Train Tickets from Nanuoya/ Ambewela (NuwaraEliya) to Ella
Central Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
- 3 to 4 hours (approx.)
Overview
The train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is one of the world’s most scenic rail trips, making it a must for experiencing the full beauty of Sri Lanka’s heartlands. Skip the headache of buying the right tickets for the journey with this reservation package, which books your tickets across your choice of coach class, and delivers the e-versions direct to you in advance. All you then need do is settle aboard and soak up the scenery—easy.
- Reserve your scenic train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella
- Fuss-free way to take epic ride past lush tea fields, waterfalls, and peaks
- Choose tickets across various classes to suit your budget and tastes
- No FOMO: relax knowing your tickets and journey are prebooked
What's Included
- Reserved Train Seats
- All Fees and Taxes
- Anything NOT mentioned under Inclusions
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Ambewela Railway StationWorld's End Road, Ambewela, Sri Lanka
You will start your train ride from Ambewela railway station
End point
- Railway Station - Ella | දුම්රිය ස්ථානය - ඇල්ලV2GW+7RG, Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Hwy, Ella, Sri Lanka
Your ride will end in Ella railway station
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 70 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
sanica_c
This was truly one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life! From the moment we boarded the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, I knew this wasn’t going to be just another ride — it was going to be a memory I’d cherish forever. 💙
The morning mist was still hanging over the tea plantations, and the cool mountain breeze carried the scent of fresh leaves and rain. As the train started moving, everything outside the window looked like a painting come alive — rolling hills blanketed with emerald tea gardens, tiny villages tucked between mountains, and smiling locals waving at the passing train. 🌄🍃
We were so lucky to get the exact train we wanted — the blue one everyone dreams about when they think of Sri Lanka’s hill country! It felt surreal to finally be there, sitting by the open doors, watching the world glide by slowly. Every curve of the track brought a new view more beautiful than the last — waterfalls cascading through the forest, clouds floating low enough to touch, and endless carpets of green that stretched till the horizon.
The best part? The vibe inside the train. People from all over the world — laughing, sharing snacks, hanging out by the doors to catch that perfect wind-in-your-hair shot. 📸✨ There was music, chatter, and an unspoken feeling that everyone was collectively experiencing something magical.
I honestly can’t thank our travel planner enough for making everything so easy for us. 😇 From getting the right seats to ensuring everything was on time, it all went so smoothly. It’s one thing to read about this ride, but to actually experience it — that’s something else.
As we approached Ella, the sun broke through the clouds, lighting up the hills in gold. I remember thinking, this is what peace looks like. The journey didn’t feel like just a few hours; it felt like stepping into a dream — one where nature whispered stories and time slowed down. 🌥️🍃
If you ever visit Sri Lanka, please, please take this train ride. Don’t rush it. Sit by the window, hang by the door, let the wind tangle your hair, and just be there. Because sometimes, the journey truly is the destination. ❤️
Reviews
3.5
based on 75 reviews
Kristina_M, Apr 2026
Total scam - the actual value of the ticket is $9 (it was printed on the ticket) - I paid $36 on here!!!!!! I get you need a mark up for the booking fee and what not, but 300%? That’s an actual joke.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
There are extra fees to get reserved seats for last minute reservations. You have ordered 2 days before and we have provided a Reserved Seat for you. You need to understand that booking platforms are charging fees for commissions, marketing and all. As the tour operator, we charge for transport and our service charges. Therefore if you don't like to pay for it, you can come to railway station and get a so called ticket and go standing in a crowded compartment without having a seat. So its up to you to decide what you want to have.
Laurence_S, Mar 2026
Nice train trip, the booking via Viator was easy and I received the Eticket well in advance! Everything went smoothly on the Dday.
Rachel_R, Mar 2026
The train ride itself was not that spectacular and I think it's just become the thing to do in Sri Lanka. Getting the tickets was also stressful as there was no communication from the agent until I chased him twice. I was also only informed the day before that the station I was going to get the train from had been damaged and I needed to go from another station and quickly needed to arrange transportation. Really not impressed with the customer communication.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We have informed you about the railway track damages on 25th February through WhatsApp and email. Its over 2 weeks before your travel date. And clearly sent all necessary details through email, which you must check as mentioned in the tour page.
Krzysztof_C, Feb 2026
Everything was fine. Ticket delivered on time. Clear instructions on how to get to the station. The train ride was a wonderful experience.
Andrea_C, Feb 2026
This worked out perfectly for us! We received our tickets the night before, and we got great seats with breath taking views. Can't fault this experience at all
Amal_A, Dec 2025
Due to a srorm on the country i could not reach the place, the train services were already suspended there.. roads to Nuawara elia and ella were blocked.. i wrote the operator few days in advance that i want to cancel, and he did not reply.. it was a catastrophic situation that hit the full country, and all hotels and service providers accepted to cancel the services with no charges except this operator, noting that the train service he provided could not have been provided even if the customer went to the train station
Response from Host, Dec 2025
Hi there, There weren't connection for several days to communicate. You are able to get the refund from railway station's counter as mentioned in your eTicket. We able to refund only service charges we charged which is already processed from our end. You must collect the ticket price from railway station by providing your passport.
sanica_c, Oct 2025
This was truly one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life! From the moment we boarded the train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, I knew this wasn’t going to be just another ride — it was going to be a memory I’d cherish forever. 💙
The morning mist was still hanging over the tea plantations, and the cool mountain breeze carried the scent of fresh leaves and rain. As the train started moving, everything outside the window looked like a painting come alive — rolling hills blanketed with emerald tea gardens, tiny villages tucked between mountains, and smiling locals waving at the passing train. 🌄🍃
We were so lucky to get the exact train we wanted — the blue one everyone dreams about when they think of Sri Lanka’s hill country! It felt surreal to finally be there, sitting by the open doors, watching the world glide by slowly. Every curve of the track brought a new view more beautiful than the last — waterfalls cascading through the forest, clouds floating low enough to touch, and endless carpets of green that stretched till the horizon.
The best part? The vibe inside the train. People from all over the world — laughing, sharing snacks, hanging out by the doors to catch that perfect wind-in-your-hair shot. 📸✨ There was music, chatter, and an unspoken feeling that everyone was collectively experiencing something magical.
I honestly can’t thank our travel planner enough for making everything so easy for us. 😇 From getting the right seats to ensuring everything was on time, it all went so smoothly. It’s one thing to read about this ride, but to actually experience it — that’s something else.
As we approached Ella, the sun broke through the clouds, lighting up the hills in gold. I remember thinking, this is what peace looks like. The journey didn’t feel like just a few hours; it felt like stepping into a dream — one where nature whispered stories and time slowed down. 🌥️🍃
If you ever visit Sri Lanka, please, please take this train ride. Don’t rush it. Sit by the window, hang by the door, let the wind tangle your hair, and just be there. Because sometimes, the journey truly is the destination. ❤️
Maksim_E, Oct 2025
Be ready for getting seats without access to window for all people in your group. Also be prepared that you won't receive a response about your ticket for weeks.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Seats getting selected automatically upon availablity. Its not manually selected. You need to place your order well before to have front seats. And if you place your order less than 32 days ahead, tickets receiving one week prior or on same day mid night.
Alison_N, Sep 2025
The train was ace but VERY expensive though viator! Paid 3 times more than anyone else that booked direct with the station
Response from Host, Sep 2025
Thank you for the feedback !
You can buy tickets directly through station's office one month in advance. If you coudn't there is no other way to get them later. Your reservation was done one day before the departure and still we managed to secure a seat for you. So you have to pay for the service offered - 5 USD and extra charges from booking website.
Atma_R, Sep 2025
Over priced and not enough info on the ticket
Eg: if a couple traveling please make sure that you have both your passport numbers on ticket to avoid disappointment .
Nothing really special about this train trip as it’s a local passenger train going thru some hilly land
Response from Host, Sep 2025
We have given you all guidelines and instructions to board-in with the eTicket. There is no rule to give all passport numbers in the eTicket. You are paying only 8% extra for service charges.
Vesna_N, Aug 2025
Easy way to book Sri Lankan rail. Will book with them again . Seats were great and process was easy.
Allan_C, Aug 2025
In all honesty I booked this not 100% expecting to get the tickets as I booked 4-5 days before the journey and there were no tickets available via the official website or via the connections from my driver. I should have booked this much earlier so this was a hail mary booking hoping it would come through.
You are told that the ticket would not arrive until 2am on the day of travel if booked as late as us, which was slightly worrying.
However, I should not have doubted these guys as I got the tickets for 1 class as requested and seats all next to each other.
Awesome service, quick to answer WhatsApp and I would 100% recommend, thanks for saving my bacon and getting the tickets (would have had one angry wife otherwise!)
Kabyayan_R, Aug 2025
The ticket is shared on time by the service provider. It costs more than the price at which it appears on the official ticket booking portal. But you have to understand that those seats get booked in a jiffy and these folks here still arrange the ticket for you for a premium. A little disappointed with the seat position. However I understand that is something not in control of the service provider. If you're unable to book your ticket to Ella through the official portal, these folks can safely book your seat.
PS- unreserved compartments get more crowded than your imagination. Hence not a bad buy.
Nicola_L, Aug 2025
Plus is great scenery and beautiful views. Down side timetable changed so our initial 12.00 slot became 1.09. Train was delayed we didn't actually leave Ella until 2.40pm!!!!
sach_r, Jun 2025
Quick and safe
We booked the night before and got seats
We were stressed as there were no tickets at the station and then found this on viator and got help
Susan_Z, May 2025
You don't get your confirmed ticket from the agent until midnight or LATER the morning that you are planning to use the train, so not very professional, but the actual train journey is lovely.
Trish_L, Apr 2025
Everything happened as planned. We were sent our actual tickets on the promised dates and got the seats we paid for, zero issues!
Jacqueline_O, Mar 2025
The best train trip I've been on. The scenery was amazingly beautiful. Several photo opportunities and wow moments. Would recommend everyone experiences this part of sri lanka.
Michael_A, Feb 2025
We book the tickets from
Viator and we got the seats a day before the ride ! Everything was fine and perfect ! Totally safe
Bianca_S, Dec 2024
We booked train tickets including seat reservations for the 3:40 p.m. trip.
We were at the station at 3:15 p.m. and asked when the train was leaving. We were told that the train wouldn't arrive until 5:00 p.m. When it was just before 5:00 p.m., they said it would depart at 5:15 p.m.
At 5:20 p.m., we were told that the train had a problem and would arrive at 5:35 p.m.
A train arrived at 5:50 p.m., but when we wanted to board, we were told that it wasn't our train and wouldn't arrive until 6:30 p.m. After we said that we couldn't wait any longer because our driver and the hotel were waiting for us, we were allowed to board the train.
Of course, there were no seats left, so we had to stand for 2/3 of the journey until people got off and we could sit down. Because of the late departure, we still had about 30 minutes of daylight, after which we took the train in the dark, and there was no longer any great view.
Viator can't be blamed for the delay, but I can't recommend the train ride either, because unfortunately, in addition to a lot of lost time, we had a journey almost entirely standing up and with no view.
Joriene_B, Oct 2024
We think they are scammers
Paying Way too much
We paid 4 times too much for the tickets
Very dissppointend
Response from Host, Oct 2024
Thank you for your feedback!
The price of the e ticket come up with several additional charges on top of the ticket prices published in the station. We are not a charity organization to provide you tickets for same prices which cost us much higher.
Your booking has received 8 pm in the night time for next day train and we did secured your seats even though it wasn't available in the station office at that time. Here we had to pay for several agents to purchase tickets from them.
Also note that Viator prices, service fees, agent charges, taxes are added to the ticket price you get.
Finally we provide tickets for the best lowest price compared to the other operators as well. You may do your research before complaining.
If you are not happy with price (20 $), simply goto station and ask for tickets. Then you will get big answer "No Available Tickets".
We are doing hard job for small profit (3-5 $), going early morning at 3 am to the station office and securing seats. Its not an easy job in this cold weather.
So please don't mislead others who want to have guranteed seats for this beautiful ride.
Thank you.
Emma_D, Jul 2024
This experience was really bad , I bought a ticket for 14:30 pm but when I arrive they told us that the train should had left at 16:30 pm so we were forced to buy a new ticket and we wasted the 17.50€ of our ticket booked on this app while the ticket we bought at the train station was only 3€ !
Please do not book with viator!!
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Emma,
Sorry for the incident happened due to train delay because of derailment. Unfortunately there is no refund policies by government railways for short delays as it is highly restricted.
Since it is one hour delay (train arrive at 15.40 pm), the staff requested you to buy tickets for early train. The price you have paid by cash is for non reserved tickets and it is not same as reserved ticket price. Fortunately there were available seats.
However we have got actions to offer you a partial refund from our end due to the train delay.
Sorry for the inconvenience occurred !
Ian_H, Jul 2024
The train journey was fantastic, we had a fabulous time!
The whole experience booking with Viator however was disgusting......we booked & prepaid for our 4 x 1st class tickets 3 weeks before we even travelled, just for them to cancel our tickets in the early hours on the morning of travel!! No time to plan when you're travelling with a family of 4 & luggage. Thankfully we had help with local tour guides.. .
Response from Host, Jul 2024
Dear Ian,
Thank you for your feedback.
Unfortunately seats allocation open early in the morning of the travel date if reservations made less than one month.
As you may know, there was a system failure on this day and we weren't assigned any seats and we have conveyed the message to you in the night time.
Alternatively we have mentioned how you can get seats for your family. Really sorry for technical issues we had to faced.
However really happy you did enjoyed the ride !
Thank you.
Sarrah_S, Jun 2023
Very communicative and suggested options how to best enjoy the trip! Excellent service
Unforgettable Adventures: Discovering the World with Unmatched Guidance, Personalized Recommendations, and Unparalleled Service
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Hi Sarrah,
Thank you very much for your lovely feedback !
Have a great time ahead 😊
Callum_Z, Apr 2022
How can you rate 0 stars? A waste of money. Grossly over expensive. Buy your tickets at the station not with this travel company
Response from Host, Apr 2022
Hi Zambra,
Really sorry to hear that. I know your plan was changed, but railway department policies are out of under my control. Once a reservation done, we can't amend the travelling date again.
Apart from that if there is any mistakes from my side, please let me know.
Thank you
Irina_L, Mar 2026
The tickets arrived the next day via mall. Everything is agreed. Very good and fast communication.
Auto-translated
Sofia_M, Feb 2026
Very expensive for the seats you're awarded. You get 10 times cheaper by buying it at the train station itself.
Auto-translated
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Well, if you want you can pay some extra and have a reserved seat. If you don't want a reserved seat, you can buy a cheap unreserved ticket on the station and able to take the train by stand and probably be packed in a crowded compartment. Therefore its up to you to choose.
Monica_M, Feb 2026
Scenic train in the countryside of Sri Lanka, really very beautiful and suggestive; ask the train manager for the photo outside the train door.
Auto-translated
Emanuele_G, Feb 2026
The views are beautiful. Beautiful experience. Reason I gave 3 stars is the price. I paid €61 for two first class tickets (where there are no doors and windows open) while doing it directly at the station the same morning for second class (much nicer) I would have paid €1.37 for two tickets. DISPROPORTIONATE PRICE DIFFERENCE
Auto-translated
Response from Host, Feb 2026
The tickets you get on same day morning from railway station is not for RESERVED SEATS. You can get Second or Third class UN RESERVED tickets to go by standing. What you have paid to get RESERVED SEAT'S TICKETS.
The total you are paying included service charges, ticket price, taxes and booking platform charges.
Thanks
ThomasJohannes_V, Feb 2026
We were looking for tickets and found them here. There's a price to pay. The text read: You can either go to Badulla Central Station or get off at Ella. The ticket was only issued and valid until Ella (maybe this is now corrected). The conductor let us continue for a small tip.
Overall, however, good service and tickets to WhatsApp in advance.
Auto-translated
From $22.00
per person-You will not receive a refund if you cancel.
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Train Tickets from Nanuoya/ Ambewela (NuwaraEliya) to Ella
75
4 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$22.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Central Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka
More attractions near Central Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka