Ella Railway Station
A charming, well-maintained station on Sri Lanka's most scenic railway line, serving as the gateway to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Ella Railway Station
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, well-maintained station on Sri Lanka's most scenic railway line, serving as the gateway to the iconic Nine Arch Bridge.
"One of the cleanest railway stations I have been to, and it should be kept that way."
Book Reserved Seats Early
:ticket: Reserved tickets sell out fast! Book online or days in advance for popular routes like Ella to Kandy.
Unreserved Ticket Strategy
:ticket: Unreserved tickets are unlimited and available 30 mins before departure. You'll get on the train!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Nine Arch Bridge
Near Ella Railway Station
A magnificent colonial-era railway bridge set amidst lush tea plantations. A must-see for photographers and train enthusiasts.
Scenic Train Journey
Colombo-Badulla Railway Line
Experience breathtaking landscapes of tea estates, mountains, and villages from the comfort of a train.
Charming Station Atmosphere
Ella Railway Station
A well-maintained, picturesque station that serves as a gateway to Ella's natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Train Tickets in Advance
Best Views on the Train
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Reserved Seats Early
:ticket: Reserved tickets sell out fast! Book online or days in advance for popular routes like Ella to Kandy.
Unreserved Ticket Strategy
:ticket: Unreserved tickets are unlimited and available 30 mins before departure. You'll get on the train!
Nine Arch Bridge Viewpoint
:camerawithflash: For the best Nine Arch Bridge views from the train, depart from Badulla, not Ella.
Enjoy the Open Doors
:train: Sit by the open doors with feet on the ledge for amazing views, but be mindful of branches!
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Reserved Seats Early
:ticket: Reserved tickets sell out fast! Book online or days in advance for popular routes like Ella to Kandy.
Unreserved Ticket Strategy
:ticket: Unreserved tickets are unlimited and available 30 mins before departure. You'll get on the train!
Nine Arch Bridge Viewpoint
:camerawithflash: For the best Nine Arch Bridge views from the train, depart from Badulla, not Ella.
Enjoy the Open Doors
:train: Sit by the open doors with feet on the ledge for amazing views, but be mindful of branches!
Clean Station Facilities
:toilet: The station is very clean, including restrooms. Keep it that way!
Local App for Savings
:iphone: Use local apps to save time and money on your travels around Ella.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ella Railway Station is praised for its cleanliness and charm, serving as a vital gateway to the region's stunning natural beauty and the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the picturesque setting, making it a memorable stop on the famous hill country train route.
"One of the cleanest railway stations I have been to. And it should be kept like that as Ella is a major tourist attraction and a resort city with lot of tourists arriving via trains. The platform is updated and height is now increased so the hight difference between the railway carriage and platform is minimal.
Restrooms are clean too."
Ratna Kariyawasam
"Another old, well maintained beautiful train station in Sri Lanka. Most tourists visit here to view the Ella Nine Arche building."
Irshad JM
"Ella Railway Station is a charming and scenic station located in the small town of Ella in Sri Lanka's Uva Province. It is an integral part of the Colombo-Badulla railway line, a route famous for its stunning landscapes and challenging engineering feats. The station, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,000 meters above sea level, serves as a gateway to one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque regions."
Kavindu Ravishan Welikala
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ella Railway Station is a key stop on the Colombo-Badulla railway line. You can reach it by train from major cities like Colombo or Kandy, or by bus. Many tourists opt for the scenic train journey itself as a primary way to experience the area. 
Yes, tuk-tuks and taxis are readily available outside the station to take you to your accommodation or other attractions in Ella.
The most popular and scenic way is by train. The journey offers stunning views of tea plantations and mountains. Book your tickets in advance, especially for reserved seats.
Yes, there is a neatly organized car park available at the station, making it accessible for those arriving by private vehicle.
You can choose between reserved seats (book in advance) or unreserved second/third class tickets (buy on the day). Unreserved tickets are unlimited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a ticket to enter and explore the station itself. Tickets are only required for train travel.
For reserved seats, it's highly recommended to book several days in advance, as they sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist seasons.
You can purchase train tickets online through the official Sri Lanka Railways website or at the station.
Yes, there are first, second, and third class carriages, with first and second class often offering reserved seating and better views.
The Ella Odyssey is a special tourist train that stops at Ella Railway Station, designed to cater to travelers exploring the scenic beauty of the region.
📸 📸 Photography
The station itself is picturesque, especially with the red trains. The nearby Nine Arch Bridge is a prime photography location.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds. Late afternoons can also be beautiful as the sun sets.
Absolutely! The train journey offers incredible opportunities for landscape and candid shots. Sit by the open doors for unobstructed views.
Try capturing the vibrant red trains against the lush green backdrop. The platform offers a good vantage point.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes like the Nine Arch Bridge, while a telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant views from the train.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The station is a transit point, but its charm lies in its well-maintained appearance and as a gateway to the Nine Arch Bridge and scenic train rides.
The platform has been updated with increased height, minimizing the difference between the carriage and platform, which aids accessibility.
Yes, the station has clean restrooms available for visitors.
Most visitors spend a short time at the station, either waiting for a train or as a brief stop before heading to the Nine Arch Bridge.
While it's a transit hub, you might encounter locals and fellow travelers. Engaging respectfully can lead to interesting conversations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the station itself is a transit point, the nearby Nine Arch Bridge is also an exciting sight for children. The walk to the bridge is generally manageable, but keep an eye on little ones, especially near the tracks. Packing snacks and water is always a good idea for any family outing.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best train shots, aim to be at the Nine Arch Bridge when a train is scheduled to pass. Research train timings in advance. Also, consider the train journey itself as a mobile photography studio, capturing the ever-changing vistas from the open doors.
🚶 Solo Travelers
+1Don't hesitate to strike up conversations with locals or other travelers for tips on the best viewpoints or hidden gems. The station is well-maintained and safe, making it a comfortable place to navigate independently.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legendary Train Ride
+1To make the most of this experience, booking reserved seats well in advance is crucial, as they are highly sought after. If you opt for unreserved tickets, be prepared for a more local experience, but rest assured, they are unlimited, so you will get a seat. Remember that the best views of the iconic Nine Arch Bridge are actually seen on the stretch between Ella and Badulla, so consider this when planning your journey.
Travelers often describe the joy of sitting by the open doors, feet dangling, soaking in the panoramic views. However, it's essential to be cautious of low-hanging branches and the tight platforms when trains enter stations. The direction of the view also changes; the right side offers better vistas for the first couple of hours, after which the left side becomes more scenic.
The Majestic Nine Arch Bridge
+1While the bridge itself is a sight to behold, many travelers also enjoy the experience of watching trains pass over it. To capture the best views from the train, it's recommended to travel from Badulla towards Ella, as the bridge is located on this segment of the line. Arriving early in the morning can help you avoid crowds and get the best light for your photos.
Getting to the bridge typically involves a short walk or tuk-tuk ride from Ella town or the railway station. The walk itself is pleasant, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere and the surrounding landscapes. Many visitors combine a visit to the Nine Arch Bridge with the scenic train journey, creating a memorable day of exploration.
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