The hill-country train to Ella is one of the most famous rail journeys in the world. But since Cyclone Ditwah hit Sri Lanka in late 2025, the full route from Colombo and Kandy has not been running. Here is the situation as of late October 2026, and how to plan around it.
Always check the latest status with Sri Lanka Railways before you travel. Sections are reopening in stages, and plans have shifted more than once.
What’s running now
- Nanu Oya to Ella and Badulla: running. This stretch, through Haputale and over the Nine Arches Bridge, reopened in June 2026. It is the most scenic part of the whole line.
- Colombo and Kandy to Nanu Oya: not running. Repairs to cyclone damage continue, and the Main Line was suspended again in late October 2026. Engineers have estimated that more of the line could reopen around December 2026, but there is no confirmed date.
How to ride the train to Ella right now
- Get to Nuwara Eliya or Nanu Oya by road. From Kandy it is a scenic drive of a few hours through tea country, by private car, shared shuttle or bus.
- Board at Nanu Oya. The station is just outside Nuwara Eliya. Reserved seats can be booked in advance through Sri Lanka Railways; unreserved tickets are sold at the station on the day.
- Sit on the right-hand side heading towards Ella for many of the best views.
- Get off at Ella, or stay on to Badulla. The journey to Ella takes a few hours.
This route actually has an upside: you get a night in Nuwara Eliya, with Horton Plains and the tea factories on your doorstep.
A working tea estate on the road into Nuwara Eliya, with free factory tours, tea tasting and views over the plantations.
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Sri Lanka’s sacred mountain, climbed overnight by pilgrims of every faith to watch sunrise from the summit.
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Nuwara Eliya’s lakeside park, with boat rides, pony rides and walking paths, popular with local families.
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Other ways to get from Kandy to Ella
- Private car or driver: the most comfortable option, around four to five hours, with stops at tea factories and waterfalls on the way.
- Shared shuttle: a good middle ground for solo travellers; book a couple of days ahead in peak season.
- Public bus: the cheapest option, slower and busier, usually via Nuwara Eliya.
If you’re visiting
- Build your route as Kandy, then Nuwara Eliya by road, then the train to Ella. You lose nothing scenic.
- Peak season seats sell out; book reserved seats as early as you can.
- Be wary of anyone selling “guaranteed” Kandy–Ella train tickets while the line is closed.
If you live in Sri Lanka
- A long weekend of Nuwara Eliya plus the train to Ella and back is a great trip while the full line is down.
- Weekday trains are far quieter than weekends and school holidays.
- Follow Sri Lanka Railways’ official channels for reopening announcements.
Plan the rest of your hill-country trip with our Ella page and Nuwara Eliya page.