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Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Find low car rental prices in Sri Lanka with Road Genius. Check live rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and make reservations with no booking fees. Compare car hire from international and local brands at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB), Colombo city and Negombo, with options for unlimited kilometres, automatic cars and after-hours pickup. Before you book, check Sri Lanka’s licence requirements such as an IDP or a local permit and note left-side driving and toll roads on expressways.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Colombo Bandaranaike Airport (CMB) |
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| Colombo City |
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| Negombo (near airport) |
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On average, car rentals in Sri Lanka cost around LKR Rs15,663 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from LKR Rs10,383 per day.
Compare pickup spots. Airport is convenient but can include surcharges. Check prices in Negombo or Colombo city and weigh the taxi cost to/from the office against any savings.
Check mileage limits. Many local deals include only 100 km per day with LKR 20-50 per extra km. For longer loops, unlimited km or a weekly plan can be cheaper.
Book timing smart. For peak season in Sri Lanka (Dec to Mar) and public holidays, lock in 2-3 weeks ahead. In shoulder or off-peak, watch prices and rebook if they drop.
Leverage weekly rates. If you need 5-6 days, compare the 7-day price. Weekly deals often work out like 1-2 days free.
Plan around after-hours. Local companies may charge LKR 1000-2000 for late pickups or returns. Aim for office hours or choose an airport counter that includes late-night service when you share flight details.
Pick the right size. Small sedans or hatchbacks suit Sri Lankan roads and use less fuel. Only add an extra driver if needed since it’s often about LKR 500 per day.
Finding a Spot:
Costs: Generally inexpensive outside Colombo. Most places either don't charge or ask for a small amount. Keep small rupee notes to pay attendants.
Local Driving Rules:
Get a car to easily:
Hill Country – Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella
Cultural sites – Sigiriya, Dambulla Cave Temple
South Coast – Galle Fort
Colombo area – Colombo, Negombo
What type of car is best for Sri Lanka's roads? If you're a tourist doing the usual trip (Colombo-Cultural Triangle-Hill Country-South Coast), you'll find a small sedan or hatchback is enough. If you want more comfort or have 4 or more people, you could get a mid-size sedan or small SUV. You might find large vehicles hard to drive on Sri Lanka's narrow roads.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle? You only need a 4x4 if you plan to explore rural areas or wildlife parks that have dirt or gravel roads. You can reach most tourist sites in a regular car. A car that's higher off the ground might be better for tea plantation areas or remote villages.
How reliable is GPS navigation in Sri Lanka? You'll find Google Maps works well for main routes and expressways. It might not get the travel time right on smaller mountain roads, so you should plan for some extra time. We recommend you download offline maps as a backup for areas where the signal is bad.
What happens if I get a flat tyre? You can find tyre repair shops (vulcanising) in most towns and they can fix punctures for a small fee. Most rental cars come with a spare tyre and basic tools. If you have trouble in remote areas, you'll often find locals will help you.
Can I drive between major cities at night? We don't recommend driving at night, especially on rural roads. This is because of poor lighting, wandering animals and a higher risk of accidents. You should plan to reach your destination before it gets dark if you can.
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