Train travel in Sri Lanka is a unique experience. The railway network stretches across scenic hill country, untouched countryside, and secluded beaches off the Indian Ocean. The trains still run on the legendary route built in the 19th century. Whichever route you choose, you are assured of an unforgettable journey.
Three popular Train Journeys:
Colombo Fort to Badulla or Kandy to Ella is the most popular railway track among tourists as this passes across famous tea plantation and scenic landscapes in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Most people take the scenic Kandy to Ella station leg.
Three trains leave Colombo on this line, daily:
- Train 1 – 5.55 am with 1st class compartments with air conditioning, 2nd class compartments and 3rd class compartments.
- Train 2 – 8.30 am train with 1st class compartments with air conditioning, 2nd class compartments and 3rd class compartments.
- Train 3 – 9.45 am train with observation compartment, two privately operated air conditioned saloon type compartments, 2nd class compartments and 3rd class compartments.
Colombo Fort to the historical city of Galle
There are a couple of trains during the day on which you could book 2nd and 3rd class seats. An intercity train from Colombo Maradana to Galle leaves Colombo Maradana station at 4.45 pm.
Colombo – Batticaloa – Trincomalee
This train leaves the Colombo fort railway station at 6.05 am and arrives at the Galoya Junction station at 11.19 am at which point you have to change the train if you are going to Trincomalee. A local train to Trincomalee waits for the main train and leaves Gal Oya at 11.30 am. There is only one day time train to Batticaloa and Trincomalee.
