Car Rental in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Air conditioning and a locked boot — comfortable for the hill roads toward Nuwara Eliya or the run north to Sigiriya and Dambulla. Four models available: Suzuki Alto K10, Wagon R, Toyota Aqua and Prius.
Part of NOHA’s island-wide car rental in Sri Lanka — see the hub for full rates, insurance and paperwork detail.
As low as
$22/day
On 16+ day rentals. From $29/day on shorter stays.
Refundable deposit
USD 200–500 by model
Every rental includes
Rates by rental length
| Rental length | Price per day |
|---|---|
| 2–4 days | $29 |
| 5–10 daysWe recommend | $27 |
| 11–15 days | $25 |
| 16–45 days | $22 |
Popular car routes from Kandy
Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
In townThe city's most sacred site, right on Kandy Lake.
Kandy Lake
In townA calm walking loop in the heart of the city.
Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
~5.5 kmWest of the city, about 15–20 minutes — one of Asia's oldest botanical gardens.
Nuwara Eliya
~72 kmSouth into the hills, about 1 hour 25 minutes.
Dambulla
~69 kmNorth toward the cultural triangle, about 1 hour 45 minutes — the cave temple complex.
Sigiriya
~92 kmFurther north, about 2 hours — the rock fortress, one of the island's best-known sights.
Colombo
~117 kmSouthwest, about 2 hours via the expressway.
Driving a car out of Kandy
A car makes the hill roads toward Nuwara Eliya, about 72 km south, comfortable — winding but well used, and easier managed with four wheels than two.
The route north to Dambulla and Sigiriya, and onward to Colombo at around 117 km southwest, are both straightforward paved drives, with air conditioning worth having on the warmer cultural-triangle stretch.
What comes with it
Full insurance
Driving introduction lesson
Unlimited kilometres
Full tool kit
Phone holder
First aid kit
WhatsApp support, 365 days
Tour plan assistance
Pickup in Kandy
Kandy is up in the hill country, a long way from our Galle base — most pickups here are arranged around the Temple of the Tooth or Kandy Lake. Message us your dates and hotel and we'll sort the logistics.
The paperwork you’ll need
You can use either the AAC or the DMT permit for a car — full comparison, fees, and how to get one before you arrive.
Compare AAC vs DMT →Questions about car rental in Kandy
- Which car model should I pick?
- The Alto K10 is enough for two people and light bags. For the cultural triangle loop to Sigiriya and Dambulla, or a longer trip with more luggage, the Wagon R or Aqua fit more comfortably, and the Prius is the roomiest of the four.
- Is this self-drive, or can I hire a driver too?
- Self-drive is the default — you get the keys, and we handle your Sri Lankan necessary paperwork before you arrive. If you'd rather not drive yourself, a chauffeur option is available on all four models, with the rate quoted per trip on WhatsApp.
- Is the road to the cultural triangle difficult in a car?
- It's a well-used, paved route to Dambulla and Sigiriya — straightforward in a car, though allow extra time for the winding sections closer to Kandy.
- Can I return the car somewhere other than Kandy?
- Yes. Many guests pair this with Nuwara Eliya, Ella, or the cultural triangle further north. Tell us your plans and we'll arrange collection.
Other vehicles available in Kandy
Ready when you are
Nothing is charged in advance. Message us your dates on WhatsApp.