Car rental in Sri Lanka

Choose a budget car from 7€/day · Electric cars from 26€/day · Convertibles from 43€/day

Your Sri Lankan Journey Starts Here: Car Rental Tips and Advice

Car rental in Sri Lanka

Embarking on a Sri Lankan adventure? Your journey begins with the perfect set of wheels. At Bookingautos, we're committed to helping you find the ideal car rental for your tropical escapade. Before you hit the road, consider these essential tips to ensure a smooth and memorable experience:

Choose the Right Vehicle

Sri Lanka's diverse landscape demands careful consideration when selecting your rental car. For city exploration, a compact car is ideal for navigating narrow streets. However, if you're planning to venture into the countryside or visit national parks, opt for a sturdy SUV to handle rougher terrain.

Book in Advance

Secure your rental early, especially during peak tourist seasons. This not only guarantees availability but often leads to better rates. With Bookingautos, you can compare offers from various providers to find the best deal.

Understand Local Driving Conditions

Driving in Sri Lanka can be challenging for foreigners. Keep these points in mind:

  • Sri Lankans drive on the left side of the road
  • Traffic can be hectic in urban areas
  • Be prepared for unexpected obstacles like wandering animals
  • Some rural roads may be poorly maintained

Insurance Matters

Always opt for comprehensive insurance coverage. While it may increase your rental cost slightly, it provides peace of mind on unfamiliar roads.

Plan Your Route

Sri Lanka boasts numerous attractions, from the ancient city of Sigiriya to the pristine beaches of Mirissa. Plan your itinerary in advance, considering driving times between destinations. Remember, distances may seem short on the map, but journey times can be longer due to road conditions.

Fuel Up Wisely

Petrol stations can be scarce in rural areas. Always keep your tank at least half full, and carry a spare fuel can for longer journeys into remote regions.

By following these tips, you're setting yourself up for an unforgettable Sri Lankan road trip. Remember, Bookingautos is here to help you find the perfect car rental to kickstart your adventure. Happy travels!

Your Complete Video Guide

Road Trip Ideas in Sri Lanka: Explore the Beauty and Adventure

Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, offers a diverse landscape and rich cultural heritage that make it an ideal destination for a road trip. Exploring this beautiful island by a rented car allows you to discover hidden gems and create unforgettable memories at your own pace.

Must-Visit Destinations

  • Colombo to Kandy: Begin your journey in the bustling capital and drive through lush tea plantations to reach the cultural heart of Sri Lanka.
  • Sigiriya and Dambulla: Explore ancient rock fortresses and cave temples in the Cultural Triangle.
  • Nuwara Eliya: Experience the cool climate and colonial charm of "Little England" in the central highlands.
  • Yala National Park: Embark on a wildlife safari to spot leopards, elephants, and exotic birds.
  • Galle: Wander through the historic Dutch fort and enjoy pristine beaches along the southern coast.

Tips for Your Sri Lankan Road Trip

When planning your adventure in your rental car, keep these tips in mind:

  • Drive on the left side of the road and be prepared for narrow, winding routes in mountainous areas.
  • Allow extra time for your journeys, as traffic can be unpredictable.
  • Pack essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and plenty of water.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Try local cuisine at roadside eateries for an authentic experience.

A road trip through Sri Lanka offers the perfect blend of culture, nature, and adventure. From ancient temples to pristine beaches, and from misty mountains to wildlife-rich national parks, every turn of the road reveals a new facet of this enchanting island. With careful planning and an open mind, your journey through Sri Lanka will be an unforgettable experience filled with warm hospitality, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural encounters.

For a hassle-free road trip, consider booking your car rental through Bookingautos, ensuring you have a reliable vehicle to explore all that Sri Lanka has to offer.

Good to know

Most Popular Agency

Europcar

Most popular car class

Standard

Average price

33 € / Day

Best price

24 € / Day

Monthly price chart. Approximate prices for 7 days rental

January
€174
February
€116
March
€117
April
€132
May
€121
June
€127
July
€156
August
€167
September
€125
October
€124
November
€146
December
€255

Popular tourist locations in Sri Lanka

Documents needed to rent a car

Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!

A valid international driver's license is required!

Expert Car Rental Tips: 10 Things to Keep in Mind

Download Google maps for offline access

Download the map in the Google Maps mobile app in advance. Select the desired area, type "OK MAPS" in the search box and start the search. Then wait for the map to save. Ready! Navigation will work even without an internet connection - thanks to the GPS function. It is present in all modern smartphones. You can not only find the desired address, but also build a route. And all this is free.

Sri Lanka 1

Book in advance

Sri Lanka is a popular holiday destination and the car rental service is in great demand here. Therefore, it is recommended to book a car in advance. When booking online, you know exactly which car, for what price and under what conditions you will get in Sri Lanka. The main advantage of early booking is the cost savings. The less time left before the start of the rental, the higher the cost of the rental becomes. The optimal period for booking in rental companies is 6 weeks before receiving the car. If you book early, two days before receiving the car, you can cancel the order without any penalties.

Which car to choose for rent

Tourists who expect to drive only around the city and its immediate surroundings prefer to rent compact cars, Toyota Aygo or Ford Focus. For trips to the mountains, you need a car with increased power. You should go on such a trip with a full tank, as fuel consumption in the mountains increases one and a half to two times. An all-wheel drive crossover would be the ideal car for this. Renting BMW 5 Series Estate in Sri Lanka will cost €31 per day.

What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car

Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.

The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.

Insurance recommendations

Rental companies in Sri Lanka may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:

  • Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
  • Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
  • Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
  • Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
  • Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.

If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged. Sri Lanka 2

Fuel Policy

When you pick up your car, you may be asked to pay for a full tank of fuel right away. This condition will suit you if you plan to travel long distances. For a couple of trips around the city, you don’t need so much fuel, and therefore it doesn’t make sense to overpay. Pay attention to the fuel policy when booking a car. If necessary, use the special filter to select the most convenient option for you.

Sri Lanka 3

Unlimited mileage

Before renting a car, you should check with the rental company if there is a limit on the daily mileage for a car. Typically, tourists use a rental car to travel not only around the city, but also to travel to neighboring cities and even countries. If such a restriction exists, it is recommended to choose a rental option where there is no limit. In this case, the total cost of mileage will be lower, since you will not have to pay extra for exceeding the mileage. On our site, in the search results, check the filter "Unlimited mileage" to see the offers you need.

Sri Lanka 4

Compare prices and conditions from different car rental companies

When choosing a rental car in Sri Lanka, you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.

How to choose a rental company

Pay attention to the car park. Large and reliable companies regularly buy new cars.

Sri Lanka 5

Our clients name the top companies in Sri Lanka - EUROPCAR with an average rating 9.9 points and SIXT with 9 points.

We show all the rental conditions of different companies. Read the rules carefully before booking a car.

Car pick-up procedure

Getting a rented car in Sri Lanka is as follows: You show the manager a voucher, as well as the necessary documents - a passport and an international driver's license. The manager draws up a lease agreement, after which the agreed amount of the security deposit will be blocked on your bank card. Before receiving the car, it is necessary to inspect it, fix the existing damage and inform the manager about them.

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Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.

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