Online Train Tickets in Sri Lanka. How and where?
Online Train Tickets in Sri Lanka. Where can I buy them?
Online Train Tickets in Sri Lanka.
Where can I buy them?
How do I find the train schedules?
Here’s what you need to know.
At GlenMyu Estate, we are often asked about how and where guests can buy tickets for the incredible train journeys between Kandy and Haputale and Ella.
We do not have connections with Sri Lankan railways ourselves and cannot source tickets.
However, here is some information that may help you secure that elusive train ticket for one of the most beautiful train rides.
As far as we know there are three methods to buy your tickets.
- Directly from the Official Website on line in advance.
- Buy on the day (or a few days before) in person at the railway station.
- Through an agent.
Clearly buying in advance  online or at the station are the cheapest ways to buy your train tickets.
Save money and buy train tickets online at the official Sri Lanka railways site.
Avoid booking fees from agents by booking directly on the official site for Sri Lankan Railways.
Press the button to be redirected to the “Seat Reservation” section of their website.
Please read the terms and conditions for purchasing your ticket at the bottom of the page on the Sri Lankan Railways website.
Be Quick! Buy on-line up to 30 days before you travel.
You will see when you visit the Sri Lankan Railways website that you can only book tickets a maximum of one month in advance.Â
We would suggest that you diary forward 30 days before you travel and get straight onto the website.Â
Please be aware that if you wait, you may well miss out.
Where do I find a train schedule?
When you are on the Sri Lankan railways website and select your date a lots of the trains running that day, where tickets are available will be presented.
You can also look at the Train Schedule section of the Sri Lankan Railways Website.Â
Please press the button for the Train Schedules.
Website Malinda Prasad also provides train schedules in Sri Lanka.
SLT Trains website also provides a train schedule.
1st, 2nd or 3rd Class - where should I choose to sit?
If you are fortunate enough to be able to buy a ticket and have the options of 1st, 2nd or 3rd classes you have a big decision to make.
1st class is likely to be full of tourists and you may really want an authentic Sri Lankan experience by choosing one of the other classes.Â
Lots of people say that 2nd class is the best way to travel because there is more of an atmosphere and you are more likely to be sitting with some local Sri Lankans.Â
In 3rd class you will be mainly travelling with local people. It is not uncommon for Sri Lankans to share their food, sing and entertain themselves on their train trip.
There are no train tickets left!
What happens if there are no train tickets left when I want to buy my tickets online?
Unfortunately this is a regular occurrence.
As Sri Lanka’s tourist numbers increase there will be even more demand for train tickets.
You have a few options where you might be able to get one of those elusive tickets with a seat.
Some travellers turn up at the railway station and take a chance that a ticket is returned or available to purchase.
This is probably okay for a short trip where you don’t need a seat.
Please don't stand!
If you are taking a short journey for less than an hour there are no seats available, perhaps standing is an option of you are able.Â
However, please don’t buy a ticket without a seat between Kandy and Ella. If you do you may regret it. How do you think the you will feel if a seat is not vacated on the way to relieve your numbing legs.Â
The journey from Kandy to Ella is around 6 hours, so this may wee spoil your holiday.
Through your travel agency
If you have booked your holiday through a reputable travel agency they may be able to source train tickets for your journey.
No doubt a premium will be required to be paid however the uplift in costs shouldn’t be too much.
Ask your hotel whether they can source tickets.
Some of our guests at GlenMyu Estate have been successful in sourcing tickets through the hotels that the stay at in Kandy.
I don’t know where they source their tickets and don’t know what mark up they will charge for this service.
However, it may be worth trying this is you are desperate for train tickets.
Unfortunately we do not have connections at GlenMyu Estate to source tickets.
Ask your driver
Some tourist drivers are quite resourceful and have good contacts and they may be able to source tickets for you.Â
I would expect a premium to be paid in this instance.
Agents - I'd rather not but.....
We try to avoid agents if at all possible. If yous arch the web I’m sure that you will find agencies offering tickets with a large mark up in price.
However, if you have to then you can take a risk and find an agent online.
We do not have any recommendations for agencies so the risk is yours!
Alight the train at Haputale or Ella and stay at GlenMyu Estate.
The nearest train station to GlenMyu Estate is Haputale. You can also go to Ella and then take a train back to Haputale or alternative take a Tuk Tuk to the estate.
A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.
We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.
The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,
GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.
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