There are train rides, and then there’s the Blue Train, Sri Lanka’s most iconic rail journey. Winding through misty mountains, lush tea plantations and sleepy villages, this bright blue carriage has become a postcard-perfect symbol of slow, scenic travel on the island. If you’re dreaming of hanging out the doorway with the wind in your hair and valleys sweeping below, you’re in the right place.

 

This guide covers everything you need to know, from how to book tickets to what side of the train has the best views, and why this journey deserves a top spot on your Sri Lanka itinerary.

What is the Blue Train?

The term “Blue Train” refers to the eye-catching blue carriages operated by Sri Lanka Railways, particularly on the Kandy to Ella line. It’s the route that captures the hearts (and cameras) of travellers from around the world. While multiple trains run on this line, the most famous are the blue-coloured observation and second-class carriages you’ll see all over Instagram.

The Route: Kandy to Ella (Or Vice Versa)

Spanning around 7 hours (though delays are common), the journey between Kandy and Ella, or even up to Badulla, takes you through some of Sri Lanka’s most dramatic landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass through classic tea country, where hills are blanketed with neatly trimmed tea bushes and colourful saree-clad pickers moving slowly through the rows. The train crosses arched stone viaducts (hello Nine Arches Bridge!) and plunges into dark, echoing tunnels. Most travellers choose to ride from Kandy to Ella rather than the other way around, enjoying the gradual transition from busy town to peaceful mountainside and ending in the relaxed, easygoing Ella. 

 

When’s the Best Time to Go?

Sri Lanka’s hill country is cool year-round, but weather can shift quickly. The clearest skies and most stable conditions usually fall between December to March. This is considered the best time to travel the Kandy to Ella route. The air is crisp, the hills are dry but still green, and visibility is high. May to September is just after the monsoon season, so while the weather can be more humid and the chance of rain higher, the hills are at their greenest. The light is soft in the mornings, and early departures often reward passengers with beautiful mist hanging over the valleys.

Booking Tips: How to Actually Get a Seat

Despite being a public train, tickets for this route are in very high demand and can sell out weeks ahead, especially for reserved classes.

1. Buy Online in Advance

The government website or local travel agents can help secure seats. Look for trains with second-class reserved or observation carriages.

2. Go Local 

Unreserved tickets are available at the station on the day, but seating isn’t guaranteed. Still, it’s a great option if you want the thrill of squeezing in with locals and standing by the open doors.

3. Choose Your Class Wisely

• First Class: Air-conditioned and quiet, but windows don’t open, which means no photos or breeze.

• Second Class Reserved: The sweet spot - windows open, seats guaranteed.

• Unreserved: Cheap, chaotic, charming. Perfect if you don’t mind having to stand if seats run out. 

Which Side Has the Best Views?

Choosing the right side of the train makes a difference if you’re hoping for the best views. From Kandy to Ella, the right-hand side generally offers better scenery. You’ll see deep valleys, tea fields stretching into the distance and those dramatic drops that make this ride so memorable. If you’re travelling in the opposite direction, from Ella to Kandy, then the left-hand side gives you similar advantages. However, the train does twist and turn so much that you’ll get decent views on both sides, and most people end up moving around to take photos or hang out in the doorways.

Speaking of doorways, they are part of what makes this train ride so iconic. In most of the carriages, the doors remain open throughout the journey, allowing you to sit with your legs hanging over the edge or lean out for a better view. It’s completely legal, but it does require caution. There are tunnels, passing trees, and sudden jolts on the track, so it’s important to be mindful of your surroundings. 

What Makes the Blue Train So Special?

The Blue Train ride is a bucket-list experience for good reason. It blends natural beauty with cultural richness, and even though the seats may be hard and the schedule a little unreliable, it offers something that’s increasingly rare in travel - a genuine, unfiltered connection with place. Whether it’s the mist rising over a tea field at dawn, the thrill of leaning out over a valley, or the simple joy of watching a country go by at a train’s pace, this is a journey that stays with you.

If you're heading to Sri Lanka, make sure this train ride is part of your plan. Book your tickets, charge your phone, and settle in for one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. 

Contact Fernando Travels to plan out your holiday itinerary or check out our travel guides for all things Sri Lanka.