If you’re planning to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka by train, worry not! We’ve got you covered with multiple convenient ways to book your tickets in advance. Say goodbye to last-minute stress and secure your seat up to 30 days before your travel date. Check out the following options:
Reserve in Person
Visit any of the following stations and purchase your ticket up to 30 days in advance:
- Aluthgama
- Anuradhapura
- Badulla
- Bandarawela
- Batticaloa
- China Bay
- Colombo Fort
- Diyathalawa
- Ella
- Galle
- Gal Oya
- Gampaha
- Haputale
- Hatton
- Hikkaduwa
- Hingurakgoda
- Jaffna
- Kalutara South
- Kandy
- Kantale
- Kilinochchi
- Kurunegala
- Matara
- Nanu Oya
- Nawalapitiya
- Pallai
- Peradeniya
- Polgahawela
- Polonnaruwa
- Thabalagamuwa
- Trincomalee
- Valaichchenai
- Vavuniya
- Welikanda
- Wellawatte
If reserved seating is sold out, don’t worry! You can still purchase an unreserved ticket in 2nd or 3rd class on the day of travel.
Book by Telephone
Use the Mobitel or Hutch number 365 or Dialog number 444 to book in advance up to 30 days before your travel date. Please note that you must have a Mobitel, Hutch, or Dialog sim to use this service. You can find more details on their websites:
Remember to convert the text or email confirmation to a rail ticket at one of the listed stations or any Mobitel or Dialog branch. Make sure to present the same ID you used for making the reservation when collecting the ticket.
Book Online with Tour Operators
If you prefer reserving before arriving in Sri Lanka, tour operators can purchase a ticket for you. However, keep in mind that this method may cost 2-3 times higher than other options. Check out the following websites:
Tour operators will reserve your ticket by telephone using the same method as above and forward you the text confirmation. Refer to the information above for details on where to collect your tickets. At the airport, you can find 24-hour Mobitel and Dialog counters for your convenience.
Ceylon Lodge Airport Transit Hostel
For travelers in transit, Ceylon Lodge Airport Transit Hotel & Hostel offers a convenient option to rest and relax before or after your train journey. Located near the airport, this hotel provides easy access to train stations, allowing you to plan your travel with ease.
Warning
Be cautious when obtaining tickets at Mobitel counters that were booked online through travel agents. There have been reports of issues, with clients being told about computer problems preventing ticket issuance. Suspicions suggest these cases might be scams, with tickets being resold on the black market.
Note on Exporail and Rajadhani
Since early 2017, Exporail and Rajadhani operations have been suspended.
More Information
For further details on Sri Lankan rail travel and booking tickets in advance online, you can visit the Seat 61 website. Get ready for an incredible train journey through the captivating landscapes of Sri Lanka!
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