One of Sri Lanka’s highlights is the Tea Train. The sweeping views of tea plantations from the window captivate travelers.
The origins of the ‘Tea Train’ lie not in a train built from the outset for tourism, but in the railway developed during the British colonial period to link the mountain plantations (initially coffee, later tea) with the port city of Colombo and to transport export cargo.
The first train ran between Colombo and Ambepussa in 1864, with the line being extended gradually into the highlands. The railway’s primary purpose initially was to transport tea from the hill country to Colombo.
Subsequently, the line extended to Kandy (1867) → Nanu Oya (1885) → Bandarawela (1894) → Badulla (1924), forming a ‘mountain route’ winding through the tea-growing regions. The scenic section around Kandy and Ella, now often referred to as the ‘Tea Train’, also runs on this passenger railway infrastructure originally built for export and logistics (the alignment constructed by the British in the 19th century, tunnelling through mountains and building bridges and tunnels).
This time, I’d like to share the recommended sections of the Tea Train and how to make reservations.
The section from Kandy to Nanu Oya in Nuwara Eliya
※ This section remains suspended as of February 2026 due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwa in late November 2025. Please check the Sri Lanka Railways official website for the latest operational information.
For itineraries travelling from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and then returning to Colombo, you will board the Tea Train on this section.
The entire section is approximately 50 kilometres, but we will take our time traversing it, taking between 3.5 and 4 hours.
However, tea plantations do not stretch across every section of the line.
While booking methods will be covered later, if you choose to travel without a reservation and are prepared to stand, the recommended section is the approximately one-and-a-half-hour journey from Hatton Station to Nanu Oya Station.
Charter a private car with driver to your boarding station. If you haven’t booked in advance, purchase a day ticket with the driver’s assistance and board the train. After enjoying the Tea Train, arrange to be picked up at Nanu oya Station and extend your journey to explore Nuwara Eliya.
In Nuwara Eliya, we recommend enjoying experiences such as tea packing and afternoon tea at the hotel.
The section from Nanu Oya to Ella! Ride the Nine Arch Bridge section!
※ This section is currently suspended from Nanu Oya to Ambewela due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwa at the end of November 2025. However, it is possible to travel on the highlight section featuring the tea plantations and the Nine Arch Bridge. Please check the Sri Lanka Railways official website for the latest operational information.
This section is also approximately 35 kilometres, but we will take our time to drive through it, taking around two and a half to three hours.
Please note: To visit the Nine Arch Bridge, you must travel to Demodara station, one stop beyond Ella. Therefore, to visit the Nine Arch Bridge, you must book or purchase a ticket to Demodara station locally. (We will explain how to book later.)
The Nine Arch Bridge is a stone railway bridge near the mountain resort of Ella in central Sri Lanka, featuring nine beautifully aligned arches. Constructed during the 1920s as part of railway development under British colonial rule, it is said to have been built using stone and brick to compensate for a shortage of iron. Its landscape, spanning deep green valleys and tea plantations, is one of the country’s premier photo spots.
If you wish to enjoy a journey of around an hour without booking, I think travelling the roughly one-hour stretch from Bandarawela Station to Demodara Station would be a good option. Incidentally, Demodara Station also features the Demodara Loop, which is worth seeing.
The Demodara Loop is a rare spiral railway track constructed to overcome steep gradients. The train gradually descends while circling the mountain, passing through a tunnel beneath its own tracks to reach Demodala Station. This design represents the culmination of ingenuity from the British colonial era. Its appearance, harmonising with the beautiful tea plantation landscape surrounding it, makes it one of Sri Lanka’s premier scenic spots, captivating not only railway enthusiasts but also numerous tourists.
Which class of carriage would you recommend? (First class / Second class / Third class)
Sri Lankan trains have first-class, second-class and third-class carriages.
Whilst the most comfortable option is undoubtedly first class, for enjoying the views of the tea plantations, reserved seats in second or third class are recommended.
This is because first-class carriages often have windows that cannot be opened due to the air conditioning. On the other hand, second- and third-class carriages have windows that open, allowing passengers to fully enjoy the scenery from the train. The section of the Red Tea Railway runs through highland areas, which are not hot to begin with, so air conditioning is unnecessary.
Below is a comparison table for each class. We recommend booking reserved seats in second class or third class.
| Class | Windows/Doors | Likelihood of Getting a Seat | Crowding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Observation car (only on some trains) | Large windows (primarily for scenery) | High (reserved) | Low–Medium (popular; competitive) |
| 1st class (AC) | Often not openable | High (usually reserved) | Low |
| 2nd class (Reserved) | Many openable windows (non-AC) | High | Medium |
| 2nd class (Unreserved) | Many openable windows (non-AC) | Low–Medium (may have to stand) | High |
| 3rd class (Reserved) | Openable windows; more basic | High | Medium–High |
| 3rd class (Unreserved) | Openable windows (depends on the car) | Low | Highest |
How to Book the Tea Train: Any Insider Tips?
Now, I’d like to explain how to make a reservation. The second method is a bit of a trick.
Book Online with 12Go.Asia or Bookaway
While Sri Lanka Railways does have an official booking form, it is prudent to assume that securing reservations is essentially impossible, as agents immediately snap up all available tickets. Consequently, the most reliable option for individual arrangements is the booking site 12Go.Asia.
The layout is extremely straightforward: by entering your departure station, destination station and travel date, the system displays all available trains for booking.
Other booking sites include Bookaway. Similar to 12Go.Asia, entering your departure station, destination station, and travel date will display available trains for booking.
If You Can’t Book Online: Insider Workarounds
If you were unable to make a reservation online, the following two solutions are available:
One option is to purchase a third-class unreserved seat while receiving assistance from the taxi charter driver used for same-day transport. For journeys such as Hatton to Nanu Oya or Bandarawella to Demodara, even standing room would suffice for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
However, some may wish to sit and savour the experience for longer. For such guests, we can recommend our Ranka-mi Platinum Plan and Royal Plan.
Our Ranka-mi representative, Ranjana, has special arrangements for ticket procurement. We will provide Ranjana’s contact details to those subscribing to the Platinum Plan or above.
If you make a direct request to Ranjana, it may be possible to arrange tickets. However, we cannot guarantee this with 100% certainty. (Please consider it possible with approximately 90% certainty.)
Additionally, as arrangements will be made via a special route, the cost will be higher than usual. However, for those who wish to secure a reserved seat and enjoy the extended journey on the Tea Train, we would encourage you to consider this option.
Summary
The Tea Train is a Sri Lankan sightseeing activity that has been growing in popularity year by year.
Make the most of it by choosing your route wisely—take in sweeping tea plantation views and iconic sections such as the Nine Arches Bridge. If your priority is the scenery, we recommend reserved seats in 2nd or 3rd class, where the windows can often be opened.
If you can book in advance, that’s ideal—but sometimes reservations aren’t available. In that case, one option is to narrow down your ride to a specific section and enjoy about an hour on the train. Another option is to arrange tickets through our local desk included in our Platinum Plan.
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