Ella to Colombo tickets

	Distance 132 km (82.5 miles)
	Price range US$ 6-US$ 233
	Ride Duration Range 5h 20m-11h 40m
	Earliest Departure 18:30
	Latest Departure 23:30
	Most Popular Operator Sri Lanka Railways

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Taking a bus from Ella to Colombo

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The fastest: 10h 20m

The cheapest: US$ 6

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Reclining Seats

Food

The fastest: 5h 20m

The cheapest: US$ 179

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

The fastest: 5h 20m

The cheapest: US$ 102

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

English Speaking Staff

The available amenities for this trip are currently unavailable. For specific questions, please contact our customer service, available 24/7.

About the ride from Ella to Colombo

No doubt, leaving Ella for Colombo is not going to be easy. However, while Colombo lacks the small-town charm of Ella, it more than makes up for it with its exciting neighborhoods and mix of cultures.

The Fort Area is full of majestic colonial-style buildings that hark back to the city’s British and Dutch past. Pettah, one of the oldest districts in Colombo, is vibrant and chaotic. Wander its alleys and take in the sights, smells, and sounds of the neighborhood.

History buffs will love a visit to the impressive National Museum, one of the most iconic buildings in the city. But, of course, the Gangaramaya Temple is worth a visit too.

The Old Dutch Hospital houses a cluster of unique restaurants and boutiques. It’s the perfect spot for lunch and to indulge in a bit of shopping.

Evenings call for a stroll down the Galle Face Green, a long lawn near the beach. Grab some of the most delicious street food and enjoy the sun going down into the waters of the Indian Ocean.

The distance from Ella to Colombo is 186 miles (300 km).

You can cover the distance either by train, private car, minivan or bus.

Taking the train is a popular choice so book well in advance. Private vehicles and minivans have the shortest travel time, while buses are the most cost-effective option.

What to see when traveling from Ella to Colombo

The Ella to Colombo train ride is one of the most scenic ones in Sri Lanka, with the route taking you through green valleys and rolling hills. Journey through tunnels that open up to charming tea plantations and magical cloud forests.

If you happen to be traveling by 2nd class, head to the door and take a peek outside (safely, of course). Watch the train chug along the gently curving tracks, even as you watch quaint villages go by.

Beautiful sights await you even if you are traveling by taxi or bus. The region’s green landscape spreads out in front of you as you weave your way through the country’s smaller towns and cities.

How to get from Ella to Colombo

Taking a train from Ella to Colombo

Given its dreamy hillside scenery and fresh mist-filled air, one of the most popular ways to travel is to take a train from Ella to Colombo.

However, with a nine to ten-hour travel time, it is the slowest option available. But that doesn’t deter people. In fact, demand is so high that bookings need to be made at least a month in advance (booking opens 32 days before the departure date).

There are around four to five trains every day. Departure times are usually during the daylight hours, with only one departure in the evening. Be sure to check the Ella to Colombo train schedule for the most up-to-date times.

Ticket prices depend on the class of seats booked. They vary from $2 for a third-class unreserved seat to $30 for a reserved first-class ticket.

If you’ve booked a first-class seat, then you can expect cushioned seats with adjustable headrests in an air-conditioned compartment. The windows in first-class are fixed and cannot be opened, a point to consider if you are looking forward to experiencing the refreshing mountain breeze.

Second-class compartments are not air-conditioned, so you can slide your window down and feel the humid air. Seats are comfortable and cushioned though they have a fixed headrest.

Though not recommended, it’s also possible to travel in an unreserved second or third-class compartment. Tickets for the unreserved seats are booked the same day. The downside (and a somewhat important one) is that unreserved tickets do not have reserved seats. So, whether you get a seat is really a matter of luck.

Restrooms with squat and western-style toilets can be found towards the ends of the compartments. While there is no food carriage, you can purchase food and drinks from local vendors who walk through the train peddling their wares.

The trains are operated by Sri Lanka Railways.

Taking a car from Ella to Colombo

Another option is to hire a taxi. It is one of the fastest ways to get from Ella to Colombo at four and a half to five hours of travel time. But still not fast enough for a Colombo day trip.

The smaller air-conditioned cars are perfect for up to two passengers. It’s ideal for those who value flexibility and convenience.

The cost of renting a private taxi depends on the size of the vehicle. For a 2-3 person car, the price is around $90 to $110.

Taxis are also a good choice if you want to get from Ella to Colombo Airport.

Rental cars are also available for those who are interested in driving themselves.

Taking a minivan from Ella to Colombo

You could also rent a private minivan to cover the Ella to Colombo distance. Travel times are much like those of private taxis, about four and a half to five hours. This makes minivans, along with cars, the fastest way to travel from Ella to Colombo.

With seating for up to six passengers, private minivans are perfect for families and small groups. They offer more legroom and space for luggage and are a fast and convenient way to travel.

Taking a bus from Ella to Colombo

Buses from Bastian Mawatha Bus Stand in Colombo heading towards Badulla do not stop at Ella. Instead, they drop off passengers at Kumbalwela Junction, which is five km from Ella. Passengers can take a local bus, taxi, or even a tuk-tuk to get to their hotel from the bus stop.

Ticket prices for a standard air-conditioned Ella to Colombo bus start from $4 per person, making it one of the most cost-effective options – something which budget travelers and backpackers might want to consider. Super luxury buses are also available with ticket prices starting from $6 per person.

The buses take around six and a half to seven hours to reach Colombo. However, with bus departures throughout the day, it’s easy to find a timing that best suits you.