Nanu Oya to Ella Train

Status: Running (checked 17 October 2026). Source: Sri Lanka Railways notice, 18 June 2026; no later suspension notice on the railway media notices page on 17 October 2026.

Is the Nanu Oya to Ella train running? (Checked 17 October 2026)

Yes. Sri Lanka Railways resumed trains between Badulla and Nanu Oya from 20 June 2026, after repairing the Ambewela–Nanu Oya section damaged by Cyclone Ditwah (Sri Lanka Railways notice, 18 June 2026). News reports on 2 October 2026 still listed Nanu Oya–Badulla as operating (Colombo Times). On 17 October 2026 the railway's media notices page still showed no newer notice changing this section.

The published timetable has three trains a day towards Ella: 9.00 am daily, 2.30 pm except Wednesdays, and the Ella Odyssey at 1.00 pm on Wednesdays only. Times change, so confirm at the station or on the Sri Lanka Railways 1971 line before you travel.

The line west of Nanu Oya is still closed, so no train runs from Kandy. To start from Kandy, see Kandy to Ella by road.

What is the Nanu Oya to Ella train timetable?

These are the times in Sri Lanka Railways' notice of 18 June 2026, in force from 20 June 2026. It is the latest official timetable for this section we could find on 17 October 2026. When we retried the official online schedule search that day, the service said it was temporarily offline for system maintenance. Some third-party sites show different times, so treat this as a guide and confirm on the day.

Nanu Oya → Ella → Badulla

Badulla → Ella → Nanu Oya

Source: Sri Lanka Railways, 18 June 2026. Times change. Confirm at the station or on 1971.

How do you book Nanu Oya to Ella train tickets?

The notice says every train in the table has first-class (air-conditioned) and second-class reserved seats. You can book them on the official reservation site or at a station with reservation facilities.

From the official reservation FAQ:

• Online bookings open 30 days before travel and close two hours before departure.
• You need an account on the reservation site.
• Seats are allocated automatically. You cannot choose a seat or a side of the train online.
• The e-ticket, printed or on a phone, is your travel document.

The notice also says reserved tickets already issued with Ambewela as the start or end station can be used to start or finish the journey at Nanu Oya.

How much is the Nanu Oya to Ella train ticket?

We do not give a fare on this page. On 17 October 2026 the official online schedule service, which used to show ticket prices for a searched journey, was offline for maintenance (its old search address no longer worked), and we found no current official fare table for this section. Check the price for your date and class on the official reservation site before you pay.

Is there a train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella?

Not from Nuwara Eliya itself. Nanu Oya is the station for Nuwara Eliya, so book Nanu Oya to Ella and arrange road transport between your accommodation and the station. Allow time for it before a morning departure.

Can you get to Nanu Oya by train from Kandy or Colombo?

No, not as of 17 October 2026. Trains from Colombo now reach Peradeniya and Gampola, but trains between Peradeniya and Kandy are suspended and the Gampola–Nawalapitiya and Hatton–Nanu Oya sections are still being repaired (Nawalapitiya–Hatton is operating). The Kandy to Ella train guide keeps the section-by-section status, and Kandy to Ella by road covers the road options to Nanu Oya.

Where does the Nine Arch Bridge fit?

The Nine Arch Bridge near Ella is on this line. A timetable does not tell you the exact minute a train will cross, and trains run late. If you visit the bridge to watch a train, follow rail-safety instructions and do not stand on the track. For more hill-country rail trips, see scenic rail journeys.