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Getting around Sri Lanka
Most visitors hire a car or van with a driver: it's affordable and safe, and the driver doubles as your local fixer. Here's what everything costs, from tuk-tuks to seaplanes.
Vehicle rental prices
Per vehicle per day, in US dollars, with rupees at today's rate. Average estimates reviewed .
| Vehicle | Group size | With driver / day | Self-drive / day | What to know |
|---|
How driver hire works: Drivers quote per day (or per trip) with a daily kilometre allowance. Their meals and lodging are usually included; many hotels have free driver rooms. Fuel, highway tolls and parking are often included, but confirm in writing. A tip of $5–10 a day is customary.
Airport transfers from Colombo (CMB)
| Route | Time | Private car |
|---|
Vans cost about 20–40% more. Book in advance and your driver will meet you holding a name board in the arrivals hall.
Tuk-tuks, taxis, buses & flights
Trains: current line status
Cyclone Ditwah (November 2025) damaged the hill-country railway. Some sections are open again; others are still being rebuilt.
| Class | Typical fare | Notes |
|---|
Reserved seats open about 30 days ahead on the official Sri Lanka Railways e-ticketing site and sell out fast for the Ella route. Resellers charge a mark-up.
Official train bookingDriving yourself?
- Driving is on the left. Roads are narrow and busy with buses, tuk-tuks, dogs and the occasional elephant.
- You need an International Driving Permit and a Sri Lankan endorsement (from AA Ceylon or the Department of Motor Traffic). Rental firms usually arrange it for a fee.
- Tuk-tuk self-drive needs a separate tuk-tuk permit; rental companies give a short training session.
- Expressways (E01 Southern, E03 Airport, E04 Central) are tolled and fast. Elsewhere, average 30–40 km/h.
- Avoid night driving outside cities: unlit roads, wildlife and pedestrians.
Compare local drivers
Independent drivers and rental companies list their vehicles and day rates in our directory. Every listing is reviewed before publishing.