Ella is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic hill-country destinations famous for its lush mountains, scenic viewpoints, waterfalls, and laid back backpacker charm. While the Kandy–Ella–Badulla railway line is temporarily closed for major repairs, reaching Ella is still easy, safe, and fully accessible through several alternative routes.
Whether you’re already in Sri Lanka or planning an upcoming visit, this guide explains every practical way to reach Ella without the train, including travel times, prices, routes, and helpful tips for 2025–2026.
Is Ella Safe to Visit 2025–2026?
Yes – absolutely
Road access to Ella is open, hotels are operating normally, attractions are accessible, and the town continues to welcome travelers every day. The only major disruption is the hill-country train line, which is expected to take several months to fully restore. Until then, the best alternatives are:
- Private taxi transfers
- Bus routes
- Combined taxi + bus options
- Scenic routes via Haputale or Bandarawela
- Multi-day journeys via the southern coast
All options are safe and frequently used by both locals and tourists.
1. Taxi / Private Transfer to Ella (Fastest & Most Comfortable)
A private taxi is the most convenient and time-efficient way to reach Ella. It offers door-to-door comfort, flexible stops, and uninterrupted travel even when rail services are suspended.
Approximate Taxi Prices (2025–2026)
| Route | Estimated Cost | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo to Ella | LKR 28,000 – 35,000 | 5.5 – 6.5 hrs |
| Kandy to Ella | LKR 20,000 – 26,000 | 4.5 – 5.5 hrs |
| Nuwara Eliya to Ella | LKR 10,000 – 15,000 | 2 – 2.5 hrs |
| Galle / Mirissa to Ella | LKR 20,000 – 28,000 | 4 – 5 hrs |
| Arugam Bay to Ella | LKR 18,000 – 26,000 | 3.5 – 4.5 hrs |
(Prices vary based on vehicle type, fuel cost, and season.)
Why choose a taxi?
- No delays, no transfers
- Scenic mountain roads
- Stop anywhere for photos
- Comfortable with luggage
- Ideal for families or groups
Tip
Book through PickMe, Uber Intercity, or a trusted local taxi driver for fair pricing.
2. Bus Routes to Ella (Budget-Friendly Option)
If you’re traveling on a tighter budget, buses are the cheapest way to reach Ella. Although they take longer than taxis, they are reliable and run daily.
Popular Bus Routes
a) Direct AC Highway Buses (Makumbura to Ella / Badulla)
There are direct AC highway buses that travel from Makumbura Multi-Modal Centre (Kottawa) to Ella / Bandarawela / Badulla via the Southern Expressway. These buses are comfortable, faster than regular routes, and ideal for long-distance travelers.
- Modern AC coaches
- Luggage space available
- No train needed — fully road-based
- Usually runs morning and evening departures
- Seats are limited, so early arrival is recommended
- Pre seat reservation
Total Cost: LKR 2,000 – 2,900
Total Time: 5–6 hours
This is now one of the best and most reliable alternatives to reach Ella while the train line is under repair.
b) Colombo to Bandarawela / Badulla trasfer Ella (Transfer Required)
If you cannot catch the direct highway bus, another option is:
- Take an AC Highway Bus from Colombo (Makumbura or Colombo Central) to Bandarawela or Badulla.
- Then take a local bus to Ella (30–45 minutes)
Total Cost: LKR 1,500 – 2,500
Total Time: 7–8 hours
c) Kandy to Ella (via Badulla / Bandarawela)
Frequent buses run through the A5 route. This is a scenic drive through the hill country. However, the road disruptions may delay the arrival during this season.
Cost: LKR 1,000 – 1,600
Time: 5–6 hours
c) South Coast to Ella (Galle / Matara / Tangalle)
From southern coastal towns, there is no direct bus to Ella, but connections are easy:
- Take a bus to Wellawaya
- Transfer to a local bus heading to Ella or a Tuk (~27 km to Ella from Wellawaya)
From South Coast there’s no direct trains to the Ella best options are to travel on a bus or a taxi.
Bus to Wellawaya can takes from
- Galle
- Matara
- Tangalla
Pros of Taking the Bus
- Very cheap
- Many routes and frequent departures
- Runs consistently despite railway closure
- Good for backpackers and solo travelers
Cons
- Long travel times
- Not ideal with heavy luggage
- Seating can be crowded during peak times
Scenic Road Route via Haputale (Highly Recommended)
Even though the train isn’t running, you can still experience stunning hill-country scenery by traveling through:
- Haputale
- Diyatalawa
- Bandarawela
This route includes:
- Tea plantations
- Mountain viewpoints
- Cloud forests
- Waterfall areas
Suggested stops:
- Lipton’s Seat
- Dambatenne Tea Factory
- St. Catherine’s Seat
- Ravana Falls (near Ella)
This approach turns the transfer to Ella into a mini hill-country adventure.
Travel to Ella from the South Coast (Ideal for Beach to Hill Country Trips)
Many travelers first enjoy the beaches and then head inland to Ella.
From:
- Mirissa
- Weligama
- Unawatuna
- Hikkaduwa
- Tangalle
You can reach Ella easily by:
- Taxi (4–5 hrs)
- Bus to Wellawaya to Ella bus
- Pre-arranged hotel transfers
The southern coastal region is fully open and in peak season, making this one of the smoothest routes in 2025–2026.
Sample Itinerary: Traveling to Ella Without the Train
Option A — Direct & Fast
- Colombo → Ella by taxi
- Check-in at hotel
- Visit Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak next morning
Option B — Scenic Adventure
- Colombo → Haputale
- Visit Lipton’s Seat
- Continue to Ella by evening
Option C — Beach + Hill Combo
- 3 nights Mirissa
- Travel to Ella
- 2–3 nights exploring Ella’s hikes & waterfalls and nightlife
These routes avoid any train uncertainty while giving you a complete Sri Lankan experience.
When Will the Ella Train Reopen?
Current estimates suggest that the Kandy–Ella–Badulla line may take several months to fully restore, as significant repairs are underway due to:
- Landslide damage
- Track instability
- Safety inspections
Partial reopening for tourism may occur earlier, but the full scenic route will likely take time.
Until then, the best way to reach Ella is by road, which remains completely accessible.
Travel Tips for Reaching Ella (2025–2026)
- Book transport in advance
- Especially in December–March tourist season.
- Avoid traveling late at night
- Hill-country roads get foggy after dark. Be careful specially if driving on your own
- Download offline maps
- Signal can drop between mountains.
- Carry snacks and water
- Long journeys = fewer organized stops.
- Choose a vehicle with good brakes
- Roads include steep climbs and bends. Drive on a low gear in hill downs without overusing the brakes.
Final Thoughts: Ella Is Still One of the Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Even without the iconic train ride, Ella remains a must-visit destination in 2025–2026.
Its mountain views, waterfalls, hiking trails, cafés, and relaxed charm continue to attract travelers from all over the world.
Whether you’re coming from Colombo, Kandy, or the southern beaches, getting to Ella is easy, safe, and straightforward and this alternate journey may even help you discover beautiful places you might have otherwise missed.
Thank you for putting together this incredibly practical and much-needed guide. The obsession with the Ella train, while understandable, has completely overshadowed the reality that there are other fantastic—and often more efficient—ways to reach the highlands. This article is a vital reality check for travelers.
Your breakdown of the bus and van options is spot-on. The key takeaway for me is the strategic choice between time, cost, and experience.
– The Bus: You trade time and (sometimes) comfort for an unbeatable price and a truly local experience. As you noted, it’s a window into daily Sri Lankan life.
– The Private Van: You pay a premium for door-to-door convenience, control over stops (hello, Rawana Falls photo-op!), and a significantly faster journey, especially from the south coast.
One alternative route I’d love to see explored more deeply in future updates is the approach from the East. Coming from Arugam Bay or the cultural triangle via the Passara Road (through Namunukula) is a stunning, winding, and less-traveled mountain drive that feels like a proper adventure and deposits you right in Ella. It’s a fantastic option for those looping the island.
A question for fellow travelers: For those who have taken a private van or tuk-tuk, did you find it valuable to pre-negotiate specific scenic stops along the route (like small tea factories, viewpoints, or waterfalls) with your driver beforehand, or did you prefer a more direct, non-stop trip?
Thanks again for this resource. It empowers travelers to make informed choices beyond the Instagram-famous train ride and craft a journey that better fits their style, budget, and itinerary.
Hello, thank You very much for the perfect article about the transportation posibilities. I am thinking about the bus option from Colombo to Ella or better Haputale. Can You give here some link, where I can the exact rout (bus stops), where I can see the departure and arrival times and where I can book…I have just googled, but I have not found any web page. Thank You very much