Kandy Railway Station
The historic Kandy Railway Station, a charming hub for travelers embarking on Sri Lanka's most scenic train journeys.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Kandy Railway Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, smoother boarding
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The historic Kandy Railway Station, a charming hub for travelers embarking on Sri Lanka's most scenic train journeys.
"The starting point of probably the most beautiful train ride in the world. "
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Reserve seats well in advance, especially for weekend travel, to secure your spot and preferred class.
🚶♂️ Rideshare Pickup Spot
Walk slightly away from the station for smoother Uber/rideshare pickups to avoid local driver friction.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gateway to Scenic Train Journeys
Platform
The starting point for some of the world's most breathtaking train rides, offering stunning mountain and countryside views.
Classic Colonial Charm
Station Building
Experience the station's well-maintained, tidy, and chill atmosphere with a touch of old-world charm.
Local Flavors and Snacks
Station Premises
Grab a quick bite or local snacks from the pastry shops within the station before your journey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Train Tickets in Advance
Rideshare Pickup Points
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Reserve seats well in advance, especially for weekend travel, to secure your spot and preferred class.
🚶♂️ Rideshare Pickup Spot
Walk slightly away from the station for smoother Uber/rideshare pickups to avoid local driver friction.
🚪 Open Door Experience
Opt for non-AC carriages with openable doors for the best scenic train ride experience.
☕ Grab a Snack
Pastry shops inside the station offer convenient snacks and drinks for your journey.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Early
Reserve seats well in advance, especially for weekend travel, to secure your spot and preferred class.
🚶♂️ Rideshare Pickup Spot
Walk slightly away from the station for smoother Uber/rideshare pickups to avoid local driver friction.
🚪 Open Door Experience
Opt for non-AC carriages with openable doors for the best scenic train ride experience.
☕ Grab a Snack
Pastry shops inside the station offer convenient snacks and drinks for your journey.
📱 Check Train Status
Stay updated on train schedules and potential delays, especially during peak seasons.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kandy Railway Station is praised for its convenience, classic charm, and role as a gateway to breathtaking train journeys. While generally clean and easy to navigate, some travelers have experienced issues with overcrowded booked classes and recommend booking tickets well in advance. Managing rideshare pickups requires awareness of local dynamics. +2
"Kandy Train Station is a great point of entry into this beautiful city. The station itself is easy to navigate, with clear signage and a smooth flow of passengers. Getting in and out is a breeze—there’s no major hassle or confusion. The station is also relatively clean, well-maintained, and has a classic, old-world charm that feels welcoming for travelers.
However, it’s important to be aware of a few local dynamics, especially if you’re planning to use rideshare services like Uber. There tends to be some tension between local tuk-tuk drivers and Uber drivers in Kandy, which means you can’t expect to catch an Uber directly outside the train station. If you want to use Uber for your onward journey, you’ll need to exit the train station’s parking area and walk a bit further away to a more neutral pickup spot. This helps avoid any potential friction between the two groups and ensures your ride arrives smoothly.
Overall, Kandy Train Station is a solid hub for travelers—convenient, clean, and straightforward. Just be mindful of the pickup situation, and you’ll have a pleasant and hassle-free experience"
K. M.
"The station is convenient and has a classic charm, which we appreciated. However, our experience wasn’t fully satisfying. We booked 2nd class tickets, but when we boarded, it was already full. The staff issued us tickets without informing us that the class was overcrowded, which was disappointing.
In the end, we had to travel in the 3rd class compartment, which was not what we expected. I believe the system needs better organization and communication. They should really consider improving the ticketing and reservation process."
M D M
"Good climate. Mountains are very beautiful. Bus and train you can visit. View points are in train track also"
Mahesh Madawala
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kandy Railway Station is centrally located and easily accessible by local buses and tuk-tuks from various parts of the city. If arriving from out of town, you'll likely connect via bus or taxi to reach the station.
Yes, Kandy Railway Station is a prominent landmark and is generally easy to find within the city center. Signage is clear, making navigation straightforward for most travelers.
While Uber operates in Kandy, direct pickups from the station can be challenging due to tensions with local tuk-tuk drivers. It's recommended to walk a short distance away from the station to a neutral pickup point for a smoother experience.
Kandy is a major hub for scenic train journeys, most famously to Ella, but also to other destinations like Colombo, Nuwara Eliya (via Nanu Oya station), and Badulla.
Limited parking facilities are available at Kandy Railway Station, but it's advisable to use public transport or taxis if possible, as parking can be congested.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase train tickets at the Kandy Railway Station ticket counter, or in advance from major stations like Colombo Fort. Online booking options are also available through the Sri Lanka Railways website or third-party providers.
Yes, reserving seats on weekend trains from Kandy station is notoriously difficult due to high demand. Booking tickets well in advance is highly recommended.
Train classes typically range from 1st class (often with AC and reserved seating), 2nd class (reserved seating), to 3rd class (unreserved seating). For scenic routes, non-AC carriages with openable doors are popular.
Yes, you can book tickets for the Kandy to Ella train directly from the Kandy Railway Station, but it's essential to book as far in advance as possible, especially for popular times.
In some cases, if your booked class is overcrowded, you might have to travel in a lower class. It's advisable to communicate with station staff for assistance, though improvements in organization are needed.
🎫 🧳 Onsite Experience
Kandy Railway Station is generally considered clean and well-maintained, with ongoing improvements to sanitary facilities. +1
The station offers basic amenities including ticket counters, waiting areas, and a few pastry shops for snacks and drinks.
Yes, the station is designed for easy navigation with clear signage, making it straightforward for passengers to find their platforms and amenities.
Yes, there are a few pastry shops within the Kandy Railway Station premises where you can purchase snacks and beverages.
The station has a tidy and chill atmosphere with a classic, old-world charm that many travelers find welcoming. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The platforms, especially with arriving or departing trains, offer classic railway photography opportunities. The station's architecture also provides charming backdrops.
Absolutely! For the most scenic routes, travelers often open the doors of non-AC carriages to capture stunning photos and videos of the passing landscapes.
While not directly at the station, the train journey itself offers numerous viewpoints. Some travelers even find unique photo opportunities along the train tracks during their journey.
Travel photography, capturing the essence of train journeys, and architectural shots of the colonial-era station are popular. +1
Generally, casual photography is permitted. For professional shoots, it's always best to inquire with station authorities beforehand to ensure compliance with any regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's advisable to book tickets in advance, especially for 2nd class, to ensure comfortable seating for everyone. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as onboard options can be limited. The journey itself can be a fantastic adventure for kids, breaking up longer travel days and providing memorable views.
🎒 Budget Travelers
Be mindful of tuk-tuk fares and negotiate prices before starting your journey. Utilizing the train for longer distances, especially by booking non-AC carriages, provides a scenic and cost-effective way to travel between cities.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Travelers often capture stunning shots of the rolling hills, vibrant tea plantations, and unique bridges from the open doors of non-AC carriages. The Kandy to Ella route, in particular, is famous for its picturesque vistas, offering endless opportunities for landscape and travel photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Kandy to Ella Train Ride
It's crucial to book tickets for this popular route well in advance, as they sell out quickly, especially for weekends and holidays. The journey is renowned for its stunning vistas, including the Nine Arch Bridge and the vast tea estates, making it a highlight for many visitors to Sri Lanka.
While the station itself is tidy and efficient, the real magic begins once the train departs. The ability to lean out of the carriage and feel the breeze while taking in the panoramic views is an experience that social media content often highlights.
Navigating Kandy's Transport Dynamics
To ensure a smooth transition, travelers are advised to exit the immediate station vicinity and find a more neutral pickup spot a short walk away. This simple step can prevent potential hassles and ensure your ride arrives without issue. Understanding this dynamic helps manage expectations and makes your arrival in Kandy more relaxed.
Beyond rideshares, the station is well-connected by local buses, offering an authentic and budget-friendly way to explore the city and its surroundings. For those seeking a more traditional experience, tuk-tuks are readily available, though agreeing on a fare beforehand is always recommended.
Station Amenities and Traveler Comfort
Inside the station, you'll find essential amenities such as ticket counters and waiting areas. For those needing refreshments before their journey, a few pastry shops are conveniently located within the premises, offering local snacks and drinks.
The station's classic charm, combined with its functional design, makes it an efficient and pleasant place to begin or end a journey. While not a luxury terminal, it provides the necessary services for a smooth travel experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit