How to Get From Colombo to Ella
Train* · Bus · Taxi
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In this in-depth route guide, you'll find the best ways to travel the 205 kilometre (127 miles) distance from Colombo to Ella. By the end of this guide, you'll know exactly how to get there — whether you want to travel on a budget, reach Ella as fast as possible, or enjoy the ride in comfort. We base our information on verified schedules, ticket prices, and on-the-ground insights from recent travellers.
What are the 3 ways to travel from Colombo to Ella?
There are three ways to travel the 205 km distance from Colombo to Ella. You can choose between the train*, bus, and taxi.
The journey takes between 5h 10m–8h 45m and the quickest way is by taxi (5h 10m). If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train* with tickets starting at 2,050 LKR ($6.40).
8h 45m - 10h 30m
2,050 LKR ($6.40)
6h 15m
2,890 LKR ($9.00)
5h 10m - 6h
22,000 LKR ($67)
Where to stay in Ella?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Ella at the bottom of this page.
Colombo to Ella by Train*
*Important Update: The last time we checked (May 2026), the Colombo to Ella train route was still not fully operational following the railway disruption caused by Cyclone Ditwah. We recommend travelling to Ella by bus or private car instead.
The train route from Colombo to Ella is among the most picturesque rides in the world, especially the second half of the ride starting in Kandy. It should not be missed when visiting the Tea Country. Sri Lanka Railways generally feature clean cabins with soft seats, comfortable enough for a 9-hour trip. Tickets are available on the day of your trip at the train station, with fares starting at 490 LKR ($1.50) for a 2nd-class unreserved seat. But because this is at least a trip that takes around 8h 45m - 10h 30m, we recommend that you book reserved seats online at least a month before your trip. Online tickets start at 2,050 LKR ($6.40). First-class seats are air-conditioned with ticket prices from 6,800 LKR ($22) when booked online. Still, we prefer the open windows of second-class cabins, much better for sightseeing and photo-ops!- Departs from Fort Railway Station in Colombo city centre
- Arrives at Ella Railway Station in the city centre
Train schedule from Colombo to Ella
We recommend booking your tickets online through BookAway. Their site is intuitive, provides a clear picture of what you can expect, and offers great customer service. If you're eyeing the best deals, you might occasionally find slightly cheaper tickets on 12Go.Asia.
Why we don’t recommend booking unreserved seats
Reserved train tickets in Sri Lanka sell out fast, which is why you have to book your tickets online at least a month before. If you miss that deadline, you can take a chance by buying an unreserved train ticket, which will only be available on the day of your trip.
From Colombo to Ella, tickets for a 3rd class seat cost 310 LKR ($1.00) while 2nd class seats cost 490 LKR ($1.50). Unreserved tickets are unlimited, but seats are not! Imagine having to stand for a 9-hour journey!
If you miss the 30-day deadline to book online, your alternate option is to book a reserved seat with an agency. They charge a much higher price, but they will try their best to get those tickets for you.
For more info and other train booking options, check out our page on How to Book Train Tickets in Sri Lanka.
Colombo to Ella by Bus
Step 1: Colombo to Kumbalwela Junction by Bus
Head to Colombo’s Bastian Mawatha Bus Station and hop on bus #99 bound for Badulla. The journey takes around 6h.
You’ll find cheaper ordinary buses, but for a trip this long, they’re not the best choice. They can get crowded, and with no air conditioning, the ride can feel pretty uncomfortable.
It’s worth going for an air-conditioned bus, with fares from 1,690 LKR ($5.30).
Buses are available throughout the day. Ask the driver to drop you off at Kumbalwela Junction.
Step 2: Kumbalwela Junction to Ella by Taxi
From Kumbalwela Junction, you can take a taxi to Ella, about 15 minutes away. The ride costs around 1,200 LKR ($3.70).
You can also check with your hotel in advance to see if they offer a pick-up from Kumbalwela Junction.
Colombo to Ella by Taxi
A private transfer from Colombo to Ella is the easiest and most convenient option. The journey takes 5h 10m - 6h, and you’ll be dropped off right at your accommodation — no need to worry about extra transfers.
Uber is the most budget-friendly option for this route, with prices starting at 22,000 LKR ($67) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about 9,700 LKR ($31) each.
If you want to do everything to find the cheapest rate, you can also check the taxi apps PickMe and TaxiGo. These are widely available in Colombo, but not very easy to book when you’re travelling long distances.
If you prefer booking in advance, platforms like BookAway or 12GoAsia are great choices. They’re very reliable but come with a higher price tag, starting at 39,000 LKR ($120).
Our favourite places to stay in Ella
Here are our favourite places to stay in Ella for every budget.
Will Guest Homestay
An exceptional homestay with stunning mountain views. You will feel right at home here with the friendly and welcoming staff. Bike and car rentals are available on-site and breakfast is included with your stay.
The rooms are clean and comfortable, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. You won’t want to check out of this homestay!
- Breathtaking mountain views
- Breakfast included
- Clean and comfortable
- Extremely friendly and helpful staff
Private room starts at $23 per night
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Colombo to Ella. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance from Colombo to Ella is 205 km.
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Based in Bali, Maarten's passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you'll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
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