Schedule, ticket classes, booking, and what to do when you get off at Nanu Oya.
The train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is one of the most rewarding rail journeys in Sri Lanka. The route climbs through rubber plantations, terraced rice paddies, and then deep into tea country, arriving at Nanu Oya after roughly three to four hours. Nanu Oya is the station that serves Nuwara Eliya, and the town is 8 km from the platform by tuk-tuk or taxi.
If you are starting your journey from The Summit Kandy, we provide a complimentary tuk-tuk transfer to Kandy Railway Station for all in-house guests. No cab to book, no waiting outside. Just let reception know the evening before.
| Destination station | Nanu Oya |
| From Nanu Oya to town | 8 km by tuk-tuk |
| Journey time | 3 to 4 hours |
| Distance | ~80 km |
| Train line | Main Line |
| Book online | eservices.railway.gov.lk |
The trains below run on the Main Line and stop at Nanu Oya for Nuwara Eliya. Departure times from Kandy are approximate. Always confirm on the official booking portal or at Kandy station, as times change on weekends and public holidays.
| Train | No. | Departs Kandy | Approx. Nanu Oya | Classes | Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podi Menike | 1005 | ~08:47 | ~12:00 | 1st AC 2nd Res 3rd | Daily |
| Udarata Menike | 1015 | ~11:10 | ~14:30 | 1st AC 2nd Res 3rd | Daily |
| Intercity Express | 1016 / other | ~12:31 | ~16:00 | 2nd Res 3rd | Daily |
Times verified against publicly available 2026 schedules. Train arrival times at Nanu Oya are estimated based on typical journey duration. Delays of 30 to 60 minutes are common on the hill country section. Take a morning train if you want clear views: mist rolls in over the tea estates most afternoons. Take the left-hand seat from Kandy for the best landscape.
Three classes run on this route. Second class reserved is the choice most travellers make for the hill country section: open windows, good airflow, and an unobstructed view.
Reserved seats (1st and 2nd class) open 30 days before the travel date at seatreservation.railway.gov.lk. The portal can be slow during peak demand. If online booking fails, go to the reservation counter at Kandy Railway Station, which typically opens early morning.
Mornings from Kandy sell out quickly on weekends and during Sri Lankan holidays. Book at least a week ahead if your dates are firm.
Third class (unreserved) can be bought at the platform on the day. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to get a standing spot near the door, where the views are best.
Nanu Oya station is 8 km from Nuwara Eliya town centre. When the train arrives, tuk-tuk and taxi drivers are waiting outside the station. Agree a price before you get in.
The drive takes around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. If your hotel is in Nuwara Eliya, ask them in advance whether they offer a pickup from Nanu Oya: many do, especially if you send your arrival time.
There is no direct bus from Nanu Oya station into town, but public buses do pass the main road. For a first visit, a tuk-tuk is the simplest option.
The Summit Kandy is in Hanthana, about 4 km from Kandy Railway Station. We run a complimentary tuk-tuk transfer to and from the station for every in-house guest. Tell reception your train time the evening before and the tuk-tuk will be ready.
Rooms open to a panoramic view of Kandy city. The rooftop bar runs on a bring-your-own basis. Chef Aluvihare handles breakfast and dinner from the kitchen below. It is a small property, which means nothing gets lost: not your luggage, not your morning coffee order, and not the transfer time you booked.
Nuwara Eliya makes a natural day trip or an easy one-night stop between Kandy and Ella. Guests heading that direction often base at The Summit, do Nuwara Eliya on day two, and continue to Ella on day three.
Book a roomDay 1 Arrive Kandy, check in to The Summit Kandy. Kandy city, Temple of the Tooth.
Day 2 Free tuk-tuk to Kandy station. Train to Nanu Oya. Nuwara Eliya: tea estates, Gregory Lake, colonial town centre. Night in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 3 Morning train from Nanu Oya toward Badulla. Get off at Ella. Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock.
Day 4+ Continue south to Mirissa, Hiriketiya, or Galle.
Board any Badulla-bound train at Kandy Railway Station and ride to Nanu Oya, which is the station for Nuwara Eliya. The main services are the Podi Menike and Udarata Menike. From Nanu Oya, take a tuk-tuk or taxi the final 8 km into town.
The journey from Kandy to Nanu Oya takes roughly 3 to 4 hours over about 80 km. Delays of 30 to 60 minutes are common on the hill country section, so build buffer time into your day.
Approximate morning and midday departures from Kandy are around 08:47 (Podi Menike), 11:10 (Udarata Menike), and 12:31. Times vary and can change on weekends and public holidays. Check exact times at eservices.railway.gov.lk on your travel date.
Nanu Oya is the station for Nuwara Eliya. The town is about 8 km from the station. Tuk-tuks and taxis wait outside the station when trains arrive. Pre-arrange with your hotel in Nuwara Eliya if you want a fixed price pickup.
Second class reserved is the most popular choice for the hill country section. Open windows, reserved seating, and good views without the premium of first class. First class is air-conditioned and comfortable if you prefer sealed windows. Third class unreserved is cheap but no seat is guaranteed and it fills up quickly from Kandy.
Yes. Reserved seats for 1st and 2nd class open at seatreservation.railway.gov.lk 30 days ahead of travel. The site can be slow. If online booking fails, the reservation counter at Kandy Railway Station is the alternative. Buy early if your travel falls on a weekend or during Sri Lankan public holidays.
The Summit Kandy is in Hanthana, about 4 km from the station. All in-house guests get a complimentary tuk-tuk transfer to and from Kandy Railway Station. Tell reception your train time the evening before.
Continuing to Ella? See our Kandy to Ella train guide for the full journey, the Nine Arch Bridge, ticket booking, and current service status on that section.