Sri Lanka Railway
- Schedule
- Stations
- Reviews
About Sri Lanka Railway
A railway journey is a convenient way to explore the country. No matter whether you are after a quintessentially old school experience with a slow long-haul train or a super modern highspeed express, a train travel allows you to get to your destination in style and enjoy the trip at its most. Sri Lanka Railway is one of the operators you can book a train ride with. Before confirming your booking, remember to check the date of your travel, class, price and conditions of your fare.
What are the Main Stations of Sri Lanka Railway?
The main stations covered by Sri Lanka Railway’s route map include
- Colombo Fort
- Kandy
- Ella
- Nanu Oya
- Badulla Ella
- Galle
- Matara
- Trincomalee
- Peradeniya
- Ambewela
What are the Most Popular Routes of Sri Lanka Railway?
Here are some of the routes offered by Sri Lanka Railway which enjoy the greatest popularity with travellers:
What are the Train Classes & Prices of Sri Lanka Railway?
Depending on the length of your trip and your preferences you can choose a first or second class ticket in a sleeper coach for an overnight trip or opt for a hard or soft seat if available. Note that the choice of ticket classes depends both on the route and the length of your trip. Basically, your train may feature first class berths but you will not be able to book one if you are doing just a short two-hour stretch. In general, second class berths are a good choice for longer trips, and soft seats get you covered if your train ride is supposed to take under 4-5 hours.
Pros & Cons of Train Travel
Pros of Train Travel
- The best thing about railway travel is no traffic jams. Even on rush-hour, long weekends or during the high season
- An easy online booking process – you do not need to go to the railway station, which was the case in many places not so long ago!
- Prices for train tickets are usually more affordable compared to airplane tickets yet for certain destinations and trips the total travel time can be almost the same
- While rail travel is obviously slower than air travel, railway stations are often located in the centre of the city which saves you a sack of time getting to/from there while airports are almost always are quite a long way out of the city
- Travelling by night allows you to save on a hotel room and sleep well at the same time – opposite to a night bus where even the sleeping class is a huge compromise
- On certain routes luxury service is available
Cons of Train Travel
- For longer trips a train ride is definitely more time consuming than air journeys
- Trains do ride on schedule but being out of schedule is not unheard of for train travel – and delays can be huge, so if you are planning a connection to your flight, carefully check the time your train arrives at the station and think twice.
- Cleanliness is sometimes an issue with second and third class tickets, and with toilets, too.
- If your train makes a lot of stops, in some cases it is difficult to figure out when to get off as stops are not always clearly announced or marked with the exception of an electronic screen.
Sri Lanka Railway Stations
Jaffna Train Station
Kilinochchi
Mannar
Vavuniya
Anuradhapura
Polonnaruwa
Kurunegala
Trincomalee
Batticaloa
Kandy
Nanu Oya
Polgahawela
Avissawella
Gampaha
Colombo Fort
Kalutara South
Galle
Matara
Badulla Ella
Bandarawela
Ella
Hatton
Haputale
Hikkaduwa
Peradeniya
Maho
Kekirawa
Hingurakgoda
Habarana
Beliatta
Mount Lavinia
Pattipola
Maradana
Aluthgama
Ambalangoda
Gampola
Ambewela
Demodara
Kankesanthurai
Galoya
Welikanda
Valaichchenai
Diyatalawa
Eravur
Hali Ela
Idalgashinna
Ohiya
Great Western
Nawalapitiya
Rambukkana
Veyangoda
Ragama
Medawachchiya
Galgamuwa
Kantale
Palai
Tambalagamuwa
China Bay
Kodikamam
Chunnakam
Talaimannar Pier
Moratuwa
Wellawatte
Sri Lanka Railway Company Reviews
S
Train #11038 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Oct 8, 2026
Booking is ok. Travelled. But you have overcharged. Please refund the balance money
N
Train #44477 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Oct 4, 2026
Only receiving a voucher and not an actual eTicket was a bit inconvenient.
B
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Sep 26, 2026
Everything clear, very helpful conductor
A
Train #8057 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Sep 20, 2026
The information provided by 12go is incorrect. Firstly there is no need to get the m ticket changed with physical ticket. And next the official timing of this train is 7:25 am and not 7:15 am. Lastly please reflect transparently fare details and your charges.
O
Train #101043 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Sep 18, 2026
Train was on time and guard helped us find our carriage. Smooth journey and a clean train.
K
Train #44477 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Sep 13, 2026
Air conditioning and a lot of space in fisrt class seat.
Z
Train #8057 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Sep 4, 2026
Refund for a double purchase was made efficiently
A
Train #111005 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Sep 2, 2026
The train was 25 minutes late.
W
Train #111005 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 28, 2026
Excellent,, I have never been in trouble while using 12go , excellent
L
Train #8058 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 19, 2026
Train ticket booked for a very reasonable price
M
Train #111006 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 18, 2026
A beautiful and scenic journey.
L
Train #7084 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 17, 2026
everything was great, the AC was just a little too cold unfortunately
M
Train #111006 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 16, 2026
What a lovely train ride. Gliding through the beautiful plains and valleys, the fresh air tickling your face and everyone snapping photos of every passing scene, it was such a treat.
M
Train #7083 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 9, 2026
Everything is good, but however these reclining seats are not meant for an overnight journey. The seats are not comfortable and very stiff.
M
Train #444422 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 8, 2026
All good for booking a trainride with sri lankan train.
L
Train #44478 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 8, 2026
Comfortable seats and air conditioned in my carriage
L
Train #44477 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 5, 2026
Relaxing trip in air conditioned 1st class carriage.
T
Train #6075 Third Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 26, 2026
Amazing way to travel and you also get lovely views along the way! Do be prepared for a crazy rush for seats when you get on the train, but I managed to find one with no issues. There isn’t a place to store luggage like a case, I had to use my legroom and put my feet on top, but great journey!
L
Train #66011 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 22, 2026
Wrong timetable, train arrived 35 minutes later in local timetable at station
S
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 20, 2026
So smooth, easy ticketing process and at the station. Staff made sure I was on the correct side on the platform
S
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 15, 2026
Always my go to when travelling. Very straightforward booking system.
K
Train #11016 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 15, 2026
The online booking of the train was very easy, fast and without any problem.
High recommendation!
M
Train #11005 Third Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 12, 2026
It was very easy to book the ticket online. At the station it was good to already have the ticket and seats reservations. We had the best seats near the door and on the right side of the train. A beautiful ride!
D
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 5, 2026
No problem. Went smoothly.
E
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jun 18, 2026
So easy to book rail tickets! Great way to travel.
A
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jun 9, 2026
Forgot to buy water and no water bottles were available at the station.. the ticket was sufficient to board the train and our passports were verified soon after boarding the train.
A
Train #11005 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jun 8, 2026
Need to sort out the ticketing. Absolute garbage when you buy more than one ticket and everyone is in different locations within the cabin.
This needs to be fixed badly.
The pdf was all that was needed. You don't need to get a ticket, just show the document.
G
Train #444422 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, May 29, 2026
The trip was good but train was late by more than an hour.
N
Train #7084 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, May 8, 2026
train too uncomfortable. schedule not reliable.
A
Train #11015 Third Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, May 8, 2026
Was a great train and fun experience. Sad that we had to go out of our way to pick up a paper ticket when the email.pdf.was sufficient.
K
Train #444421 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Apr 22, 2026
Smooth journey. Easy to find seat.
T
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Apr 2, 2026
Trains in the UK are expensive, late and boring by comparison. We had a wonderful trip, enjoying the Sri Lankan countryside along the way.
T
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Mar 29, 2026
It was a nice Trip, but the Train stopped many times and was delayed (1 Hour)
R
Train #66011 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Mar 19, 2026
Honestly I did this as a solo female traveller with a huge backpack and it was so cheap, stunning views the entire way, had a seat (2nd class reserved), nice and cool with the windows down. I would just screenshot the stops to make sure you are staying on track as sometimes the train goes in one direction and then turns and goes the other way 😂 but honestly would definitely do again! Didn’t have to print the ticket or collect at the station. Ticket inspector carried my bag (and then asked for money lol) but overall, everyone is so kind and able to navigate
T
Train #6075 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Mar 16, 2026
Great journey, comfortable seats (1st)
G
Train #8058 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Mar 10, 2026
Cheap and good easy to book
J
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Mar 7, 2026
Great seats. Lots of room. Air con in first class was good.
Amazing route along the coast.
Shane the windows were too dirty for photos
A
Train #8058 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Feb 28, 2026
easy to book and pay, not needed to print tickets, just enter the 1st class train carriage... there are snacks in description, but it's wrong, no meals or snacks or bar, nothing of food available in train, buy snacks beforehand your trip
K
Train #6075 Third Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Feb 17, 2026
Fabulous train ride, we were in third class and it is absolutely fine with comfortable seats. And as a bonus the doors are left open, the windows open, there are fans on the ceiling and the scenery is stunning.
J
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 31, 2026
Very comfortable in first class, loads of room, air conditioned carriage.
J
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 31, 2026
Great no hassle website, trip went smoothly.
L
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 29, 2026
Great price, even if quite difficult to understand where to sit or where to deopp off.
E
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 13, 2026
The places were not optimal ... Many because of the late date I bought my tickets . We were up in front of the car , stuck against the cabin wall ...
J
Train #44477 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 12, 2026
The trip took 45 minutes longer!
M
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 10, 2026
Received the Eticket and confirmation in a timely manner and the entire process from buying to getting on the train etc., was very smooth.
R
Train #8058 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Dec 16, 2025
No food provided and no seat together. Very dirty toilets with broken tap.
M
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Dec 13, 2025
I jumped off two stations earlier and I literally need eto jump off the train to the railways as the station was to short for the train haha
But overall nice ride and the adventure directly started. To be fair the train in Germany isn’t better hahaha
L
Train #8058 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Dec 12, 2025
It would have been better, if I were able to pay on the local currency, because that would have been mich cheaper. And you didn't say that you would use your own conversion rate
A
Train #8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Dec 12, 2025
Clean, on time what else is needed in a train
V
Train #1030 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Nov 26, 2025
Very unclean. When booking the tickets the website show you symbols of providing a meal which is