Everything Lanka

🚉 Sri Lanka Railways: How It Works

Sri Lanka’s railway network connects major cities, tourist destinations, and hidden gems. The system includes both electrified and diesel lines, covering scenic routes through tea estates, coastal stretches, and cultural landmarks.

The most popular lines include:

• Colombo – Kandy – Badulla (Upcountry Line): Famous for its views and cool mountain air.
• Colombo – Galle – Matara (Coastal Line): A beautiful ride hugging the southern coast.
• Colombo – Anuradhapura – Jaffna (Northern Line): Vital for northern access.

🖥️ Booking Online

Online booking is available for **reserved seats only**. Here’s what you should know:

• seatreservation.railway.gov.lk: Official government site, accepts Sri Lankan NIC/passport.
• 12Go Asia: Great for tourists with card payments and confirmations by email.
• Exporail & Rajadhani: Luxury and private train services with air conditioning, meals, and extra luggage space.

Online seats can be booked up to **30 days in advance**. During holidays or weekends, book early to avoid disappointment.

🏢 Buying at Stations

For spontaneous travel or unreserved tickets, head to your nearest railway station.

• Colombo Fort Station: Largest and most connected hub in Sri Lanka.
• Reservation Counters: Usually separate from regular ticket counters. Opens at 5:30 AM on weekdays.
• Tourist Ticket Counters: Ask staff if you qualify for special allocations on scenic trains.

Unreserved class is cheap but gets crowded. If you're traveling with luggage or kids, reserved seating is highly recommended.

🪑 Train Classes Explained

• 1st Class (Reserved): Air-conditioned or observation coach. Quiet and clean.
• 2nd Class (Reserved/Unreserved): Moderate comfort. Some trains have fans but no A/C.
• 3rd Class: Cheapest option. Often very crowded but a real local experience.

Some trains also offer Observation Cars at the rear/front, especially on the Kandy–Ella route. Book these early for the best views!

📱 Mobile Apps & SMS Options

The official Sri Lanka Railways app is in development. However, these platforms are useful:

• Mobitel mTicketing: Book via SMS if you use a Mobitel SIM.
• Dialog Rail Booking: Book train tickets with Dialog through the Genie app or SMS service.

🧭 Best Tips for Travelers

• Always carry a printed or digital copy of your booking.
• Arrive at least 20–30 minutes early, especially at Colombo Fort or Kandy stations.
• Bring snacks and water — vendors aren’t always on board.
• Download offline maps if you're unsure where to get off.
• Group bookings for families: use the “Multiple Passenger” option when reserving online.

🚐 Bonus Tip: Other Ticketed Transport in Sri Lanka

Trains are scenic, but Sri Lanka also has:

• AC Expressway Buses: Run between Colombo, Matara, Kandy, and other cities. Book at busbooking.lk
• SLTB Intercity Coaches: Red state buses with reserved seating, book at bus stands.
• PickMe & Uber: For city and airport transfers, available in major towns.

💳 Ticket Changes, Refunds & More

Need to cancel or modify your train booking?

• Online cancellations may be done via the original booking platform (policies vary).
• Station ticket refunds are possible but subject to a deduction.
• Refunds must be requested at least **24 hours** in advance.