Sri Lanka Railway
- About
- Popular Routes
- Stations
- Reviews
- Schedule and Timetable
About Sri Lanka Railway
Sri Lanka Railway offers straightforward and hassle-free online booking of train tickets with 12Gо. Other travellers’ reviews will help you plan the route and choose the ticket class that suits you best. Take a train to give your journey an old-school flavour with an overnight long-haul sleeper or add a super modern twist by jumping on a highspeed express that will reach your destination in a whisk. Railway travel is always full of character and emotions. Mingle with fellow passengers or opt for a private high-end compartment. Sri Lanka Railway offers a bunch of choices to make your experience unforgettable and enjoyable. Be sure to double-check the date of your travel, fare, type of your ticket, and other conditions and restrictions before you confirm your booking.
Sri Lanka Railway Popular Stations
Sri Lanka Railway’s route map features the following stations:
- Nanu Oya
- Jaffna Train Station
- Ella
- Anuradhapura
- Colombo Fort
- Badulla Ella
- Ambewela
- Maho
- Kekirawa
- Kankesanthurai
- Hikkaduwa
- Peradeniya
- Kilinochchi
- Talaimannar Pier
- Medawachchiya
- Diyatalawa
- Vavuniya
- Wellawatte
- Hingurakgoda
- Chunnakam
- Valaichchenai
- Maradana
- Polgahawela
- Matara
- Mannar
- Galgamuwa
- Kalutara South
- Hali Ela
- Nawalapitiya
- Ambalangoda
- Kurunegala
- Idalgashinna
- Batticaloa
- Kantale
- Gampola
- Avissawella
- Rambukkana
- Kandy
- Palai
- Trincomalee
- Tambalagamuwa
- Ohiya
- Veyangoda
- Great Western
- Moratuwa
- Pattipola
- Demodara
- Hatton
- China Bay
- Beliatta
- Polonnaruwa
- Haputale
- Galle
- Aluthgama
- Kodikamam
- Gampaha
- Welikanda
- Eravur
- Bandarawela
- Habarana
- Mount Lavinia
- Galoya
- Ragama
Sri Lanka Railway Top Destinations
Here is the list of routes covered by Sri Lanka Railway which are always in high demand with the travellers:
- Nuwara Eliya - Ella
- Colombo - Jaffna
- Colombo - Trincomalee
- Colombo - Galle
- Ella - Nuwara Eliya
- Colombo - Matara
- Trincomalee - Colombo
- Jaffna - Colombo
- Galle - Colombo
- Colombo - Habarana
- Ambewela - Ella
- Nuwara Eliya - Badulla
- Colombo - Batticaloa
- Ella - Ambewela
- Colombo - Hikkaduwa
- Batticaloa - Colombo
- Matara - Colombo
- Colombo - Anuradhapura
- Badulla - Ella
- Ella - Badulla
- Hikkaduwa - Colombo
- Badulla - Nuwara Eliya
- Ambewela - Badulla
- Nuwara Eliya - Ambewela
- Habarana - Colombo
- Colombo - Aluthgama
- Colombo - Kekirawa
- Ella - Haputale
- Anuradhapura - Colombo
- Anuradhapura - Jaffna
- Badulla - Ambewela
- Colombo - Beliatta
- Aluthgama - Colombo
- Colombo - Polonnaruwa
- Jaffna - Anuradhapura
- Haputale - Ella
- Galle - Matara
- Trincomalee - Habarana
- Colombo - Vavuniya
- Beliatta - Colombo
- Ambewela - Nuwara Eliya
- Hikkaduwa - Matara
- Ambewela - Demodara
- Colombo - Pasikudah
- Demodara - Nuwara Eliya
- Badulla - Demodara
- Galle - Beliatta
- Ella - Demodara
- Habarana - Batticaloa
- Demodara - Badulla
- Badulla - Haputale
- Demodara - Ambewela
- Nuwara Eliya - Demodara
- Pasikudah - Colombo
- Vavuniya - Colombo
- Aluthgama - Galle
- Colombo - Kurunegala
- Gampaha - Anuradhapura
- Haputale - Ambewela
- Haputale - Nuwara Eliya
- Hikkaduwa - Galle
- Habarana - Trincomalee
- Ambewela - Haputale
- Ella - Bandarawela
- Haputale - Badulla
- Colombo - Polgahawela
- Colombo - Ambalangoda
- Habarana - Polonnaruwa
- Matara - Galle
- Demodara - Haputale
- Nuwara Eliya - Haputale
- Demodara - Ella
- Aluthgama - Matara
- Polonnaruwa - Colombo
- Polgahawela - Colombo
- Jaffna - Vavuniya
- Matara - Aluthgama
- Kurunegala - Colombo
- Matara - Beliatta
- Anuradhapura - Kurunegala
- Polonnaruwa - Pasikudah
- Habarana - Pasikudah
- Beliatta - Hikkaduwa
- Ohiya - Nuwara Eliya
- Colombo - Kankesanthurai
- Demodara - Bandarawela
- Matara - Hikkaduwa
- Haputale - Demodara
- Kalutara - Colombo
- Beliatta - Galle
- Aluthgama - Hikkaduwa
- Ambalangoda - Colombo
- Aluthgama - Beliatta
- Colombo - Kalutara
- Bandarawela - Nuwara Eliya
- Pattipola - Badulla
- Vavuniya - Jaffna
- Ella - Ohiya
- Ohiya - Ella
- Bandarawela - Demodara
Sri Lanka Railway Ticket Prices & Train Classes
To get most of your train ride to choose the class of your ticket wisely. Consider the length of your trip, the time of the day, and your own preferences. For longer travels by night, first or second-class tickets in a sleeper coach might be the best solution. Both options allow you to sleep your night away as comfortably as it gets on a train and save the precious daytime of your vacation. Note that sometimes first-class tickets cannot be booked for short couple-of-hours trips on a longer itinerary. They are often reserved for travellers who cover the whole route from departure to the terminal station. Yet second-class sleepers of sometimes soft seats are a decent alternative if 4-5 hours bring you to your point B. Check what is included in the price. Linen and towels may or may not be provided for overnight trips as water, snacks, or toiletries. It is always a good idea to bring some layers on board as air-conditioning or heating may fail to meet your standards.
Travel by Train: Pros & Cons
Pros of Train Travel
- Railway travel is an ideal solution to beat traffic. While delays are sometimes possible for various reasons, in general, neither rush-hour, long weekends nor high season fever will ruin your timing with railways.
- Online booking of railway tickets saves you a lot of time. For many destinations, tickets can be booked as long as 90 days before your travel date which brings planning to a new level. Yet last-minute deals are often available, too. There is no need to go to the train station to book either – do it wherever you want.
- In many cases, train tickets are much more affordable than air tickets. On certain routes, the length of travel by high-speed trains equals or even beats air travel if you consider the time you spend in the airport for check-in and going through security and/or customs formalities.
- Very often, railway stations are located in the center of the city. It saves you a lot of time to reach your accommodation. Older railway stations often have the added bonus of being super atmospheric occupying historical buildings. Travelling to/from such stations can be considered a worthy point of your whole travel plan.
- Besides saving you daytime for other more enjoyable things, a night on a train is a good way to cut your hotel expenses. If it is a sleeper you opt for, you may expect to sleep quite well, too. Well, better than on a sleeper bus for sure!
- There are luxury trains serving some routes, and it is definitely an experience to try at least once in your life.
Cons of Train Travel
- The longer the distance – the longer the train ride, and if you have to cover a considerable mileage, it will be very time-consuming. So sometimes air travel is a better alternative even if costlier.
- Connections with your onward transport should be planned with extra care. Though the timetables are normally set, delays and cancellations are always possible due to a variety of reasons. Another thing to consider is the location of the station where your train arrives or departs from. There is more than one train station in certain cities and locations, which sometimes causes confusion.
- One of the most common complaints about trains on certain routes is cleanliness. It mostly concerns the cheapest class coaches and toilets.
- Stops are not always clearly announced or marked during some train trips. Electronic screens do solve this issue easily but are not present everywhere. So ensure you track your stop with GPS or just ask a conductor if any.
Sri Lanka Railway Stations
MahoKekirawaKankesanthuraiHikkaduwaPeradeniyaKilinochchiNanu OyaTalaimannar PierRagamaMedawachchiyaJaffna Train StationDiyatalawaVavuniyaGaloyaWellawatteHingurakgodaChunnakamValaichchenaiMaradanaPolgahawelaEllaMataraMannarGalgamuwaKalutara SouthHali ElaNawalapitiyaAmbalangodaKurunegalaIdalgashinnaMount LaviniaBatticaloaKantaleBandarawelaGampolaAvissawellaRambukkanaKandyPalaiTrincomaleeAnuradhapuraTambalagamuwaOhiyaVeyangodaGreat WesternMoratuwaPattipolaDemodaraHabaranaHattonChina BayColombo FortBeliattaPolonnaruwaBadulla EllaHaputaleGalleAluthgamaKodikamamGampahaAmbewelaWelikandaEravur
Sri Lanka Railway Company Reviews
Z G
Zane GRefund for a double purchase was made efficiently
Train#8057 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Sep 4, 2026
A G
ALFIE GThe train was 25 minutes late.
Train#111005 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Sep 2, 2026
W A
waseem AExcellent,, I have never been in trouble while using 12go , excellent
Train#111005 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 28, 2026
L A
Lynette ATrain ticket booked for a very reasonable price
Train#8058 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 19, 2026
M G
Manish GA beautiful and scenic journey.
Train#111006 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 18, 2026
L M
Lara Meverything was great, the AC was just a little too cold unfortunately
Train#7084 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 17, 2026
M G
Manish GWhat a lovely train ride. Gliding through the beautiful plains and valleys, the fresh air tickling your face and everyone snapping photos of every passing scene, it was such a treat.
Train#111006 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 16, 2026
M G
Manish GEverything is good, but however these reclining seats are not meant for an overnight journey. The seats are not comfortable and very stiff.
Train#7083 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 9, 2026
M T
Marco TAll good for booking a trainride with sri lankan train.
Train#444422 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 8, 2026
L G
lee GComfortable seats and air conditioned in my carriage
Train#44478 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 8, 2026
L G
lee GRelaxing trip in air conditioned 1st class carriage.
Train#44477 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Aug 5, 2026
T R
Trinity RAmazing way to travel and you also get lovely views along the way! Do be prepared for a crazy rush for seats when you get on the train, but I managed to find one with no issues. There isn’t a place to store luggage like a case, I had to use my legroom and put my feet on top, but great journey!
Train#6075 Third Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 26, 2026
L S
Linus SWrong timetable, train arrived 35 minutes later in local timetable at station
Train#66011 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 22, 2026
S Z
Simona ZSo smooth, easy ticketing process and at the station. Staff made sure I was on the correct side on the platform
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 20, 2026
S W
Sally WAlways my go to when travelling. Very straightforward booking system.
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 15, 2026
K Q
Karl QThe online booking of the train was very easy, fast and without any problem.
High recommendation!
Train#11016 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 15, 2026
M E
Mohammad EIt was very easy to book the ticket online. At the station it was good to already have the ticket and seats reservations. We had the best seats near the door and on the right side of the train. A beautiful ride!
Train#11005 Third Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 12, 2026
D J
David JNo problem. Went smoothly.
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jul 5, 2026
E L
Emma LSo easy to book rail tickets! Great way to travel.
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jun 18, 2026
A A
Ameen AForgot to buy water and no water bottles were available at the station.. the ticket was sufficient to board the train and our passports were verified soon after boarding the train.
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jun 9, 2026
A L
Andrew LNeed to sort out the ticketing. Absolute garbage when you buy more than one ticket and everyone is in different locations within the cabin.
This needs to be fixed badly.
The pdf was all that was needed. You don't need to get a ticket, just show the document.
Train#11005 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jun 8, 2026
G K
Gautam KThe trip was good but train was late by more than an hour.
Train#444422 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, May 29, 2026
N D
Nina Dtrain too uncomfortable. schedule not reliable.
Train#7084 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, May 8, 2026
A B
Anna BWas a great train and fun experience. Sad that we had to go out of our way to pick up a paper ticket when the email.pdf.was sufficient.
Train#11015 Third Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, May 8, 2026
K A
Katherine ASmooth journey. Easy to find seat.
Train#444421 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Apr 22, 2026
T L
Tiggy LTrains in the UK are expensive, late and boring by comparison. We had a wonderful trip, enjoying the Sri Lankan countryside along the way.
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Apr 2, 2026
T P
Theresa PIt was a nice Trip, but the Train stopped many times and was delayed (1 Hour)
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Mar 29, 2026
R Y
Rebecca YHonestly I did this as a solo female traveller with a huge backpack and it was so cheap, stunning views the entire way, had a seat (2nd class reserved), nice and cool with the windows down. I would just screenshot the stops to make sure you are staying on track as sometimes the train goes in one direction and then turns and goes the other way 😂 but honestly would definitely do again! Didn’t have to print the ticket or collect at the station. Ticket inspector carried my bag (and then asked for money lol) but overall, everyone is so kind and able to navigate
Train#66011 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Mar 19, 2026
T B
Trevor BGreat journey, comfortable seats (1st)
Train#6075 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Mar 16, 2026
G M
Graham MCheap and good easy to book
Train#8058 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Mar 10, 2026
J P
Judith PGreat seats. Lots of room. Air con in first class was good.
Amazing route along the coast.
Shane the windows were too dirty for photos
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Mar 7, 2026
A B
Alexey Beasy to book and pay, not needed to print tickets, just enter the 1st class train carriage... there are snacks in description, but it's wrong, no meals or snacks or bar, nothing of food available in train, buy snacks beforehand your trip
Train#8058 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Feb 28, 2026
K L
Kerry LFabulous train ride, we were in third class and it is absolutely fine with comfortable seats. And as a bonus the doors are left open, the windows open, there are fans on the ceiling and the scenery is stunning.
Train#6075 Third Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Feb 17, 2026
J O
Johanna OVery comfortable in first class, loads of room, air conditioned carriage.
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 31, 2026
J C
john CGreat no hassle website, trip went smoothly.
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 31, 2026
L S
Larisa SGreat price, even if quite difficult to understand where to sit or where to deopp off.
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 29, 2026
E Y
Earl YThe places were not optimal ... Many because of the late date I bought my tickets . We were up in front of the car , stuck against the cabin wall ...
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 13, 2026
J N
Jessica NThe trip took 45 minutes longer!
Train#44477 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 12, 2026
M I
Matthew IReceived the Eticket and confirmation in a timely manner and the entire process from buying to getting on the train etc., was very smooth.
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Jan 10, 2026
R D
Rishabh DNo food provided and no seat together. Very dirty toilets with broken tap.
Train#8058 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Dec 16, 2025
M A
Mohammad AI jumped off two stations earlier and I literally need eto jump off the train to the railways as the station was to short for the train haha
But overall nice ride and the adventure directly started. To be fair the train in Germany isn’t better hahaha
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Dec 13, 2025
L M
Lea MIt would have been better, if I were able to pay on the local currency, because that would have been mich cheaper. And you didn't say that you would use your own conversion rate
Train#8058 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Dec 12, 2025
A S
Apal SClean, on time what else is needed in a train
Train#8056 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Dec 12, 2025
V O
Vedangi OVery unclean. When booking the tickets the website show you symbols of providing a meal which is
Train#1030 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Nov 26, 2025
J J
Johanna JApart from a delay in parting of 45 min, we had a good and comfortable trip!
Train#44077 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Nov 22, 2025
J P
Johanna PGreat experience with the train
Train#11127 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Nov 21, 2025
T P
Thamba PWrong ticket given. Train ticket was for train that did not stop at station I searched for.
Train#1029 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Nov 20, 2025
M
Mareo The journey was delicious .3733430089228E+43;️❤️
Train#1126 Observation class, Sri Lanka Railway, Nov 17, 2025
R K
Roelof KLike always when we book through 12Go Asia everything was easy and arranged perfectly. Quick booking-process and proper instructions how to handle.
Train#11127 First Class Seat, Sri Lanka Railway, Nov 14, 2025
L A
Lucy AA fantastic experience, beautiful scenery, comfortable seating & clean toilets. The departure time was a little later than stated but didn’t cause us any issues, we’d do it again regardless. Very easy to navigate the train stations & find our reserved seats. The train staff let you know when great photo ops are coming so you don’t miss anything. Would highly recommend!
Train#11127 Second Class Reserved Seats, Sri Lanka Railway, Nov 13, 2025