Sri Lanka Train Booking: Kandy to Ella via Nuwara Eliya, time table and tickets

The train journey from Kandy to Ella is renowned for its breathtaking views of lush tea plantations, dense forests, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls, making it one of the most picturesque train rides globally

One of the most popular tourist activities in Sri Lanka is riding the train, and in this blog post, we’ll cover all the information you need to know about this journey from tickets to online booking to food on board.

Kandy to Ella train booking

Three trains operate from Kandy to Ella daily, with the journey time ranging between six and seven hours. The train numbers are 1126, 1005 (Express Train), and 1015 (Express Train).

Sri Lanka runs two special trains between Kandy and Ella for tourists and locals to enjoy a fun and thrilling train journey: the Ella Odyssey Train and the Dunhinda Odyssey Train.

Kandy to Ella train time table for Special tourist trains:

Ella Odyssey Train (Train No: 1041): It runs on Monday, Thursday and Saturday, starts from Kandy around 8:10 AM. Kandy to Ella train tickets for this special train cost as follows:

First Class AC: LKR 8,000
Second Class: LKR 6, 000

Dunhinda Odyssey Train (Train No: 1001): It runs on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, starts from Colombo Fort at 5:30 AM. Kandy to Ella train tickets for this special train cost as follows:

First Class AC: LKR 7, 000
Second Class: LKR 5, 000

_{(Based on our most recent experience in Sri Lanka in January 2025, the seats on the Dunhinda Odyssey are incredibly comfortable, and coffee and refreshments are frequently sold by vendors. On this train, at least, you could order a lunch meal too. )}

Nuwara Eliya

When we visited Sri Lanka in January 2025, Nuwara Eliya was the highlight of our eight-day trip. It is Sri Lanka’s countryside and the coldest city of the island nation. The city’s temperate climate and British-village like charm have earned it the nickname “Little England.” When traveling from Kandy to Ella, Nuwara Eliya is conveniently located along the route.

While Nuwara Eliya doesn’t have its own railway station, the nearest station is Nanu Oya, approximately 8-10 km away from the city centre. Travellers can take a train from Kandy to Nanu Oya and then use local transportation, such as taxis or tuk tuks, to reach Nuwara Eliya.

Kandy to Nuwara Eliya train

Four trains runs from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya daily. The train numbers of the said trains are: 1126, 1005, 1015, 1023. And on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, you can also travel from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by Dunhinda Odyssey (Train No: 1001).

Nuwara Eliya to Ella train

Nuwara Eliya falls between Kandy and Ella in the scenic train journey and the following trains daily go from Nanu Oya, the closest railway station from Nuwara Eliya, to Ella: 1045 (Night Mail), 1126, 1005 (Express Train), and 1015 (Express Train), 1007 (Express Train). On Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, you can also take the Dunhinda Odyssey train (Train No: 1001).

There are several photo stops during the Ella Odyssey and Dunhinda Odyssey train trip between Kandy and Ella as the train slows down or stops for a bit to allow passengers to take pictures and videos.

Scenic points before Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya railway station):

Horsetail Waterfall view point, Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) view point and St Clair Waterfall view point. Here, the train only slows down.

Scenic points after Nuwara Eliya and before Ella:

Elgin Falls view point, Summit Level, No 18 Tunnel, Kithal Ella Waterfall view point and Nine Arches Bridge. The train definitely halts for about 10 minutes at the Instagram-worthy hotspot – Nine Arches Bridge.

You can book your Sri Lanka train tickets using this website: Sri Lanka train booking.

Looking to plan a trip to Sri Lanka? Get in touch and we’ll help you plan a smooth and memorable trip. Our packages include visa, accommodations, meals, activities and transport for sightseeing and inter-city travel.