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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Colombo
Colombo
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Colombo
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Colombo
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Colombo
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 Colombo?
Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, offers a captivating blend of bustling city life, historical landmarks, and beautiful coastal scenery. While tuk-tuks and public transport are available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore Colombo and its surroundings at your own pace.
Explore Beyond the City Centre. A rental car allows you to easily visit attractions outside the city, such as the beaches of Mount Lavinia or the ancient temples in Kelaniya.
Convenience and Comfort. With a rental car, you can travel comfortably, especially if you have luggage, are travelling with family, or need to attend business meetings.
Cost-Effective for Day Trips. For longer excursions, a rental car is often more economical than hiring taxis or arranging private transport.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Colombo
Before renting a car in Colombo, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements, have a valid driving licence, and understand the rental agreement's terms, including insurance, deposits, and mileage policies.
Area
37.31 square kilometres (14.41 square miles)
Population
Approximately 5.6 million residents in the Colombo Metropolitan Area
Time Zone
Sri Lanka Standard Time (SLST) – GMT+5:30
Ideal for
Exploring the city and nearby attractions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic from 7 AM to 9 AM and 4 PM to 7 PM on weekdays
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost car rental companies in Colombo require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Some may have higher age requirements for certain vehicle types. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver's Licence and DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. Foreign visitors may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their licence is not in English. A passport is also typically required.
3. Insurance and DepositsStandard rentals include basic insurance, but additional coverage options like collision damage waiver (CDW) are available. A security deposit is usually required and held on the renter’s credit card.
4. Mileage and Fuel PolicySome rentals offer unlimited mileage, while others have mileage restrictions. Fuel policies vary; many require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or optional add-ons such as GPS or child seats.
Car Rental Prices in Colombo – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to March): Sees higher demand, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (May to September): Often comes with discounts
Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Colombo?
Compare prices, choose the right car, and review rental terms to avoid surprises. Book early for the best rates, especially during peak seasons. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use a car rental comparison site to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle preferences.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it's an economy car for city driving or an SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements to avoid surprises.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental.
General Information About Colombo
Colombo is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and diverse culture. Ideal for sightseeing and exploring, it's best explored with an understanding of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel access.
Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, is a vibrant city that blends modern life with colonial architecture and bustling street markets. While Colombo offers public transport, renting a car is beneficial for exploring beyond the city limits, such as the beaches or cultural sites further afield. Driving within Colombo requires awareness of traffic conditions and local driving habits.
Top Attractions to Discover
Galle Face Green
A popular seaside promenade perfect for evening strolls and enjoying street food.
Gangaramaya Temple
A stunning Buddhist temple complex with a mix of architectural styles.
National Museum of Colombo
Showcasing Sri Lanka's rich history and cultural heritage.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available in the city centre, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered parking is available on some streets, but it can be limited and challenging to find.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city centre and using public transport to avoid traffic congestion.
Gas Stations in Colombo
Availability
Gas stations are readily available throughout Colombo and its suburbs.
Major Brands
Look for Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and Lanka IOC stations.
Payment
Most gas stations accept cash and credit cards.
Useful Tips for Visiting Colombo
Traffic
Be prepared for heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.
Driving Style
Local driving habits can be unpredictable, so drive defensively.
Tuk-tuks
Be cautious of tuk-tuks, which often weave through traffic.
Navigation
Use a GPS navigation app to find the best routes.
Key Transportation Hubs in Colombo
Major Bus Stations
Colombo Central Bus Stand
The main bus terminal, providing connections to various parts of the city and the country.
Railway Stations
Colombo Fort Railway Station
The central railway station, connecting Colombo to other cities in Sri Lanka.
Airports
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)
Located approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) north of Colombo, serving international and domestic flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Colombo?
Renting a car in Sri Lanka is a straightforward process, but you’ll need to meet a few key requirements before hitting the road. Here’s what you’ll need
If you're from Sri Lanka, your standard licence is sufficient. Visitors from most countries can use their home-country licence for up to 6 months, but some may need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some may charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
A valid card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies only accept credit cards for deposits.
A passport or another form of identification may be required for international renters
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Colombo 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.
Colombo was fantastic! Getting around with a car was so easy, and the coastal relaxation was perfect.
Evelyn Carter
Reviewed: 01.08.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Driving made exploring Colombo so easy.
David Miller
Reviewed: 11.07.2025
Pretty laid-back, actually.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 11.07.2025
Pretty mellow, overall.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 01.11.2024
Pretty relaxed, actually.
Sarah Lee
Reviewed: 05.08.2025
Colombo surprised me! Exploring by car was so convenient and fun, the city buzzed with life.
Amelia Hernandez
Reviewed: 09.08.2025
Colombo's energy was amazing! Catching up with friends was effortless.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 21.08.2024
Pretty chill, yeah.
Mike Jones
Reviewed: 09.11.2024