Help! Kandy to Ella train tickets are sold out online for next week. What are my options?

Hi there! This is the most common issue travelers face. Don't panic, you have three options:

1. Try the "Tourist Quota": Some larger stations have a specific quota of tickets reserved for tourists that aren't listed online. You need to go to the station (Colombo Fort or Kandy) with your passport a day or two before to check availability.
2. Third-Class Unreserved: You can always buy a ticket on the day of travel at the counter, but these are for unreserved 2nd or 3rd class. The catch: no guaranteed seat. Pro Tip: If you take the train starting from Peradeniya Junction (a short tuk-tuk ride from Kandy) instead of Kandy main station, the train is slightly less crowded as it arrives there first, giving you a better fighting chance at a seat.
3. The "Split" Trick: Sometimes the Kandy-Ella direct ticket is sold out, but Kandy-Nanu Oya and Nanu Oya-Ella are available separately. Check the system for split bookings on the same train.

If all else fails, hire a car for the journey, the road views are actually just as stunning, and you can stop for waterfalls!

There are no Kandy to Ella Trains running at the moment. but trains run inbetween Ambewela( 15km from Nuwaraeliya) and Badulla. You can reach ella by there trains.

There are 2 trains per day. If you cant book through official portal of Sri Lanka railway, best option is visit the abewela station 30-40 min before schedule. there are seats at non reservation compartment (3rd clas non reservation )
also inquire reservation tickets to try your luck. there may be last minute tickets due to cancelations