How to book Sri Lanka train tickets online successfully?
The official website seems confusing. Any step-by-step tips or better platforms for booking Kandy-Ella or other popular routes?
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4 Answers from travellers
Use the official Sri Lanka Railways website (or their app) or reliable platforms like 12Go.asia. For popular routes like Kandy-Ella, book as early as possible (opens 30 days ahead). Create an account, have your passport details ready, and book 2nd class reserved seats. If the site is slow, try early morning or late evening Sri Lanka time. If you can't get reserved, you can still buy unreserved tickets at the station on the day, but you might stand.
I used 12Go for Ella and it was seamless. Official site kept timing out on me.
12Go is often easier for foreigners than the official site. It has English interface and handles the booking for a small fee. Worth it for popular routes.
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).
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