Great news for travelers! The iconic Sri Lanka Up Country Railway service from Nanu Oya to Ella and Badulla has officially resumed. After an 8-month closure due to track maintenance and landslide clearings, passengers can once again enjoy one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, connecting Kandy to the heart of the tea country.
If you have plans to travel in Sri Lanka during this winter season, you have a great chance to experience this beautiful train ride to Ella again. Plan your trip now to experience the breathtaking views of the misty mountains and lush green landscapes!
The New Restored Train Service Schedule (Timetable)
There may be delays or changes to train schedules in the future, but these are the newly updated, official daily running times:
Leaving Nanu Oya to Ella & Badulla (Eastbound)
- First Train: Leaves Nanu Oya at 9:00 AM, reaches Ella at 11:25 AM, and arrives in Badulla at 12:16 PM.
- Second Train: Leaves Nanu Oya at 2:30 PM, reaches Ella at 4:55 PM, and arrives in Badulla by 5:46 PM.
Leaving Badulla to Ella & Nanu Oya (Westbound)
- First Train: Leaves Badulla at 7:45 AM, reaches Ella by 8:40 AM, and arrives in Nanu Oya by 11:30 AM.
- Second Train: Leaves Badulla at 3:00 PM, reaches Ella at 3:50 PM, and arrives in Nanu Oya by 6:16 PM.
Important Update: Colombo to Kandy Direct Train Status
Please note that the direct train journey from Colombo to Kandy is still currently out of service due to major track upgrades and maintenance on the lower inclines. However, the government has announced an official plan to resume the beautiful direct train journey from Colombo to Ella and Badulla via Kandy within this year just in time for the peak winter travel rush.
If you are traveling to Nuwara Eliya or Ella this year, we highly recommend experiencing this magical train ride. If you need more details on how to purchase tickets for Sri Lankan Railway, please read our guide on How to Buy Train Tickets in Sri Lanka
