Sri Lanka Train Routes and Railway Map

The railway network in Sri Lanka, managed by Sri Lanka Railways (SLR), is one of the most scenic and budget-friendly ways to explore the island. From coastal tracks skimming the Indian Ocean to hill-country climbs through tea estates, trains connect Colombo with the south, east, north, and the central highlands.

Main Railway Lines in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s system radiates from Colombo Fort across six principal corridors:

• Main Line: Colombo Fort → Ragama → Kandy → Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) → Haputale → Ella → Badulla (hill-country panoramas).
• Coastal Line: Colombo Fort → Mount Lavinia → Bentota → Hikkaduwa → Galle → Weligama → Matara (ocean views).
• Northern Line: Ragama → Kurunegala → Anuradhapura → Vavuniya → Kilinochchi → Jaffna → Kankesanthurai.
• Puttalam Line: Ragama → Negombo → Chilaw → Puttalam (north-west coast and lagoons).
• Batticaloa Line (via Polonnaruwa): Colombo Fort → Polgahawela → Kurunegala → Gal Oya → Batticaloa.
• Trincomalee Line: Colombo Fort → Polgahawela → Kurunegala → Gal Oya → Trincomalee.

Train Types and Seating Classes

Services are typically labeled by speed and stopping pattern:

• Intercity / Special Express: Fastest options with limited stops.
• Express / Semi-Express: Balance of speed and coverage.
• Slow / Commuter: Stop at most or all stations; very budget-friendly.

Common coach classes:

• Observation Saloon (First Class): Panoramic windows; limited seats on select hill-country trains.
• Air-Conditioned Saloon (Reserved): Reclining seats in a cool, quiet cabin.
• Second Class Reserved: Fan-cooled with opening windows and guaranteed seating.
• Third Class Reserved / Unreserved: Most economical; lively local experience (unreserved may be crowded).

Popular Train Routes in Sri Lanka

1. Colombo – Kandy – Ella / Badulla (Main Line)

Sri Lanka’s iconic hill-country route: cityscapes give way to tea gardens, viaducts, tunnels, and cool mountain air. Observation Saloon and A/C Saloon are most in demand between Kandy, Nanu Oya, Haputale, and Ella.

Typical travel time: Colombo–Kandy 2.5–3.5 hrs; Kandy–Ella 6–7.5 hrs

Good choices: Observation Saloon (when available), Air-Conditioned Saloon, Second Class Reserved

2. Colombo – Galle – Matara (Coastal Line)

Skirts sandy beaches and fishing villages with near-continuous ocean views. A favorite day trip for both locals and visitors.

Typical travel time: Colombo–Galle 2–2.5 hrs; Galle–Matara 40–60 mins

Good choices: A/C Saloon or Second Class Reserved (open windows and sea breeze)

3. Colombo – Jaffna – Kankesanthurai (Northern Line)

Fast intercity services to Sri Lanka’s far north via ancient Anuradhapura and the Vanni plains, finishing in Jaffna’s peninsula towns.

Typical travel time: Colombo–Jaffna 6–7 hrs

Good choices: A/C Saloon or Second Class Reserved

4. Colombo – Trincomalee (Eastern Line)

Cross-island journey to the east coast’s deep-water harbor and beaches, via paddy fields, reservoirs, and forest corridors.

Typical travel time: 7–8.5 hrs

Good choices: A/C Saloon, Second Class Reserved

5. Colombo – Batticaloa (Eastern Line via Gal Oya)

Links the west to the east through Sri Lanka’s heartland, with landscapes shifting from coconut belts to dry-zone lakes.

Typical travel time: 8–9.5 hrs

Good choices: A/C Saloon, Second Class Reserved

6. Colombo – Negombo – Puttalam (Puttalam Line)

Convenient for airport access (via nearby stations) and the north-west coast’s lagoons and fishing towns.

Typical travel time: Colombo–Negombo 1–1.5 hrs; Colombo–Puttalam 3.5–4.5 hrs

Good choices: Second Class Reserved / Third Class (short hops)

International Train Routes

There are no international passenger rail links from Sri Lanka at present. All services operate within the island.

How to Book Train Tickets in Sri Lanka

• Reserved seats (Observation, A/C Saloon, Second/Third Reserved) are limited and popular on scenic lines — book in advance, especially weekends and holidays.
• Unreserved tickets are usually available on the day but may be crowded at peak times.
• Tickets can be purchased at major stations (e.g., Colombo Fort, Kandy, Galle, Jaffna) or via authorized online partners where available.
• Depending on the service, you may receive an e-ticket or a collection voucher; carry a photo ID when traveling.

Need Help Booking?

Website: https://srilanka-railways.com

Email: support@srilanka-railways.com