@ Sri Lanka Railways (SLR).
A few years ago, booking train tickets in Sri Lanka was a hassle for tourists, but now, an official online reservation system has made it much more accessible.
Sri Lanka Railway Official Ticket Booking Site: https://seatreservation.railway.gov.lk/mtktwebslr/
One important note: What you book online is an "M-Ticket" (voucher), which must be exchanged for an actual ticket at a Sri Lankan train station.
However, not all stations have ticket exchange counters, and the official website doesn’t clearly list which stations support this service. (I’ll keep looking for more details…)
While many travelers report being able to board with just the mobile voucher, some have been turned away at certain stations. Since rules on Sri Lankan public transport aren’t always strictly enforced, it’s safer to exchange your ticket in advance where possible.
Major stations—such as Colombo Fort, Kandy, Nanu Oya, and Galle—definitely have exchange counters. Smaller stations, especially those only served by local trains, may not.
When booking online, you’ll need to provide your passport number, and the ticket will be checked against your ID upon exchange. This means you can’t buy tickets in bulk without knowing who will use them—likely a measure against scalping.
Update (May 2, 2025):
Due to the increased ease of booking for foreigners, reserved seats now sell out quickly. Tickets go on sale 30 days before departure, so early booking is essential—not just during peak seasons like August and December.
Also, note that there’s no direct train from Kandy to Galle; you’ll need to transfer at Colombo Fort Station.
Trains are a practical option for specific routes, such as:
Kandy → Nuwara Eliya/Ella
Colombo → Galle
Downsides to consider:
Delays of 1+ hours are common.
Carrying large luggage can be inconvenient.
You can’t easily stop for sightseeing along the way.
During rainy seasons, arranging transport from stations to your destination can be tricky (taxis become scarce as locals prioritize them). Always have backup plans.
Budget-Friendly Travel Tip:
From common starting points like Negombo or Colombo, public transport to the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura, Dambulla) is limited. Consider hiring a private taxi for those routes, then switch to trains from Kandy onward to save costs.
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