The Kandy to Ella train is one of the most famous rail journeys in the world. It is also slow, often delayed, and reserved seats sell out weeks ahead. A private car takes a different road through the tea country with its own highlights. Many travelers end up combining the two.
The quick comparison
| Private car | Scenic train | |
|---|---|---|
| Time | About 4.5 to 5 hours with stops | About 6.5 to 7 hours, delays are common |
| Tickets | No tickets, leave when you want | Reserved seats sell out early |
| Luggage | Door to door | You carry it on and off |
| Stops | Waterfalls, tea factories, Nuwara Eliya | Views from the window |
The road: what you see by car
- Ramboda Falls and the Ramboda Pass.
- A working tea factory and tea tasting near Nuwara Eliya.
- Nuwara Eliya town and Gregory Lake.
- Hill-country viewpoints on the descent to Ella.
The best of both: train part of the way
The most scenic section of the railway is between Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya) and Ella, about 3 hours. A popular plan is to drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya with stops, take the train from Nanu Oya to Ella, and let your driver bring the luggage and meet you at Ella station. You get the famous train views without the long, crowded first half or the worry about bags.
Train ticket tips
- Reserved seats can be booked in advance through Sri Lanka Railways; they go fast in high season.
- Unreserved second and third-class tickets are sold at the station on the day, but carriages can be very full.
Booking the car
Send your date, hotel in Kandy, hotel in Ella, and whether you want to combine the trip with the train. You get a fixed price per car. More on the Ella destination page and the Nuwara Eliya page.