Buying Kandy to Ella train tickets from touts outside the station
4 Answers from travellers
Outdated Information: This answer is over 6 months old. Prices, schedules, or availability may have changed. Please verify current information before making travel plans.
Do not buy them. This is a scam. To stop scalpers, Sri Lanka Railways now prints the passengers ID or passport number on reserved tickets. If the ticket inspector on the train checks the ticket and it does not match your passport, you will be heavily fined and kicked out of the reserved carriage. Just buy an unreserved 3rd class ticket at the counter for 200 LKR.
If you cannot get a reserved seat, take a bus to Nuwara Eliya instead, then take the train from Nanu Oya to Ella. It breaks up the trip.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
You must be logged in to post an answer.
Log in to answerRelated questions
- Is 12go.asia reliable for Sri Lanka train tickets?3 answers
- Buying sold out train tickets from scalpers at the station7 answers
- Does the Kandy to Ella train have toilets.1 answer
- Driving in Sri Lanka on a foreign licence — what do I actually need and are the roads manageable?3 answers
- Buying Kandy to Ella train tickets from touts outside the station4 answers
- Ella train journey, is it worth the hype?2 answers
Join a Crew
Kandy Perahera Live Tonight
Perahera Seats, Hotels & Roads
Dalada & Perahera Culture