works
Normally, daytime express trains from Colombo towards Badulla call at Kandy or nearby Peradeniya before continuing to Ella.
The best-known services are the Podi Menike and Udarata Menike.
A normal journey takes around 6-7 hours.
Timetables issued when the service was running, placed the Podi Menike at Kandy at about 8.55am and Ella around 3pm, with the Udarata Menike leaving later and arriving in the late afternoon.
These are not current departure times. Once through services restart, wait for Sri Lanka Railways to publish its new timetable.
Main Stations on the Route
The line normally runs through Gampola, Nawalapitiya, Hatton, Nanu Oya, Pattipola, Ohiya, Haputale and Bandarawela.
Nanu Oya serves Nuwara Eliya, while Hatton is used for Adam’s Peak.
Pattipola is Sri Lanka’s highest broad-gauge station, and the descent towards Ella brings memorable mountain views.
Kandy station is close to the city centre, while Ella station is walkable from many guesthouses.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, or earlier for an unreserved ticket.
Kandy to Ella Tickets & Costs
Sri Lanka Railways sells reserved seats online from 30 days before travel and, subject to availability, until 2 hours before departure.
Popular trains can sell out soon after release, so set a diary reminder.
The official system requires an account and passport details.
You can reserve up to 5 seats per transaction and pay by major card. Keep the e-ticket and booking passport accessible.
These official reserved-seat fares took effect in August 2022, so check for revisions when services resume.
| Class | Published Reserved Fare | Best for |
| 1st class | LKR 2,500 | Air conditioning and a quieter carriage |
| 2nd class reserved | LKR 1,700 | Comfort, opening windows and good value |
| 3rd class reserved | LKR 1,200 | The cheapest guaranteed seat |
Unreserved fares have historically been lower. The official fare table lists Kandy to Ella at LKR 1,200 in 1st class, LKR 600 in 2nd class and LKR 300 in 3rd class, although carriage types vary.
Check the official portal before paying an inflated reseller price. Third-party services sell convenience, not a superior train.
Which Class Should You Book?
2nd class reserved is the sweet spot – an allocated seat, opening windows and a livelier atmosphere than air-conditioned 1st class.
1st class is comfortable, but sealed windows can frustrate photographers.
3rd class reserved guarantees a cheaper seat, while unreserved carriages can be crowded enough to leave you standing for hours.
You may not be able to choose a side, but the scenery shifts anyway. Do not panic if your seat differs from an ancient forum recommendation.
Practical Tips for the Kandy to Ella Train
Pack Food, Water and a Warm Layer
Bring water, food and a light layer.
Vendors are not guaranteed, and the hill country can feel surprisingly cool beside an open window.
Keep Your Plans Flexible
Avoid a time-sensitive transfer or tour after arrival.
Delays are common and weather disruption remains possible.
Travel Light
Luggage space is limited.
A backpack is easier than a suitcase the size of a small bungalow.
Secure your bag and keep valuables close.
Enjoy the View Safely
Hanging outside a moving carriage is dangerous.
Keep your body inside, watch for branches and tunnels, and never block a doorway for a photograph.
The tea plantations will survive without your action-hero audition.
Stay Overnight Near Nanu Oya During the Closure
Until direct trains return, a night in Nuwara Eliya makes the journey more relaxed and leaves time for a tea estate visit.
Is the Kandy to Ella Train Worth It?
Absolutely.
Even during the closure, Nanu Oya to Ella preserves much of the magic – high tea country, forested slopes, small stations and wonderfully slow travel.
Build flexibility into your itinerary and verify the latest position before departure.
Book a reserved seat if possible, choose second class for comfort and character, and treat the timetable as a hopeful suggestion rather than a solemn promise.
People Also Ask About Kandy to Ella
Is the Kandy to Ella Train Currently Running?
No direct service is operating as of October 2026 because sections between Kandy and Nanu Oya remain damaged or under repair.
Trains are operating between Nanu Oya and Ella, so travellers can reach Nanu Oya by road and continue by rail.
How Long Does the Kandy to Ella Train Take?
Under normal operations, the journey takes approximately 6-7 hours.
The currently operating Nanu Oya to Ella section takes roughly 2.5 hours, although delays are possible.
How Much is the Train from Kandy to Ella?
Sri Lanka Railways’ published reserved fares are LKR 2,500 for 1st class, LKR 1,700 for 2nd class and LKR 1,200 for 3rd class.
These official rates date from August 2022, so confirm the price when full services resume.
When Can I Book Kandy to Ella Train Tickets?
Sri Lanka Railways says advance reservations open 30 days before travel and can be made online until 2 hours before departure, subject to availability.
Book as soon as seats are released for popular dates.
Which Class is Best for the Kandy to Ella Train?
2nd class reserved is the best option for most travellers because it combines an allocated seat with opening windows and a more local atmosphere.
1st class has air conditioning, while 3rd class reserved is the best budget choice.
What is the Best Side of the Kandy to Ella Train?
Views appear on both sides and change as the track twists through the mountains.
Rather than obsessing over a particular side, book a reserved seat, keep your camera ready and use shared door or window spaces considerately.
Practical Tips for Visiting Sri Lanka
Getting There
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) offers flights from across the world.
As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.
Best eSIM for Sri Lanka
Holafly offer unlimited data eSIMs for Sri Lanka that are perfect for staying connected across the country.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offer simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Heymondo offers extensive cover for medical emergencies, cancellations, lost luggage and adventure activities, plus there’s 24/7 assistance if anything goes wrong while you’re away.
Travel Money
Sri Lanka use the Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR).
I always travel with my Wise card, which makes spending abroad cheaper with real exchange rates and no sneaky transaction or ATM fees.
Get your Wise card here.
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My trip was gifted by Sri Lanka tourism but, as always, all views are my own.
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