Sri Lanka · SCENIC TRAIN RIDES IN COLOMBO
The good scenic train rides in Colombo here go early: the dawn slots first, the reserved seats next. Below are the 10 worth planning a stop around, what each includes and where they differ.
See Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge, tea country, waterfalls, train views, Little Adam’s Peak, and zipline in one demanding 16-hour day.
“Krish was an excellent driver - very friendly, polite and accommodating. Great tour with private transportation.”
Review of reserved Colombo to Kandy train tickets, with scenic views, two departures, digital delivery, practical tips, and honest value advice.
“We did’nt have time to buy ourselves the tickets so it was the best option for us. The tickets’s delivery could not be easier, and the train journey was absolutely stunning ! Thanks !”
Review this 2-day Sri Lanka tour from Colombo to Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, with a blue train ride, temples, tea country, and practical tips.
“I got a completely different experience than almost every other review here. My guide wasn’t really a guide at all but more like a private driver. He didn’t really say a word the entire 2 days to me as he didn’t speak english well. But he was a great driver, always on time, and dropped me off and picked me up everywhere like clockwork. I accepted that I basically paid for a private chauffeur for two days which is fine. Still had a good time seeing all the sights, and as promised, they took care of all train tickets, hotel, etc.”
Reserve a second or third class seat on Sri Lanka’s scenic Nanuoya to Ella train, with paper tickets delivered to your hotel.
“Very good views and it was a memorable ride. Seats were comfortable. A little anxiety for not receiving the physical tickets earlier but it was still on time. It was confusing to find the seat numbers but we reached out to the uniformed staff to ask. Overall, the train ride really opened up our hearts to see endless hills and beautiful scenary of Sri Lanka.”
Compare this $14.80 Colombo to Kandy train transfer, with reserved seats, scenic views, e-tickets, and practical booking advice.
“The train going was the 'express', meaning it had minimal stops. The scenery was very enjoyable. The return was cancelled so we were an hour late leaving so it was dark with no views, stopped at every station imaginable and took nearly 4 tedious hours. No fun at all on the return.”
Ride Sri Lanka’s scenic train to Ohiya, hike Horton Plains to World’s End and Baker Falls, with private transport and a guide.
“It’s sheer delight riding in Aashik’s car—superb driving skills. He is also conversational and informative while driving, willing to share his insights into Sri Lankan society and culture.”
Review the Colombo to Badulla Udarata Menike train ride, with class choices, timing, mountain views, costs, food tips, and booking advice.
“We travelled to nanuoya in morning train. 1st class is good and well maintained. A/C with rotating seats to face the direction train moves is a value addition. Food vendor's visits time to time tempt you to taste some they offer. Good if you could carry your own food and drinks.”
Review of a Colombo or Negombo day tour to Galle with a coastal train, Galle Fort, Madu River Safari, turtles, beaches, and private transport.
“Long but really rewarding day full of unique experiences. Indika was an excellent driver and guide and was very flexible and accommodating. A really nice person to spend all day with. The stilt fishermen was a highlight as well as the train ride from Galle.”
Review of Sri Lanka’s private Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella train, and safari tour, including transport, price, tickets, safety, value, and practical tips.
Review the Colombo to Habarana train ride, with scenic views, reserved seats, practical booking advice, costs, timing, and transfer tips for Sigiriya.
“I wanted to get to Sigiriya by slow travel so i took the train.It is a beautiful journey from Colombo to Habarana and then a shortish tuk tuk to Sigiriya.The train cost is next to nothing,about 3 dollars as against 70 for a taxi and much more enjoyable.”
Every kind of day out on the island, and the best of each.
