Published: 2025-07-25
Majority of tourists around the world prefer to visit Sri Lanka because of its mesmerizing beauty. Most of them choose car rental services in Sri Lanka to enjoy their journey around the country. However, tourists have so many questions before renting a car. Below is a comprehensive list of the most common questions that help tourists to plan a smooth car rental experience.
1. Do I need an international driving permit to rent a car in Sri Lanka?
The answer is yes; tourists are required to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their valid national driver’s license. And, just holding the IDP is not enough. It must be endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC) or approved by the Department of Motor Traffic in Sri Lanka for temporary driving rights.
2. Can I rent a car without a driver?
You have two options here. You can select the self-drive option, or you can hire a driver. Self -drive cars is the best option for the tourists who are confident enough to travel around Sri Lanka handling local road conditions and those who are not familiar with Sri Lankan Road rules and local driving styles can get the support of a driver. However, hiring a driver is affordable in Sri Lanka and it provides you with lots of benefits.
3. What is the minimum age limit to hire a car in Sri Lanka?
Most rental companies are of the opinion that, age should be at least 21 years old with at least 1-2 years’ driving experience. They may ask for additional documents if the renter is under 21 years or older than 65 years.
4. How much does it cost to hire a car in Sri Lanka?
The costs may vary depending on the type of vehicle, with or without a driver, duration of rental and insurance coverage. Estimated costs can be stated as follows.
- Economy car – USD 25-40
- Mid-size SUV – USD 50-80
- Long-term rentals are having discounts.
5. What types of cars are available for rent?
Sri Lankan car rental services provide a wide range of vehicles including.
- Compact/Economy cars (e.g., Toyota Vitz, Suzuki Alto)
- Sedans (e.g., Toyota Axio, Honda Civic)
- SUVs & Jeeps (e.g., Toyota Prado, Nissan X-Trail)
- Vans (e.g., Toyota Hiace – good for families or groups)
- Luxury vehicles for business or high-end travel
6. Are the roads in Sri Lanka safe for tourists?
The road systems in Sri Lanka may vary depending on the area due to the geography of the country.
- Main highways (E01, E03) are modern and well-maintained.
- Rural roads may be narrow, winding, and lack signage.
- Traffic in cities like Colombo or Kandy can be chaotic, with tuk-tuks and buses
The best thing is that, if you are not confident enough to drive, hire a driver.
7. Are GPS and navigation support available in rental cars of Sri Lanka.
Many rental cars do not come with in-built GPS. However, most tourists use Google Maps or Waze via mobile data. Local SIM cards with mobile data are cheap and widely available.
8. What is the meaning of fuel policy?
The categories of fuel policies can be stated as follows.
- Full to Full: You receive the car with a full tank, and you must return it full.
- Prepaid Fuel Option: Less common but available in some companies.
9. Are there any restrictions for some areas inside the country?
Generally, tourists can drive across the entire island, but some rental companies may restrict travel to certain areas, such as:
- Northern and Eastern provinces (due to political sensitivity or road conditions)
- Wildlife parks – personal vehicles may not be allowed inside national parks without special permission or a guide.
10. What will happen in an emergency?
Most established car rental companies provide 24/7 roadside assistance. It's important to confirm this at the time of booking. Save emergency contact numbers and your location-sharing apps for quick help.
Emergency Numbers in Sri Lanka:
- Police: 119
- Tourist Hotline: 1912
11. Can I pick up and drop off the car at the airport?
Many companies offer airport pickup and drop-off services at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). Some offer flexible options for drop-off in different cities (one-way rentals) for an extra charge.
12. What is the process of booking a rental car in Sri Lanka?
You can easily book a car via,
- International rental companies (like Avis or Sixt)
- Local agencies (like Kings Rent A Car, Casons Rent a Car, Malkey Rent A Car)
- Online platforms (Rentalcars.com, Discover Cars, or via your travel agent)
13. What are the hidden fees that a tourist may look at?
- Airport pickup charges
- Insurance upgrades
- Mileage limits or extra mileage charges
- Late return fees
- Cleaning or damage fees
- Young driver or additional driver fees
Renting a car in Sri Lanka gives you the freedom to explore the beauty at your own pace. It is vital to plan well and organize your journey.
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