How to Reach Ella

Reaching Ella is quite an enjoyable journey. While most people choose to opt for a train due to its attractive scenery, some may even choose a bus or private taxi if you are reaching Ella by road.

GET IN

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake, 30 kilometres from the capital city of Colombo. All major international airliners fly to Colombo. You can hire a private cab to reach Ella which is situated at 210 kilometres from Colombo.
  • By Rail: Ella Railway station is situated a few stations away from Badulla Railway Station on the Colombo–Badulla line. The train journey up to Ella is quite a scenic one as the train moves through the hills passing through various tunnels and making a loop. The Ella Railway station, a picturesque and old-fashioned railway station had won the ‘Best Kept Station’ award in 2013.
  • By Road: Apart from hiring a private cab from Colombo, you can also take a bus to reach Ella. A few of the routes to reach Ella are: Colombo – Gampola – Nuwara Eliya – Bandarawela – Ella (A1) & Colombo – Ratnapura – Balangoda – Haputale – Bandarawela – Ella (A4).

GET AROUND

  • Ella is a small town and everything within the town is at a walking distance. Local taxis are hard to find as most tourists hike to nearby attractions.