The blue train journey in Sri Lanka has become a must-see for travelers, and it’s easy to see why!
This train ride is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It takes you through lush green mountains, endless tea plantations, cute little villages, and stunning views that will have you snapping pics the whole time.
Even though tons of people do this train ride, there are still so many questions—like where it goes, what class to pick, where the best views are, and how to grab a seat by the door.
Here’s everything you need to know!
For the complete guide to Sri Lanka, click here.
Where Does the Train Go?
Dambulla → Kandy → Nuwara Eliya → Ella (or the opposite direction)
The most popular route is from Kandy to Ella, but you can also split your trip in Nuwara Eliya.
The ride from Kandy to Ella takes about 7 hours, so if you can, I definitely recommend breaking it up.
Station Names:
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Elle
You can check train times on the official website.
What’s the Best Stretch of the Train Ride?
The stretch between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya (or the other way around) is usually considered the prettiest. You’ll see green tea fields all around, waterfalls, and charming valleys without too many interruptions (unlike the stretch between Nuwara Eliya and Ella).
If you do the other segment, try to sit on the left side (the side away from the platform where you board).
Click here for a guide to the lovely town of Ella.
First, Second, or Third Class?
Most people will want to go for first class. Tickets cost about 400 rupees (around 8 shekels), which isn’t bad at all. Second and third class tickets are cheaper, ranging from 80 to 150 rupees.
What’s the difference between the classes? In first class, you get a proper seat. In second and third class, you might end up standing for part of the ride.
But here’s the catch: during peak season, you can’t buy first-class tickets in advance. The ticket guy told us there were no tickets available for the next 40 days!
You can reach out to a travel agency like Visit Sri Lanka to book first-class tickets ahead of time. Even if you’re not sure if you’ll travel at that exact time, you might just lose your money.
If first-class tickets are sold out, no worries! Riding in second or third class is still amazing!
In general, the best seat is by the door because you get to see all the changing scenery. A window seat is cool too, but keep in mind you’ll be looking straight ahead and won’t have the same view as by the door.
To get tickets for these classes, it’s best to arrive at the station an hour before departure (especially during peak season) since there’ll be a line to buy tickets (according to the ticket guy, there are usually enough tickets available).
איך משיגים מקום ליד הדלת?
The trick is to let everyone else hop on first—let them get in, then board last so you can grab a seat by the door.
Most of the ride, we stood, but for a bit, we got to sit with our legs hanging out the door (just be careful and lift them up sometimes to avoid getting hit by the wild plants along the tracks).
On our journey, most folks stood the whole time since the train stopped at several stations, but no one got off (the second class was packed with tourists heading to the next hot spot). A local tour guide suggested we ride in third class instead since that’s where the locals get off at every stop.
His advice turned out to be spot on! For the second segment, we bought third-class tickets (which looked just like second class), and by the first and second stops, the train had emptied out a bit, letting the standing passengers rush to the local seats. We were lucky to sit by the door because the girls who were there weren’t too excited about the views (as I mentioned, it’s the less scenic segment, especially if you leave later in the morning), and then we moved to sit inside.
Bottom line—if you can score first-class tickets, go for it. If not, get to the station an hour early and buy third-class tickets. Try to board last so you can stand or sit by the door and enjoy those breathtaking views. And don’t forget to charge your phone and camera—you won’t want to miss a shot!
Extra Tips:
Food and Drinks: Bring some snacks for the ride! While there are vendors on the train selling snacks like Lundo and fruits, it’s better to bring a sandwich and some water from the station.
Get Your Camera Ready: The views along the way are simply amazing—you’ll be snapping photos nonstop! Just make sure to charge your phone and camera before you set off.
Got questions? Hit me up on Facebook or Instagram, and I’d be happy to help!
For more info about traveling in Sri Lanka, click here.
