A beautiful view from within central Ella-mobile

How to get from
Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Nuwara Eliya to Ella Trip Overview

Distance34 km (21.3 miles)
Price range$9-$83
Ride Duration Range1h 30m-2h
Earliest Departure06:00
Latest Departure23:00

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Nuwara Eliya to Ella



























































































Taking a train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

WC

Reclining Seats

TV

Food

The fastest: 1h 30m

The cheapest: $9

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

Food

The fastest: 2h

The cheapest: $83

POSSIBLE AMENITIES:

A/C

A beautiful view from within central Ella

About the ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

When traveling the 58 kilometer (36 mile) distance between Nuwara Eliya and Ella, you’ll have 4 transportation options to choose from:

  • Taking a bus that takes 4 hours to arrive in Ella
  • Hopping on a first or a second-class train that takes 3 hours to arrive in Ella
  • Traveling from Nuwara Eliya to Ella on a private minivan
  • Driving to Ella from Nuwara Eliya with a private car

The option you’ll choose depends mostly on personal preferences. Train trips from Nuwara Eliya to Ella are the most popular way of traveling. The train route is absolutely beautiful. If you want to experience that, you’ll have to plan far ahead of your trip, because tickets tend to sell out very quickly.
Travellers who want a private ride can book a minivan or a car. Even though these rides are usually a bit more expensive in other places, that’s not the case for this route. You can get a 6-passenger private minivan for $54, or a $44 private car for 2-3 passengers, and arrive in Ella in less than two hours.

 

What to see when traveling from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

The train route between Nuwara Eliya and Ella is mesmerizing, and that’s the main reason why these rides are so popular. If you manage to get a ride, you’ll have a chance to enjoy some beautiful, lush green scenery.
When it comes to other options you have available, buses, cars, and minivans will take the same route. Even though the train route is the most beautiful one, you’ll also be able to enjoy some amazing views on the road.

 

How to get from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Taking a bus 
Taking a bus to Ella from Nuwara Eliya is a convenient way to travel between these two places. Bus rides usually take a bit less than 4 hours to arrive in Nuwara Eliya.
All buses on this route have A/C, reclining seats, a shared TV, and charger sockets. They don’t have toilets on board but will make frequent rest stops during your trip.

Taking a train 
Traveling on a train between Nuwara Eliya and Ella is undoubtedly the most popular way to make the journey between these two spots. That’s because this route is very scenic, and you’ll glide through lush green forests.
When it comes to different options, you can choose between first-class and second-class tickets. The main differences between these two are A/C and the type of seats.
All first-class trains have A/C on board. The seats are larger, have adjustable headrests, and armrests. When it comes to other amenities, both classes have toilets on board and food and drinks that you can purchase on the train.
Having in mind that trains are extremely popular on this route, you must order your ticket at least 31 days or more in advance. Sometimes, tickets sell out even before that. Thirty days before your departure date, the operator will send over a confirmation.
Sometimes it happens that tickets sell out, and even though you bought the ticket, there are no seats available. In this case, you’ll receive a full refund and notice 30 days before the trip is supposed to take place.
You can also choose to have your train tickets delivered to your hotel for an extra fee of $6.50. In order to get this, you’ll need to provide the hotel name, passenger name as per hotel booking, full address, hotel contact number, and check-in date during the checkout process.

Taking a private minivan 
For groups of up to 6 passengers who want some privacy during their trip from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, there are private minivan rides available. While these rides can be significantly more expensive than trains and buses in some other places, that’s not the case for this route. The total price for 6 passengers is $54.
All minivans on this route have A/C and English speaking staff. When it comes to luggage policy, you can bring a 20 kg bag, plus 7 kg hand luggage per passenger. During your trip, the driver will make rest stops upon your request.
When traveling on a private minivan ride, the driver would pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. Also, you’ll have the chance to choose your departure time.

Taking a private car
Smaller groups of 2 to 3 passengers have another option available. You can get from Nuwara Eliya to Ella in a private car. All cars have A/C and English speaking staff.
When it comes to luggage policy, you can bring a 20 kg bag, plus 7 kg hand luggage per passenger. During your trip, the driver will make rest stops upon your request.
Similar to traveling in a private minivan, you’ll have the chance to choose your departure time, as well as pick up and drop off location.

Companies Operating from Nuwara Eliya to Ella

Average time

1h 30m

Average price

$9

(72)

Average time

2h

Average price

$83

Popular stations and stops in Nuwara Eliya and Ella

Departure stations in Nuwara Eliya

Nanu Oya Train Station

Nuwara Eliya - Any hotel

Nanu Oya

Nuwara Eliya Red Post Office

Arrival stations in Ella

Ella Train Station

Ella - Any hotel

Ella

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