Some people may joke that train travel in Sri Lanka is for people with little money and lots of time, but for tourists it is a wonderfully appealing mode of travel, especially in the island’s highlands where the scenery can be breathtaking at times. The downside is that for some routes the train can be slower than a car and delays are common.

The railway network, which began operating in 1864, comprises nine lines radiating from Colombo, the most beautiful of which runs deep into the hills, travelling via Kandy and Nuwara Eliya before terminating in Badulla. This journey offers spectacular hill-country views as the train winds its way past gushing waterfalls and through neatly-clipped tea estates. There is also a useful train line for tourists travelling along the south coast from Colombo to Matara which stops in Bentota and Galle. There is also a train to Trincomalee, which travels through the Cultural Triangle, but travelling by car is preferable in terms of comfort and time.

There is a special first-class observatory carriage on the Colombo to Dabulla hill-country train. This is the last carriage on the train which has a full window to maximise the views. Tickets need to be booked at least 14 days in advance. Note that availability can be limited during national holidays.

The main advantage of travelling in the first class carriage – not available on the south coast route – is that you can book in advance and be guaranteed a seat. However, as long as you avoid the peak commuter trains in the morning and evening, second class travel is also enjoyed by many, although you have to be prepared for some jostling on the station platform. Possible Train Journeys

The trains that you can book with Red Dot are the following: are all first-class observation tickets.

1. Colombo - Kandy - Nuwara Eliya - Badulla (locally known as the Udaratamenike Train)

Departure	Arrival
CMB: 0555	BADULLA: 1600
CMB: 0945	BADULLA: 1925
CMB: 2000	BADULLA: 0710 (sleeper train – not recommended)
BADULLA: 0545	CMB: 1540
BADULLA: 0850	CMB: 1930
BADULLA: 1800	CMB: 0515 (sleeper train – not recommend)

2. Colombo – Kandy Intercity Train

Departure	Arrival
CMB: 0700	KANDY: 0930
CMB: 1535	KANDY: 1805
KANDY: 0610	CMB: 0840
KANDY: 1500	CMB: 1730

We do not sell tickets for other routes.

Please contact your sales consultant for more specific stops and times.

To arrange pre-booking, we have to pay a supplement to a third party. Our train ticket prices are therefore set above the basic ticket price and are as follows:

price per journey: US$ 15 per person

Admin Fee: US$ 10 per group

Hotel delivery Charge (within Colombo only): US$ 10 per group


Note: The delivery charge is optional. You can also collect at the station and the procedure will be explained on your Travel Voucher.

For the ultimate in luxury old-world train travel you can even travel on Sri Lanka’s only passenger steam train, the 75-year-old Viceroy Special. The private train has two-air-conditioned observational saloons furnished in period style with 64 plush reclining seats and individual adjustable tables. Each saloon has an adjoining smoking lounge and modern toilet. There is a restaurant carriage complete with Edwardian ribbed fans and teak-trimmed wood paneling.