Sri Lanka Train Travel

Written By: The Planet D

One of the most pleasant ways of traveling around Sri Lanka is by train. 

Sri Lanka is a small country so you don’t have to worry about overnight sleepers as in India and booking the train is a dream.  Just show up at the station a few minutes before your departure, buy a second class ticket and you are off!

Travel by Train Sri Lanka

The trains move slowly in Sri Lanka and you will be happy to enjoy the scenery of life as you pass.

Especially in the mountains and high country near Ella, Nuwara Eliya and Hatton. 

It chugs slowly along through Tea Plantations, dense forest and spectacular mountain Vistas.

Ella Train – Best Views

view from the train in Sri Lanka

It is important to know where to sit on the train. 

They fill up quickly and if you are on the wrong side, you may be stuck looking at a wall of high cliffs rather than deep valleys and blue skies. 

Talk to other travelers that have just arrived by train and find out what side of the train to sit on for the best view.

train travel through tea country in Sri Lanka

The train is always packed in all of Sri Lanka and if you aren’t quick to find a seat, you may be stuck in standing room only. 

People hang out the door and windows and at times I am amazed that more people haven’t fallen out or had their heads taken off by a rock or tree branch.

But they have traveled this route for years and probably know every twist and turn. Plus the slow-moving train makes you feel as if you are safe to hang off the side, not that Dave and I attempted the open concept of train travel.

man catches a moving train in Sri Lanka
That’s One Way to Catch the Train

I have yet to see a train captain come through to check tickets and between second class and general seating.

There seems to be little difference other than the seats.

The crowds can be the same in both. We even ended up in general class once enjoying an open plot of the floor by the window.

We had second class tickets, but it was so crowded, general seating ended up being more comfortable.

The atmosphere on the Train in Sri Lankda

old train station in Sri Lanka

Train travel in Sri Lanka is very relaxed. Men walk through with snacks and drinks and people chat like it is Sunday afternoon tea.

Sri Lankan trains run as they have for 50 years.  The trains haven’t changed since the colonial days of the British.  Stations are spotless and adorable.

They are old Victorian structures that still tell passengers if their train is on time by using wooden tiles that hang on the schedule post. 

Tickets are sold at the single window and you are given a stub which must be returned at the end of your journey.

train schedule and arrivals at Sri Lanka train station

Conductors walk the platform followed by the resident dog, and even the bathrooms are spotless with signs separating ladies and gents in second and general class.

I don’t think a person would have a care in the world if a general ticket holder walked into the second class ticket room.

Read about our mountain biking adventure in Sri Lanka

We really enjoy riding trains in Sri Lanka.

People are helpful when you try to find your stop and are very friendly.  The asked us questions like where are we from and do we love Sri Lanka.

They enjoyed the conversations as much as we did.

Some trains have an observation car at the back of the train. 

This is a beautiful way to travel in total comfort and take in the view without the crowds. 

You must book these cars well in advance, however, so know your travel schedule well.

train arrives at station in Sri Lanka

Cost and Information for Sri Lankan Train Travel

  • Trains are cheap in Sri Lanka tickets can range from less than 100 Rs to up to 700 Rs for the observation car.  With 112 RS equling $1 USD that is some pretty reasonable travel at les than $7 for the most expensive ticket.
  • Prices vary on length but you won’t find anything that will break the pocket book.
  • There are toilets on the trains and they really aren’t that bad.

So, if you find yourself traveling to Sri Lanka in the future, make sure to do yourself a favor and take the train around the country.

It is an amazing way to immerse yourselves with the locals and it offers spectacular views of this country filled with a rich and varied landscape.

Read More

On Safari in Sri Lanka

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

  • Safety Wing - Occasional Travelers.
  • Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine, the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

Leave a Comment

5 thoughts on “Sri Lanka Train Travel”

  1. Yep, I agree with Shawn – Sri Lanka is looking mighty tempting! Awesome video, what beautiful countryside…..and it sounds like in general train travel is much more relaxed than in India.
    .-= Trisha Miller´s last blog ..Why are you Blogging? =-.

    Reply
    • Yes train travel is definitely relaxing in Sri Lanka and it helps that the country is much smaller so you are not on it for more than a couple of hours.

      Reply
  2. Sir Lanka is looking good, a very high possibility to nest next winter.
    .-= Shawn´s last blog ..The Snow is Melted and a New Forum. =-.

    Reply