The Kandy to Ella train is often called the most beautiful railway journey in the world — a slow climb through Sri Lanka’s hill country, past endless tea plantations, misty mountains, waterfalls and the famous Nine Arches Bridge. But in 2026 there is one thing you absolutely need to know before you build your itinerary around it: part of the route is currently suspended. Here is the complete, up-to-date guide — tickets, prices, best seats, and the real experience, mapped from a couple who actually rode it end to end.
Watch the real journey first
This guide is mapped from the journey of Alin and Alexandra of Haida în Lume, a Romanian travel couple who filmed the full Kandy → Ella ride — the station chaos, the open doors, the tea fields and the arrival in Ella. Watch their experience, then use the guide below to plan your own:
What their journey teaches you (mapped)
- Book reserved seats ~1 month ahead. Their number one warning: online tickets must be purchased when reservations open (30 days before travel). They didn’t — and ended up in unreserved 2nd/3rd class: packed, no seats, and the train runs with the doors open.
- Expect a long day. The timetable says ~7 hours; their ride took closer to 8 hours. Bring water, snacks and patience.
- The scenery is the point. Tea plantations, cloud forest and a string of waterfalls — the section after Nanu Oya is the highlight (and it’s exactly the part running in 2026).
- Ella is no longer a sleepy mountain village. They arrived to crowds, hostels and restaurants everywhere. Come for the hikes and views, not for untouched Sri Lanka — or base yourself in quieter Haputale (they later spent 3 weeks there).
Tickets & prices (June 2026)
| Class | Price (LKR) | Approx. USD | Worth it? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st class (reserved) | 1,200 | ~$4 | A/C, guaranteed seat — but windows don’t open |
| 2nd class reserved | 600 | ~$2 | Best balance: opening windows + a seat |
| 3rd class reserved | 300 | ~$1 | Cheapest reserved option, great views |
| 2nd/3rd unreserved | 300–600 | ~$1–2 | No seat guarantee — this is what the couple got |
How to book
- Online: Sri Lanka Railways opens reservations 30 days before travel. In high season (December–March, July–August) book the day sales open; shoulder season a week ahead is usually fine.
- At the station: unreserved tickets are sold on the day — you will almost certainly stand.
- Via an agent/platform: costs a little more, saves the 4:30am refresh.
Which side of the train to sit
Locals’ trick: right side from Kandy to Nanu Oya, left side from Nanu Oya to Ella (facing the direction of travel) — that keeps the valley drop-offs and tea terraces on your window. About 10 minutes before Ella the train crosses the Nine Arches Bridge; the doorway between carriages gives the classic curving-away shot.
What to do in Ella (2–3 days)
- Day 1 — Nine Arches Bridge: go at sunrise (crowds explode later; avoid weekends). Time it with a train crossing for the iconic photo — it’s far more impressive from the ground than from the train itself.
- Day 2 — Little Adam’s Peak: easy-to-moderate hike, 20–30 minutes from the trailhead; sunrise is the moment. Free.
- Day 3 — Ella Rock: the tougher hike, with views over Ella Gap and Little Adam’s Peak.
Best time to go
The hill country dry season is December to April — clear skies and the best visibility for the bridge and the hikes. July–August is also popular (and busy). April–June and September–November are quieter, greener, with more rain — and much easier train bookings.
FAQ
Is the Kandy to Ella train running in 2026?
Partially. After Cyclone Ditwah (Nov 2025), the Nanu Oya ↔ Badulla section — the most scenic part, including Ella — resumed on 20 June 2026. The Kandy end remains suspended; start from Nanu Oya/Ambewela instead.
How long does the full ride take?
Around 7 hours by timetable — real-world rides (like the one in the video) often take 8.
How far in advance should I book?
Reservations open 30 days before travel. High season: book the day they open. That is the single biggest tip from travellers who ended up standing for 8 hours.
Which class is best?
2nd class reserved — windows open, seat guaranteed, ~$2.
🎥 Journey originally filmed by Haida în Lume (follow them on Instagram @aervoh). Video embedded via YouTube’s official player — all views and revenue go to the creators. Travel with Influencers is an independent editorial project, not affiliated with or endorsed by the creators featured. Prices and schedules verified July 2026 — always confirm with official sources before travelling.
