Car Rental Prices in Sri Lanka
Self-drive car rental in Sri Lanka starts at USD 22 per day with NOHA, and every car can also be rented with a driver. The daily rate depends on the model you choose and how long you rent, and it includes full insurance and unlimited kilometers. There is no advance payment for self-drive.
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.
Car Rental Rates by Model
Prices are per vehicle, per day, in USD. The daily rate drops the longer you rent.
| 2-4 DAYS | 5-10 DAYS | 11-15 DAYS | 16-45 DAYS | ||
 |
Susuki Alto K10 | $ 29 | $ 27 | $ 25 | $ 22 |
 |
Susuki Wagon R | $ 39 | $ 36 | $ 33 | $ 29 |
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Toyota Aqua | $ 49 | $ 45 | $ 42 | $ 37 |
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Toyota Prius | $ 59 | $ 55 | $ 50 | $ 44 |
Prefer a Driver? Chauffeur Option Available
Not everyone wants to drive themselves, and that is a reasonable call for a first trip to Sri Lanka. Every car on this page can also be rented with an experienced local driver who knows the roads, the shortcuts, and where to stop. With a driver you skip the permit paperwork entirely, since you are not the one driving.
Chauffeur rates depend on your route, the number of days, and the car you choose, so they are quoted per trip rather than fixed here. Message us with your dates and rough itinerary and we will send you a price.
Which Car Suits Your Trip
Suzuki Alto K10
The cheapest way to put four wheels under you. A small, light hatchback that is easy to park and cheap on fuel, suited to a couple or two travellers keeping mainly to towns and the coast road. Space is tight with luggage, so it is best for light packers.
Suzuki Wagon R
The most affordable option and the easiest to park. A compact hatchback that seats four comfortably, suited to couples or small families sticking mainly to towns and the coast road. Fuel-efficient and simple to drive.
Toyota Aqua
A hybrid hatchback with better fuel economy and a quieter ride than the Wagon R. A good middle option if you are covering longer distances or spending time in the hill country.
Toyota Prius
The most comfortable of the three, with the most space for passengers and luggage. Worth the extra if you are travelling as a family of four with full bags, or driving long days across the island.
What Is Included in the Price
Every car rental includes the following at no extra cost:
- Full insurance for foreign drivers
- Unlimited kilometers, no distance cap
- Sri Lankan driving permit arranged before you arrive (extra charge applies)
- Full tool kit
- Spare wheel
- Phone holder
- First aid kit
- 365-day WhatsApp support and roadside assistance
Longer Rentals Cost Less
The daily rate falls at each tier, so a two-week rental costs less per day than a weekend. An Alto K10 is USD 29 per day for a short trip and USD 22 per day for 16 days or more.
Discount codes apply on top of the tier rate for bookings of 10 days or more. See the offers page for current codes and conditions.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Sri Lanka
This applies if you are driving yourself. If you rent with a driver, you need none of the below, we handle everything.
You need a valid driving licence from your home country, an International Driving Permit, and a Sri Lankan driving permit. We arrange the local permit for you before you arrive.
Since August 2025, foreign visitors can also collect a temporary permit at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. The counter is in the arrivals area, after customs, open 24 hours, and it covers cars, scooters and motorbikes.
For the full requirements and every route to a permit, read our guide on how to get a tourist driving licence in Sri Lanka.
When a Car Is Not the Right Choice
A car is not always the best vehicle for a Sri Lankan trip, and it is worth knowing that before you book.
- If you are travelling as a pair on a budget, a scooter costs a fraction of the price and parks anywhere.
- If you want the open-air trip most people picture when they think of Sri Lanka, a tuk tuk is the better choice, and cheaper.
- If your route is mostly narrow lanes and village roads, a car will slow you down rather than speed you up.
- A car makes most sense for families with luggage, travellers who want air conditioning, or long highway days.
Where You Can Collect the Car
Pick up in one town and return in another. Collection is available across the island, including Galle, Colombo, the airport, Kandy, Ella, and Mirissa. Delivery within 10 km of Galle is free. If your location is not listed, message us and we will arrange it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Car rental runs from USD 22 per day for a Suzuki Alto K10 on a long rental, up to USD 59 per day for a Toyota Prius on a short one. Every rate includes full insurance, unlimited kilometers, and the driving permit.
The Suzuki Alto K10, from USD 22 per day for rentals of 16 days or more.
Yes. Every car is available with an experienced local driver. Chauffeur pricing depends on your route and dates, so message us on WhatsApp with your plans and we will quote you. With a driver, you do not need any driving permit.
You need your home licence, an International Driving Permit, and a Sri Lankan driving permit. We arrange the local permit before you arrive.
Yes. Full insurance for foreign drivers is included in every rate at no extra cost. Your own travel insurance is still recommended for personal medical cover.
Yes. One-way rentals are available across the island. Tell us your pick-up and drop-off points when you book.
