Ella Odyssey Train Sri Lanka: Route, Tickets & Travel Guide 2025

The Ella Odyssey Train travels through Sri Lanka's beautiful scenery and rich foliage, making it one of the world's most scenic train excursions. This sightseeing service, designed specifically for travelers, goes beyond transportation to provide a moving window into the island's natural beauty, culture, and charm.

In this guide, we'll go over all you need to know about the Ella Odyssey Train, from the itinerary and stops to ticket reservations and travel recommendations.

What is the Ella Odyssey Train?

The Ella Odyssey Train is a special sightseeing service launched by Sri Lanka Railways to encourage tourism in the central highlands. Unlike conventional trains, this one is designed for leisure travel, including stops at important sights along the way.

The railroad connects Colombo Fort and Badulla, passing through foggy highlands, undulating tea plantations, tumbling waterfalls, and historic bridges. Its huge windows and comfortable seating allow passengers to enjoy Sri Lanka's hill country splendor without the stress of road travel.

Why is the Ella Odyssey Train is Special?

The Ella Odyssey is more than just a journey from one location to another; it is an exploration into Sri Lanka's essence. Here's what makes it stand out.

• Stunning scenery - From lush tea estates to towering mountain ranges, every stretch feels like a postcard.
• Special Stopovers - Unlike conventional trains, this service makes stops at popular views and sights for photo breaks.
• Eco-Friendly Travel - Train journeys alleviate traffic congestion while providing a more sustainable way to explore the highlands.
• Cultural Touchpoints - The path passes through local communities, tea estates, and railway stations, providing glimpses into daily Sri Lankan life.

Operating Days and times

The Ella Odyssey doesn't run every day. Instead, it operates three times a week in each direction to ensure availability matches visitor demand.

Colombo to Badulla (View the Train Schedule)

• Monday
• Thursday
• Saturday

Badulla to Colombo (View the Train Schedule)

• Tuesday
• Friday
• Sunday

The complete train ride takes about 10-12 hours, but the stops and scenery make the time pass quickly.

Route & Stopping Stations

The Ella Odyssey train route visits some of Sri Lanka's most famous landmarks. Significant stops and highlights include:

• Peradeniya, near Kandy, is home to the world-renowned Royal Botanical Gardens.
• Nanu Oya - The gateway of Nuwara Eliya, also known as "Little England."
• Great Western - Surrounded by foggy mountains and huge tea farms.
• Ella - A backpacking destination known for the Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam's Peak, and Ella Rock.
• Demodara is known for its interesting railway loop and the spectacular Demodara Bridge.
• Waterfalls along the way: Passengers can see St. Clair's Falls and Devon Falls, two of the island's most spectacular waterfalls.

Available Classes & Onboard Facilities

The Ella Odyssey Train provides a variety of classes to suit different budgets and levels of comfort.

• First Class Observation Saloon: Air-conditioned with large viewing windows; ideal for photographers.
• Second Class Reserved: Comfortable seating with good views; less expensive but still great for sightseeing.
• Third Class: Basic facilities; good for budget travelers but can be crowded.

Facilities onboard include restrooms, snack carts, and sometimes even live entertainment, depending on the journey. To get better understanding about the cabin classes of Sri Lanka Railway, you may read our article about “Sri Lanka Railway, Cabin Classes Explained”.

How to reserve tickets

The Ella Odyssey Train is immensely popular, and tickets often sell out within 30 minutes of their publication. Advance reservations are required.

Ways to reserve tickets:

• Online Booking - Use the official Sri Lanka Railways website or a reputable third-party booking site.
• Railway Stations - Colombo Fort and other important stations accept advance sales.
• Travel Agencies - Many local agents offer tickets in their trip packages.

Pro tip: Book at least one month in advance, especially if you're traveling on weekends or during the holidays.

Travel tips for an unforgettable journey

To make the most of your Ella Odyssey Train adventure:

• Bring a camera; the view is stunning and ever-changing.
• Snacks and water are available on board, but having your own favorites is helpful.
• Layer up because the weather can be hot in the lowlands and cold in the highlands.
• Best Seats - For the best views, sit on the right side when traveling from Colombo to Ella.
• Stay Alert - Iconic vistas such as waterfalls and bridges emerge unexpectedly.
• Motion Sickness Preparation - The twisting tracks might be bumpy, so bring medication if necessary.

Final thoughts

The Ella Odyssey Train is more than just a means of transportation; it is a voyage into the heart of Sri Lankan beauty. And you must try it at least once in your lifetime. From mist-covered summits to old railway marvels, every moment is an opportunity to create memories.

Whether you're a nature lover, a photographer, or just a curious visitor, this train journey is a must-see in Sri Lanka. So, buy your tickets early, pack your things, and prepare for an incredible rail journey through paradise.