Buying sold out train tickets from scalpers at the station

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 1,624 travellers21 found this helpful
E
Emma L.7505 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

The Kandy to Ella train was sold out online. A guy outside the station offered to sell us 2nd class reserved seats for 5000 LKR. Is this a scam.

21
asked about 2 months ago
E
Emma L.7505 rep2

7 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

Do not buy it. 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.

38
answered about 2 months ago
B
Bhante S.9840 rep1

We will just brave the unreserved carriage. Standing for a bit is fine.

49
answered about 2 months ago
E
Emma L.7505 rep2

Get to the station an hour early and stand right where the unreserved carriages stop to get a seat.

44
answered about 2 months ago
B
Bhante S.9840 rep1

Half the time the tickets they sell you are forged on cheap paper anyway. Do not trust them.

39
answered about 2 months ago
N
Noah D.7160 rep2

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.

34
answered about 2 months ago
D
Dr. Nimal.8590 rep1

Do not lean too far out the door, the tunnels come up fast.

27
answered about 2 months ago
D
Dr. Nimal.8590 rep1

The doorways are the best spots anyway!

22
answered about 2 months ago
N
Noah D.7160 rep2

Fair TukTuk Prices

Help travelers avoid overcharging!

Be the first to report a price

You must be logged in to post an answer.

Log In to Answer