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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Sri Lanka
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Sri Lanka
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Sri Lanka
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, offers a captivating blend of cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and pristine beaches. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful island at your own pace. Discover why a rental car is the ideal choice for experiencing Sri Lanka.
Unmatched Freedom and Flexibility. Public transport in Sri Lanka can be unreliable and time-consuming. A rental car allows you to travel according to your own schedule, without being bound by fixed routes or timetables.
Access to Remote Locations. Sri Lanka's most stunning attractions, such as ancient temples nestled in the hills, tea plantations in the highlands, and secluded beaches along the coast, are often difficult to reach by public transport. A car provides access to these hidden gems.
Comfort and Convenience. Travelling in Sri Lanka can be challenging, especially with luggage. A rental car offers a comfortable and convenient way to get around, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.
Cost-Effective for Groups and Families. For families or groups, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing multiple bus or train tickets. Sharing the rental cost makes it an affordable option for exploring the island together.
Driving in Sri Lanka: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Left hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
Sinhala, Tamil, English
Average petrol price
£0.90 per litre or £4.10 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
70 km/h or 43 mph
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupee
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.08%
Score
7.5/10
Dialling Code
+94
Driving in Sri Lanka can be an adventurous experience, but it's essential to be aware of the local driving rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here's what you need to know before you hit the road.
1. General Traffic Laws Always drive on the left-hand side of the road. Seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers. Mobile phone use while driving is prohibited.
- Road conditions
- Traffic
2. Speed Limits Speed limits vary depending on the type of road and location. In urban areas, the speed limit is generally 50 km/h, while on open roads, it's typically 70 km/h.
- Speed limits
- Urban areas
3. Alcohol Consumption The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%. It's advisable to avoid alcohol consumption entirely before driving.
- BAC limits
- Alcohol consumption
4. Road Conditions Road conditions in Sri Lanka can vary significantly. Main roads are generally well-maintained, but rural roads may be narrow, winding, and poorly surfaced.
- Rural roads
- Main roads
5. Traffic Traffic congestion is common in urban areas, especially during peak hours. Be prepared for slow-moving traffic and potential delays.
- Traffic congestion
- Peak hours
Top drives in Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka is a great destination for road trips, offering diverse landscapes, ancient sites, and vibrant culture.
Renting a car provides the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and discover hidden gems. Here are some of the best scenic routes in Sri Lanka:
Car Rental Prices in Sri Lanka – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €22
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €28
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Sri Lanka
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to March): Prices start at approximately £45 / $56 / €51 per day*
Low season (May to September): Discounts available from around £28 / $35 / €32 per day.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Sri Lanka
Renting a car in Sri Lanka is a superb way to explore this beautiful island nation at your own pace, but it's wise to be aware of potential costs. Here are a few tips to save money on your car rental and make your trip more affordable:
1. Book Early for Better Rates.: Car rental prices typically increase closer to your travel dates. Booking in advance ensures you get the best available rates and a wider choice of vehicles.
2. Compare Rental Companies.: Use online comparison sites to compare prices from different rental companies. This helps you find the most competitive deals and discounts.
3. Opt for a Smaller Car.: Smaller cars generally have lower rental rates and better fuel efficiency. Consider an economy or compact car if you don't need a lot of space.
4. Decline Optional Insurance.: Check if your existing car insurance or credit card provides rental car coverage. If so, you can decline the rental company's optional insurance to save money.
5. Avoid Airport Rentals.: Rental companies located at airports often charge higher rates. Consider renting from a location in town to save money.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Rental companies typically charge much higher rates for refuelling. Refill the tank before returning the car to avoid these extra charges.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Sri Lanka?
Renting a car in Sri Lanka is relatively straightforward, but it's essential to meet the necessary requirements. Here's what you'll need:
Valid Driver's Licence. You'll need a valid driver's licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your licence is not in English.
Minimum Age Requirement. The minimum age to rent a car in Sri Lanka is typically 21 years old. Some companies may have higher age requirements or charge extra fees for younger drivers.
Passport. You'll need to present your passport as proof of identity.
Credit Card. A valid credit card in the renter's name is required for the security deposit. Most rental companies do not accept cash or debit cards for deposits.
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This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Sri Lanka as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty good, actually.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 04.02.2025
Sri Lanka was stunning on our road trip! The beaches were incredible, though the food was a bit bland sometimes.
Sarah Chen
Reviewed: 16.07.2025
Sri Lanka was breathtaking! Renting a car made exploring so easy. The tea plantations were amazing, although the crowds were a bit much for a weekend trip.
Evelyn Garcia
Reviewed: 11.02.2025
Amazing trip! So convenient having a car for my quick business meetings and sightseeing.
David Lee
Reviewed: 09.06.2025
Sri Lanka in July was incredible; having a car made it so easy to explore. The beaches were amazing, though some tourist spots felt a bit crowded.
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 22.01.2025
Pretty chill, yeah.
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 14.09.2024