Getting There and Away

Written by Finn Weber, Karen Price, Chamara Perera
12/08/2025
Breathtaking view of the iconic Nine Arch Bridge nestled in lush Sri Lankan rainforest.
Smitesh Parekh, Pexels

Ella Railway Station serves as the primary hub for train travel, connecting the town to major cities. Local bus stands and private taxi services are also readily available for onward journeys and local exploration.

Train:

The train journey to Ella is renowned for its scenic beauty, particularly the routes from Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. A direct train from Colombo Fort to Ella (or Badulla, which is nearby) typically takes around 8.5 to 11 hours. The popular 'Ella Odyssey' train, designed for tourists, operates twice a week from Colombo Fort (Thursdays and Saturdays at 5:30 AM) and offers First Class (5,000 LKR), Second Class (4,000 LKR), and Third Class (3,000 LKR) options. For regular trains, second or third class tickets can cost just a few dollars, though reserved seats, especially on popular routes, should be booked well in advance (tickets are released 30 days prior). Unreserved seats are often available on the day but may require standing for parts of the journey.

Bus:

Direct bus services connect Colombo Bastian Mawatha Bus Terminal to Ella, with journey times averaging approximately 4 to 5 hours. Fares for these buses typically range from 2,250 to 2,400 LKR. Multiple daily departures are available.

Taxi/Private Car:

Private car or taxi hire offers a faster and more flexible way to reach Ella, especially from Colombo or Kandy. A drive from Colombo to Ella generally takes about 3 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic and specific departure points. Costs for a taxi from Colombo to Ella can range from 30,000 to 37,000 LKR (approximately $100-$150 USD). Local taxi services in Ella also provide transfers to other major cities and tourist sites.

Check out our other pages on Ella

Things to Do icon Things to Do Restaurants icon Restaurants Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays