Self-drive hire
Your own car, waiting at arrivals
We deliver to Bandaranaike International and collect from it when you fly home, so the car is waiting when you walk out of arrivals.
Some people do not want a driver. If you would rather stop where you like, leave when you like and get lost on purpose, a self-drive car is the better trip — and it costs roughly half.
We meet you in the arrivals hall at Bandaranaike International with the keys, the paperwork and a local SIM if you want one. When you leave, we collect the car from the same place. There is no charge for either, and no charge for leaving the car at a different city if you tell us early.
01What to expect
Free delivery and collection at BIA
Airport delivery and pickup are included, at any hour — flights into Colombo mostly land at unsociable ones. We can also deliver to Negombo, Colombo, Kandy or Galle.
You will need a permit, and we will sort it
Sri Lanka legally requires a local recognition permit alongside your own licence, not just an International Driving Permit. We arrange it before you land so you are not queuing on day one.
Insurance that actually covers you
Full comprehensive insurance on every car, with a clearly stated excess. We will tell you the excess figure before you book rather than at the counter.
Sensible mileage
Most Sri Lankan rentals cap you at around 150km a day. Ours does too on the cheapest rates, but unlimited mileage is available and usually worth it if you are circling the island.
02What people pay
Real numbers, not a brochure
Typical self-drive rates as of August 2026, in US dollars, per day, before fuel. Longer hires drop the daily rate. A refundable security deposit applies to every rental.
| Option | Typical range | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchback | $25 – $38 | Toyota Vitz, Suzuki Alto and similar. Two people, city and coast. |
| Sedan | $35 – $52 | Toyota Premio, Axio. More comfortable over long days. |
| Compact SUV | $48 – $75 | Vezel, Raize, C-HR. Better ground clearance for hill-country roads. |
| Van / 7-seater | $70 – $115 | Families and groups with luggage. |
Prices last reviewed . These are market ranges, not our quote — message us for a real figure.
03Straight answers
Questions people actually ask
Can I drive in Sri Lanka on my own licence?
Not on its own. You need your home licence plus an International Driving Permit, and then a Sri Lankan recognition permit issued locally by the Automobile Association of Ceylon or the Department of Motor Traffic. It typically costs around LKR 5,000–6,000 and is valid for your visa period. We arrange it in advance.
Do you deliver cars to Colombo airport?
Yes. We deliver to and collect from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA/CMB) at any hour, including the early-morning arrivals most long-haul flights land on. Delivery is quoted with the rental — ask us and we will confirm it up front.
How much does self-drive car rental cost in Sri Lanka?
As of August 2026, roughly US$25–38 a day for a hatchback, $35–52 for a sedan, $48–75 for a compact SUV and $70–115 for a van, before fuel. Longer rentals lower the daily rate.
Is there a security deposit?
Yes, and it is refundable. The amount depends on the vehicle and is returned once the car comes back undamaged. We tell you the figure before you commit.
Is driving in Sri Lanka difficult?
It is busier than most visitors expect. Traffic drives on the left, buses overtake assertively, and tuk-tuks appear from everywhere. Outside Colombo it is genuinely enjoyable. If you are nervous after a long flight, take a driver for the first day and pick the car up inland.
Can I drop the car somewhere other than the airport?
Yes. One-way drop-offs in Colombo, Negombo, Kandy, Galle and Ella can be arranged, usually at no extra cost if you tell us when you book.
No obligation
Tell us roughly what you want.
A rough month and a rough idea is enough to start. We will come back with a shape for the trip, and you can pull it apart from there.