Sri Lanka Train Journeys: The Ultimate Guide

Few travel experiences are as iconic as leaning out of a bright blue train, wind in your hair, as it snakes through tea country or along golden coastlines.
In Sri Lanka, trains are not just transport — they are windows into landscapes, communities, and a slower way of travel.

At BSL Tours, we turn these rides into seamless journeys, arranging seat reservations, transfers, and extensions so you enjoy the magic without the hassle.

Kandy to Ella: The World’s Most Scenic Train

The journey from Kandy to Ella is often called the most beautiful train ride in the world.
Over 7 hours, the train winds through tea plantations, misty hills, and villages where children wave as you pass.
Highlights include:

• The Nine Arches Bridge near Ella
• Endless carpets of tea fields
• Waterfalls tumbling down green slopes

We recommend a mix of reserved first or second class seats for comfort and open-door third class moments for photos. With us, you’ll have the logistics handled, plus guided experiences at both ends — Kandy’s temples and Ella’s hiking trails.

Colombo to Galle: The Coastal Ride

This 2-3 hour journey hugs the shoreline, sometimes so close that waves crash just metres from the tracks.
It is the most scenic way to reach the south coast resorts of Galle, Unawatuna, and Mirissa.
We often pair this with luxury beach stays or whale watching in Mirissa.

Colombo to Jaffna: The Northern Journey

The northern line to Jaffna reveals a very different side of Sri Lanka.
Crossing lagoons, palmyra fields, and cultural heartlands, it is both scenic and deeply historic.
For travellers wanting to go beyond the tourist trail, this journey is a rewarding window into Tamil culture and heritage.

Practical Tips for Train Travel

• Book Early: Popular routes sell out fast. We secure reserved seats in advance.
• Best Classes: First class for comfort, second class for local atmosphere, third class for adventurous photographers.
• Luggage: Travel light — we arrange luggage transfers by car if needed.
• Timing: Morning trains offer clearer views; afternoons are more relaxed.

When to Travel

• Hill Country (Kandy–Ella): Year-round, but best in the dry season (Jan–Apr, Jul–Sep).
• South Coast (Colombo–Galle): Best Dec–Apr for beach weather.
• North (Jaffna): Best May–Sep for dry, sunny conditions.

We align your train journeys with your overall route, so every leg flows smoothly.

Travel With Us: The BSL Tours Experience

We handle:

• Seat reservations and upgrades
• Private transfers to and from stations
• Luggage forwarding between hotels
• Extensions (tea factory visits, hiking, coastal escapes)
• Personalised itineraries pairing trains with safaris, beaches, and culture

Why Sri Lanka’s Trains Belong on Your Journey

Riding the rails in Sri Lanka is more than a way to move — it’s a way to feel the rhythm of the island.
From misty tea country mornings to sunsets over the Indian Ocean, the trains connect travellers not just to places, but to experiences.

With BSL Tours, your train journey becomes part of a story — one where every detail is curated, and every view is unforgettable.

Ready to Ride?

Join our Epic Sri Lanka Train Journey, or extend your beach holiday with the Sri Lanka Hill Country & Tea Trails. With BSL Tours, the journey is as beautiful as the destination.