%2Cpin-s-a%252B356151(79.86159623333333%2C7.015782866666666)%2Cpin-s-b%252B8B4513(81.05124930000001%2C6.910503600000001)%2F80.45642276666666%2C6.963143233333334%2C7%2F560x280%402x%3Faccess_token%3Dpk.eyJ1IjoiZ2Vja29yb3V0ZXMiLCJhIjoiY2plc2p0NmQ4MHh1cDJ4bXI3aWlraGh3YyJ9.ftb9bE1kUJiddMRbmZblQQ&w=3840&q=75)
Ella is a hill-country village 131 kilometres (81 miles) inland from Colombo. It's famous for Little Adam's Peak and the tea plantations around it. The train is the cheapest way to get from Colombo to Ella at $6.40 (2,150 LKR), and it runs direct. A taxi is the quickest option at 5h 10m - 6h.
Distance from Colombo to Ella
Colombo and Ella are about 131 km (81 miles) apart, and the journey itself covers around 198 km by road. The quickest way to get from Colombo to Ella is by taking the taxi, which takes around 5h 10m - 6h.
3 ways to travel from Colombo to Ella
There are three ways to travel from Colombo to Ella. You can choose between the train*, bus, and taxi. The journey takes 5h 10m–8h 45m and the quickest way is by taxi. If you're on a budget, the cheapest option is by train* with tickets starting at $6.40 (2,150 LKR).
Reach out to our Community
No questions yet — be the first to ask about Colombo to Ella.
Colombo to Ella by Train
*Important Update: The last time we checked (July 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 $1.50 (490 LKR) 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 $6.40 (2,150 LKR).
First-class seats are air-conditioned with ticket prices from $22 (7,200 LKR) 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
Train tickets are available on Bookaway.
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 $0.90 (310 LKR) while 2nd class seats cost $1.50 (490 LKR). 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 $5.00 (1,690 LKR).
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 $3.60 (1,200 LKR).
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 $64 (22,000 LKR) for a 4-seater. Split it with your group, and it’s about $31 (10,000 LKR) 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 $120 (41,000 LKR).
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
That's the full picture for getting from Colombo to Ella, roughly 131 kilometres (81 miles) apart. In all, there are 3 ways to make the trip. The cheapest fare is $6.40 (2,150 LKR). The quickest trip takes 5h 10m.
Prices and timetables change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel. Have a question, or travelled this route recently? Ask the community below and we'll do our best to help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the distance from Colombo to Ella?
The distance from Colombo to Ella is 131 kilometres (81 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Colombo to Ella?
The fastest way to get from Colombo to Ella is by taxi and takes 5h 10m - 6h.
What is the cheapest way to get from Colombo to Ella?
The cheapest way to get from Colombo to Ella is by train with ticket costs starting from 2,150 LKR.
About the Authors
Founder & Trip Planning Expert
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.
Senior Travel Writer
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she's not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines. Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she'll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Affiliate Disclosure
Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep Gecko Routes free and up to date.
