Ella, known for its stunning mountain views, tea plantations, and hiking trails, is a popular hill country destination in Sri Lanka. Located 140 km (87 miles) southeast of Kandy, Ella is accessible by train, bus, private car, or taxi. This guide covers all available travel options, including travel times, costs, and tips for convenience. Don’t forget, you can easily book your tickets through our online search form at the top of the page.
Overview of Travel Options
Here are the main ways to get from Kandy to Ella:
- By Train: The most scenic and iconic option.
- By Bus: The cheapest but longer alternative.
- By Private Car or Taxi: The fastest and most comfortable choice.
- By Guided Tour: Ideal for a curated travel experience.
Let’s explore each option in detail to help you choose the best way to travel from Kandy to Ella.
Timetable
Train Kandy - Badulla $ 6.84–32.88 6h 48m – 7h 40m | |
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Train Kandy - Ella $ 6.49–28.84 5h 57m – 6h 28m | |
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Taxi Kandy - Ella $ 69.01–169.12 2h 18m – 4h | |
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Van Kandy - Ella $ 31.03–72.61 5h – 9h | |
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Taxi Peradeniya - Ella $ 101.81 3h 27m | |
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By Train: The Most Scenic and Iconic Option
Taking a train from Kandy to Ella is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, passing through lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and charming villages.
Key Details:
- Departure Station: Kandy Railway Station.
- Arrival Station: Ella Railway Station.
- Duration: 6 to 7 hours, depending on train type.
- Price: 600–2,500 LKR (~$2–$8 USD), depending on class.
- Train Types:
- Express Train (Faster, fewer stops, most scenic views).
- Normal Train (Cheaper, more stops).
- Seating Options:
- 1st Class Observation (A/C, panoramic windows, reserved seats).
- 2nd Class Reserved (A/C or non-A/C, reclining seats).
- 2nd Class Unreserved (Cheaper, no reservations, more crowded).
- 3rd Class (Cheapest, basic seating, no reservations).
- Popular Trains:
- Podi Menike (Morning departure, most scenic views).
- Udarata Menike (Afternoon departure, beautiful sunset views).
- Departure Frequency: 2–3 daily departures (morning and afternoon).
Pros:
- Most scenic travel option (~6 hours of breathtaking views).
- Comfortable seating with A/C and panoramic windows.
- No traffic delays.
- Affordable prices for a long journey.
Cons:
- Tickets sell out quickly, especially for 1st Class Observation.
- 2nd Class Unreserved and 3rd Class can be crowded.
- Limited departures per day.
Booking Tip:
For better comfort and scenic views, book a 1st Class Observation or 2nd Class Reserved seat. Use our online search form to check train schedules and secure your ticket.
By Bus: The Cheapest but Longer Alternative
For budget-conscious travelers, taking a direct bus from Kandy to Ella is the cheapest way to travel, though it takes longer than the train or private car.
Key Details:
- Route: Kandy → Badulla → Ella (Requires a transfer in Badulla).
- Departure Point: Kandy Bus Station.
- Arrival Point: Ella Town Center.
- Duration: 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.
- Price: 300–800 LKR (~$1–$3 USD), depending on bus type.
- Bus Types:
- Normal Bus (Cheaper, no A/C, basic seating).
- Semi-Luxury Bus (A/C, more comfortable, fewer stops).
- Transfer Required:
- Kandy to Badulla – ~5 to 6 hours.
- Badulla to Ella – ~1 hour by local bus or tuk-tuk.
- Departure Frequency: Every 1–2 hours from morning to evening.
Pros:
- Cheapest travel option (~300 LKR for normal buses).
- Multiple departures throughout the day.
- Direct travel without train reservations.
Cons:
- Requires a transfer in Badulla.
- Takes longer than trains (~6+ hours).
- No A/C on normal buses (Semi-Luxury buses have A/C).
- Basic seating on budget buses.
Booking Tip:
For better comfort, choose a Semi-Luxury Bus with A/C and reclining seats. Use our online search form to check bus schedules and book your ticket.
By Private Car or Taxi: The Fastest and Most Comfortable Choice
For travelers who prefer privacy, comfort, and flexibility, hiring a private car or taxi from Kandy to Ella is the most convenient choice, especially for families and groups.
Key Details:
- Departure Point: Pickup from your hotel in Kandy.
- Arrival Point: Drop-off at your hotel in Ella.
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and rest stops.
- Price: 15,000–25,000 LKR (~$45–$80 USD), depending on car type and operator.
- Taxi & Private Car Services:
- PickMe (local ride-hailing app).
- Hotel-arranged private drivers.
- Local taxi companies.
- Car Types:
- Sedan (Up to 3 passengers, more affordable).
- SUV or Van (Up to 6 passengers, more spacious).
Recommended Stops Along the Way:
- Nuwara Eliya – Scenic hill station known as “Little England”.
- Ramboda Falls – Beautiful waterfall with a viewpoint.
- Tea Plantations and Factories – Learn about Sri Lanka’s tea-making process.
Pros:
- Fastest travel option (~4 hours).
- Door-to-door service, no need for transfers.
- Comfortable for families and groups.
- Flexible travel schedule and scenic stops along the way.
Cons:
- More expensive than trains and buses.
- Traffic delays are possible.
Booking Tip:
For the best rates, book your private car in advance using our online search form.
Final Tips for Traveling from Kandy to Ella
- Best Option for Scenic Views & Experience: Train (~6 hours, from 600 LKR).
- Best Option for Budget Travelers: Bus (~300 LKR, 6+ hours).
- Best Option for Speed & Flexibility: Private Car (~15,000 LKR, 4+ hours).
- Book Early for Peak Season: Trains, buses, and private cars sell out quickly during high season (December–March and July–August).
- Luggage Tip: Pack light if taking the bus or train due to limited space.