How to get from
Colombo to Ella

How to get from Colombo to Ella

Once you’ve had your fill of Colombo’s crowded streets, it’s time to flip the script and take in Sri Lanka’s awe-inspiring nature. After seeing the capital, Ella is the natural next step, but you must know how to get from A to B. 

Unlike Colombo’s congested streets, Ella offers rich bio-diversity, lush green landscapes, cloud forests, tea plantations, and plenty of hiking trails. This is no city. Ella is a small town surrounded by sprawling hills. If you’re all about vibrant nature and fresh air, this is your stop. But don’t forget your walking boots!

The journey from Colombo to Ella takes approximately five and a half hours by car and minivan and around nine to eleven hours via train. This isn’t the shortest route around, but it’s a simple one! So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights of Sri Lanka.

When leaving Colombo, you’ll likely depart from Colombo Fort Train Station, Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB), or Colombo Fort. Arrivals in Ella are either at Ella Train Station or at your Ella hotel. Don’t forget to note your departure and arrival points because they’re not all the same. 

It’s time to travel from the city to the country. Are you ready? Scroll down to get from Colombo to Ella with confidence.

Top places to see and things to do in Ella

You’ve arrived in the Ella. Now what?

Here are some of the top sights and activities you need to know. 

• Nine Arch Bridge — One of the most popular sites in Ella, the Nine Arch Bridge, has to be on every itinerary. A 30-minute walk from the town, this grand bridge stands amid abundant greenery and tea fields. 

• Ella Rock — This town is a must-visit for hiking and walking, and visiting Ella Rock is the top trail. This hike takes around two hours each way, and it’s better to start earlier to avoid the crowds.

• Ceylon Tea Factory — Treat yourself to a fresh cuppa at the Ceylon Tea Factory. This nearby tea factory offers tasting tours that allow you to explore the tea fields and the production process.

• Ravana Falls — Ravana Falls is Ella's main (and most impressive) waterfall, only 10 minutes from the town center. It’s perfect for a relaxed afternoon walk. Next to the falls, you’ll find snacks, drinks, and souvenir stalls.

• Little Adams Peak — Another spot for keen hikers, Little Adams Peak is a viewpoint 45 minutes from Ella’s town center. On the way here, you’ll pass local villages, tea plantations, and stunning views. Bring a camera!

How to get from Colombo to Ella

The main ways to get from Colombo to Ella are via car, minivan, and train. Here’s the lowdown on each to save you time and stress.

By car

Traveling from Colombo to Ella by car is the best option if you want privacy, as you won’t have to share it with other travelers. Awesome.

Standard Cars to Ella start at $48 per person and can accommodate up to two passengers. They include A/C, 20 kg of luggage per person, airport pickups, hotel drop-offs, and toilet stops (on request).

The main drawback of traveling by car is the passenger restrictions. Minivans are better for large groups unless you want to travel in a convoy of cars. 

By minivan

Traveling from Colombo to Ella by minivan is more expensive, but most minivans offer space for up to five passengers. The cheapest minivans start at $130 per vehicle and have a two-person per booking minimum.

Standard Minivans come with A/C, private transfer services, airport pickups, hotel drop-offs, and 20 kg of luggage per passenger. Toilet stops are available on request. 

Pro tip: The journey from Colombo to Ella takes around five and a half hours. Pack water and snacks to prevent your stomach from rumbling on the ride.

By train

The train from Colombo to Ella is the cheapest option, but it takes a few more hours. Journeys with the train range from nine to eleven hours, so they’re not ideal if you’re on a short time scale. 

However, prices start at $8 per ticket and increase for first-class tickets. There are first-, second-, and third-class trains, and the amenities vary by the operator. Some second-class carriages have A/C, but others do not. Some reserve seats, while others do not. So, pay attention to the details as you book. 

If you want to soak up the views as you travel, a Panoramic Train ticket is for you. This provides reclining seats in the observation saloon, A/C, WCs, and a 15 kg luggage allowance. The journey takes 9.5 hours and costs around $28 per person.

Note: Some trains arrive in Ella Badulla, slightly north of Ella.

About the ride from Colombo to Ella

Once you leave the capital, you’ll drive east towards the countryside town. 

While highway views are limited, you’ll pass by lush landscapes and a few off-the-beaten-path towns on the way. 

You’ll also likely pass the nearby Sripada Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, Horton Plains National Park, and Udawalwe National Park. However, views of these will be limited. Want to visit? Day trips are possible from Ella!

The ride from Colombo to Ella has been voted safe for all travelers. 

If you want an extra cozy drive, ensure your ride has A/C. Sri Lanka can get very hot and humid. You’ll thank yourself for booking a cool car.

The best time to travel from Colombo to Ella

Sri Lanka has two main seasons and a tropical climate. 

The best time to travel from Colombo to Ella is from January to March. Though it’s hot all year round, these months are warm and drier, allowing you to escape the monsoon rains. The average temperature is 27°C/80°F. 

April and May are extremely hot and wet, with approximately 550mm of monthly rainfall. The rain continues from June to September at an average of 300mm per month. It increases to 700mm per month from October to November and drops to 420mm in December. 

Have a rain jacket or umbrella on hand to avoid these tropical downpours.

How many days do you need in Ella, Sri Lanka?

You can see most of Ella in two to three days. 

While surrounded by gorgeous landscapes, Ella itself is a very small town. Once you’ve explored the nearby sights and hiking trails, you’ll be ready to move on and see more of Sri Lanka’s beauty. 

Don’t be put off spending more time here, though. If you’re slow traveling, you can easily fill a week in Ella with stunning walks, waterfalls, and relaxed afternoons.

Where to visit after Ella?

After hiking the verdant hills of Ella, it’s time to keep the adventure going. Travel from Ella to nearby Badulla to see some divine Buddhist temples, relaxing waterfalls, and peaceful Sri Lankan villages. The journey from Ella to Badulla takes an hour by train.