Nine Arches Bridge spanning across a lush tropical valley. The bridge is made of weathered gray stone or brick and features classic colonial architecture. People can be seen walking along the top of the bridge, and there's a tunnel entrance visible at one end. The surrounding landscape is filled with palm trees, banana plants, and dense tropical vegetation.

Badulla to Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka Train Journey

ByMelissa Kruse Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

The train from Kandy to Ella is arguably the most famous thing to do in Sri Lanka. While the 7-8 hour scenic journey is more than worth the views, we did an abbreviated version that I can definitely recommend as it covers the “most beautiful” views of the ride.

We started in Badulla, which is about a 45 minute drive from Ella, in order to be at the train from its first stop. We got off the train at Nanu Oya to spend a couple days in the quiet peaceful mountain town of Nuwara Eliya, while most people continued on to Kandy.

FAQs for train travel from Badulla to Nuwara Eliya

Breaking down some helpful info for traveling by train in Sri Lanka.

Where to buy train tickets in Sri Lanka?

We bought reserved 3rd class tickets on 12go.asia ahead of time and picked up our tickets at the M ticket window at another train station a few days prior to our trip. Note: you’ll need your passport for ticket pickup.

The train gets quite crowded so having reserved seats guarantees you have somewhere to sit for the long journey. 3rd class was the only available class for reserved seats when we booked since we’d booked the same week. You can get up and walk to the doors to get better views and feel the fresh mountain air. Be sure to take turns with other people at the doors so everyone gets a chance to see and take pictures.

If you have unreserved tickets, the cars can get jam packed and the long journey probably won’t be very comfortable. So be sure to book your tickets in advance so you don’t get stuck with 3rd class unreserved seats (which are usually the only tickets available the day of).

What class tickets should I buy for the train in Sri Lanka?

I advise against 1st class because the doors and windows don’t open due to the AC, which is not ideal for photography. Other than that, the class doesn’t matter all that much in terms of comfort. The most important part is that you buy reserved seats, regardless of class, that guarantees you have a seat and won’t need to stand.

View of Nine Arches Bridge in Ella with a train crossing from a cafe on the hill.

What’s the best train route for sight seeing in Sri Lanka?

Typically people do the Kandy to Ella route in either direction:
🚂 Kandy →  Ella
🚂 Ella →  Kandy

If you don’t want to do the entire Ella to Kandy all in one day, you could break it up and do Ella to Nuwara Eliya for about a four hour train journey. Then stop and spend a day in Nuwara Eliya before continuing on to Kandy.
🚂 Kandy →  Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya)  →  Ella
🚂 Ella →  Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya)  →  Kandy

In this route you start at Badulla (the stop before Ella), which takes you across the Nine Arches Bridge as you enter into Ella. If you start or end at Ella you won’t cross the bridge on the train ride.
🚂Badulla →  Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya)  →  Kandy

Pro traveler tips:
🔹Sri Lankan trains are notorious for running late but our train left Badulla (the first stop on the route) on time so still show up on time.
🔹The full route of the train starts in Colombo and ends in Badulla or vice versa. It is estimated to take just over 10 hours for this full journey. The most common route is Kandy to Ella.
🔹The train station closest to Nuwara Eliya is called Nanu Oya. There are tuks tuks waiting in the parking lot to take you into town from there.

Train station in Badulla, Sri Lanka.

Is there food and drink on trains in Sri Lanka?

Bring a water bottle so you can stay hydrated on the long journey. There will also be people selling snacks on board like samosas and little cups of chai tea.

Person holding a cup of chai tea at the window of a train in Sri Lanka.

Are there restrooms on train in Sri Lanka?

There are toilets every couple of cars, but on both train journeys we took in Sri Lanka, I successfully avoided using them. One we saw was very flooded and the other smelled pretty bad.

Sri Lanka train sign at Nuwara Eliya train station

What is the name of the railway station in Nuwara Eliya?

Nuwara Eliya does not have its own train station. You can take the train to Nanu Oya and there will be tuk tuks waiting outside the station that can take you the short distance into Nuwara Eliya.

TL;DR: Badulla to Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka Train Journey

The iconic train journey through the heart of Sri Lanka is an adventure not to be missed! Around every curve there’s stunning views of mist-covered hills, villages, tea plantations, and gushing waterfalls. Be sure to buy your ticket (for a reserved seat) in advance via 12go.co and enjoy!


Check out this post for info on what to do once you arrive in Ella, Nuwara Eliya, or Kandy.

If you want a custom itinerary designed for you to travel Sri Lanka, inquire about my travel planning services here.