Motorbike Rental in Sri Lanka
Motorbike rental in Sri Lanka runs from USD 16 per day for a short trip down to USD 10 per day on a long-stay booking, and every bike comes with full insurance, a helmet, and the driving permit arranged before you arrive. NOHA rents 150cc motorbikes with unlimited kilometers and no distance cap.
You pay on collection by cash, card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay. Bring payment when you pick up your scooter, and we handle the rest. No deposit is wired in advance and there are no card fees.
Motorbike Rental Rates
Prices are per motorbike, per day, in USD. The daily rate drops the longer you rent.
| Rental Length | Price Per Day |
|---|---|
| 2–4 days | USD 16 |
| 5–10 days | USD 14 |
| 11–15 days | USD 12 |
| 16–45 days | USD 10 |
A refundable deposit of USD 100 applies to motorbike rentals and is returned when the bike comes back undamaged. This deposit is specific to motorbikes and does not apply to our other vehicles.
How to Rent a Motorbike in Sri Lanka
Book Online
Choose your model and pickup location through NOHA's online booking system. You can adjust dates and location later if your plans change.
Get Your Permit Arranged
You need a Sri Lankan driving permit to ride legally. Send your International Driving Permit, home licence, passport, and visa details in advance, and NOHA arranges the permit before you land.
Collect and Ride
Pick up your bike, take a short riding lesson if you want one, and go. NOHA's team is reachable by WhatsApp for the full 365 days of the year.
NOHA also offers pickup and drop-off at the airport and train stations, so your rental can start wherever you land.
What You Need to Rent a Motorbike in Sri Lanka
You need three things: a valid licence from your home country, an International Driving Permit, and a Sri Lankan driving permit.
The Sri Lankan permit is the one most travellers have not heard of before booking. It exists because Sri Lanka requires it for motorbikes specifically, it is not a formality NOHA invented to add a fee. The permit costs 15,000 LKR for one month, and NOHA arranges it on your behalf so you are not standing in a government office queue on your first day in the country.
You must be at least 18 years old to rent, with a valid licence and permit in hand.
For the full process and every route to a permit, read our guide on how to get a tourist driving licence in Sri Lanka.
Where You Can Collect the Motorbike
Pickup and drop-off are available across the island, including Galle, Colombo, Kandy, Ella, Mirissa, Trincomalee, and most other towns travellers pass through. If your location is not on the list, message us and we will arrange it.
Riding a motorbike on Sri Lanka's back roads is not always a smooth affair. You will hit potholes, and you will slow down for the occasional cow standing in the middle of the lane. Both are part of the experience.
What Is Included in the Price
Every motorbike rental includes the following at no extra cost:
- Full insurance for foreign riders
- Unlimited kilometers, no distance cap
- Sri Lankan driving permit arranged before you arrive (extra charge applies)
- Helmet
- Full tool kit
- Phone holder
- First aid kit
- 365-day WhatsApp support and roadside assistance
Insurance covers the rider, any passenger, the bike itself, and third parties. Repairs from normal wear and tear are covered. Damage from misuse, such as riding through water or on the beach, is the renter’s responsibility.
Safety on the Road
Sri Lanka drives on the left. If that is new to you, give yourself a short adjustment period on quiet roads before heading into town traffic.
Helmets are mandatory for both rider and passenger. Riding at night outside towns is best avoided, since lighting and road surfaces get unpredictable fast. Watch for buses, tuk tuks, and the occasional dog that has decided the road is a good place to nap.
NOHA provides a pre-ride checklist and an optional riding lesson if you want to build confidence before setting off.
Is a Motorbike the Right Choice for You?
A motorbike is not the right vehicle for every traveller, and it is worth knowing that before you book.
If you have never ridden on the left before, expect a short adjustment period, and consider a scooter first if you are nervous about the learning curve.
If you are travelling with a lot of luggage or as a family, a car carries more and keeps you dry.
If your trip is mostly short hops around one town, a scooter is cheaper and just as practical.
A motorbike suits longer road trips, hill country routes, and travellers who already have some two-wheeler experience.
Personal Travel Insurance
NOHA's motorbike rentals include vehicle insurance, but that is not the same as personal travel insurance. A separate policy covering medical costs, evacuation, and trip interruption is worth having before you ride, especially if your route takes you through the hill country where the nearest hospital can be a while away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Motorbike rental runs from USD 16 per day for a short trip down to USD 10 per day for rentals of 16 days or more. A refundable USD 100 deposit applies.
Yes, alongside your home country licence and a Sri Lankan driving permit. NOHA arranges the Sri Lankan permit for you before you arrive.
You must be at least 18 years old with a valid licence and permit.
Yes. Both rider and passenger must wear helmets, which are included with the rental.
Yes. Full insurance covers the rider, passenger, the bike, and third parties. Your own travel insurance is still worth having for medical costs.
It is, if you drive on the left, wear a helmet, and stay alert for buses, tuk tuks, and animals on the road. NOHA offers an optional riding lesson before you set off.
