Do train tickets in Sri Lanka need to be booked in advance? Which routes offer the best scenic views?

Hello, I'm delighted to share my experience with Sri Lankan trains! This is an excellent question, as train travel in Sri Lanka is one of the most quintessential experiences of the country, but ticketing can indeed be a bit tricky.

Should you book train tickets in advance?

In short: If you want to sit comfortably with a guaranteed seat, then you absolutely must book in advance! If you're flexible and don't mind standing or being a bit squeezed, then you don't need to book.

Let me explain in detail:

Sri Lankan train tickets are mainly divided into two types:

1. Reserved Seats:

   • These tickets are for assigned seats, primarily for first-class (air-conditioned observation carriages) and some second-class seats.
   • Pros: You have your own seat, no need to rush or stand, making the journey very comfortable, especially on long-distance routes lasting several hours.
   • Cons: The number of tickets is very limited, especially on popular routes; it's almost impossible to get one without booking in advance.
   • When must you book in advance? If you want to take the popular "Hill Country Tea Plantation Line" or the "Coastal Sea Train Line" and wish to have a comfortable window seat to enjoy the scenery and take photos, then you must book in advance. During peak season (e.g., December to March of the following year, or July-August), it's advisable to start looking and booking at least a month in advance.

2. Unreserved Seats:

   • These are what we commonly call "standing tickets" or "free seating," mainly for most second-class and third-class carriages.
   • Pros: You can buy them anytime at the train station, just before departure, offering great flexibility and a cheaper price.
   • Cons: A seat is not guaranteed! Getting on board is a scramble, and popular routes are usually packed with people, meaning you might have to stand for several hours. However, this is also a way to experience local life, and the classic "train hanging" photo opportunities by the carriage doors mostly happen in these types of carriages.
   • When can you consider not booking? If you've made a last-minute decision, have very flexible travel times, don't mind standing, or want to experience the most authentic "train hanging," then you can buy tickets directly at the station.

My advice is: For the most scenic routes, I strongly recommend booking in advance! You can book through the Sri Lanka Railways official website (which can be a bit complicated to navigate) or reliable third-party travel websites (like 12Go Asia, which charges a small service fee but is much more convenient). This ensures a better travel experience, saving you from wasting time and energy standing and being crowded.

Which routes offer the best scenery?

Sri Lanka's train lines have two "trump cards," which are arguably must-try experiences, each with its unique characteristics:

1. Hill Country Tea Plantation Line (Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella)

This is absolutely the soul and essence of Sri Lankan train travel! It's renowned as "one of the most beautiful train lines in the world." The train winds through high-altitude tea plantations nearly 2000 meters above sea level.

• Scenic Highlights: Outside the window, you'll see endless emerald tea mountains, with layers of tea fields undulating like green waves. The train travels through mist and clouds, passing waterfalls, valleys, and villages. You can also spot tea pickers wearing headscarves working in the tea fields, a truly therapeutic sight.
• The Most Scenic Stretch: The section from Nuwara Eliya (the station is called Nanu Oya) to Ella is widely considered the most beautiful and essential part. The famous Nine Arch Bridge is located near Ella on this stretch.
• Tips:
  • If traveling from Kandy to Ella, try to choose a seat on the right side in the direction of travel for better views. Conversely, if going from Ella to Kandy, sit on the left.
  • This journey is quite long (about 7 hours for the full route); if you don't want to sit for that long, you can opt for just the most scenic Nanu Oya to Ella section (about 3-4 hours).

2. Southwest Coastal Line / Sea Train (Galle – Colombo)

If you've seen Hayao Miyazaki's 'Spirited Away,' you'll definitely have a special connection to this line! It's the real-life "sea train."

• Scenic Highlights: A section of this line's tracks runs exceptionally close to the Indian Ocean, perhaps just a few meters away at its closest point. As the train moves, one side offers the vast, boundless sea with waves almost splashing against the windows, while the other side features coconut groves and local houses, creating a sensation of floating on the sea.
• The Most Scenic Stretch: Traveling from Galle towards Colombo, especially near Mount Lavinia as you approach Colombo, is the closest and most dreamlike section to the sea.
• Tips:
  • This journey isn't very long, about 2-3 hours.
  • When traveling from Galle to Colombo, make sure to sit on the left side in the direction of travel! This is how you'll get the unbeatable sea views.
  • Taking this train in the evening also allows you to enjoy a stunning Indian Ocean sunset, which is incredibly romantic.

Overall, if you have limited time, the Hill Country Tea Plantation Line is the top choice; its uniqueness and grandeur are unparalleled. If you have ample time, then both lines are absolutely not to be missed! I hope this information helps you, and I wish you a fantastic train journey in Sri Lanka!