Visiting Sri Lanka

Hatton Train Station

Trains from Kandy to Hatton depart from Kandy railway station in central Sri Lanka and arrive at Hatton train station in the Hill Country.

There are one or two daily departures on this route. One train leaves Hatton railway station in the early evening, and another in the very early morning.

The travel time from Kandy to Hatton is 2h52m to 3h37m. Delays are very common on this route, and the journey often takes several hours longer than the stated time.

There are 3 classes of seats on trains from Kandy to Hatton. First class has an observation carriage that has backward-facing seats that offer great views of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country.

The observation carriage is a spectacular experience, and highly recommended for anyone visiting Sri Lanka. Due to its popularity, make sure you book well in advance in peak periods if you want to travel in the observation car.

Ticket prices for trains from Kandy to Hatton are 220 rupees for 1st class, 110 rupees for 2nd class, and 65 rupees for 3rd class.

Hatton Train Station

Trains from Hatton to Kandy depart from Hatton train station in the Hill Country and arrive at Kandy railway station in central Sri Lanka.

There are two departures every morning, and a third departure from Monday through Friday in the evening. The travel time from Hatton to Kandy is 2h49m to 3h43m if there aren’t delays.

There are 3 classes of seats on trains from Hatton to Kandy. First class seats are in a unique observation carriage that allows people to sit backwards for better views of the Hill Country. Book well in advance in peak periods if you want to travel in the observation car.

Fares for tickets for trains from Hatton to Kandy are 65 rupees for third class, 110 for second class, and 220 for first class.

Colombo Train Station

Trains from Ella to Colombo depart from Ella train station in the Hill Country and arrive at Colombo Fort train station.

There are usually three departures each day: two in the morning and one in the evening. The travel time ranges from 8h47m to 10h08m, and longer if you are delayed.

There are three classes of seats on trains from Ella to Colombo. The great first class seats are located in an observation carriage. Passengers in this carriage sit facing backwards to see the views. The carriage is very popular, so book in advance in the high season.

Tickets for trains from Ella to Colombo are 190 rupees for third class, 350 rupees for second class, and 640 rupees for first class.