Hourly and Half-Day Hire
Perfect for Colombo city tours, business meetings and shopping trips.
Why Rent a Car with a Driver in Sri Lanka?
For most visitors, car hire with a driver costs only a little more than self-drive and is far easier and safer.
- ✓ No International Driving Permit hassle: foreign visitors need a locally endorsed permit to self-drive.
- ✓ No stress on the road: Sri Lankan traffic includes buses, tuk-tuks, cyclists and animals.
- ✓ No navigation or parking worries: your driver knows the roads and the best routes.
- ✓ More time to enjoy the trip: relax, take photos and rest between sights.
Choose Your Vehicle
| Vehicle | Guests | Luggage | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium car — Toyota Premio / Camry | 1–3 | 2 large bags | Couples, city transfers |
| SUV — Toyota Fortuner / Honda Vezel | 1–4 | 3 large bags | Families, hill country roads |
| Comfortable van — Nissan Caravan / Toyota HiAce | 4–8 | 6–8 large bags | Families and groups |
| Comfortable sedan — Audi A8 / BMW 7 Series | 1–3 | 2 large bags | Business, VIP and honeymoon travel |
Flexible Hire Options
Pick the hire that suits your plans:
Full-Day Hire
Up to 10 hours with your driver, ideal for day trips to Kandy, Galle or Sigiriya.
Multi-Day Hire
Your car and chauffeur for your whole holiday, with lower daily rates for longer trips.
One-Way Transfers
Point-to-point journeys, such as Colombo Airport to Kandy or Ella to Mirissa.
What’s Included in Your Chauffeur Car Hire
- ✓ Professional English-speaking driver
- ✓ Fuel for the agreed distance
- ✓ Highway tolls and parking
- ✓ Driver’s meals and accommodation on multi-day hires
- ✓ Comprehensive and passenger insurance
- ✓ Air-conditioning and bottled water
- ✓ Child seats on request
Chauffeur Car Hire Prices
| Vehicle | Full-day hire |
|---|---|
| Standard sedan | From $60 / day* |
| Premium car | From $90 / day* |
| SUV | From $100 / day* |
| Comfortable van | From $80 / day* |
| Comfortable sedan | From $120 / day* |
*Starting rates for up to 10 hours of service per day. Half-day and multi-day prices on request. *Conditions apply
Chauffeur Car Hire FAQs
Can I rent a car without a driver in Sri Lanka?
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It is possible, but you need an International Driving Permit endorsed in Sri Lanka. Most visitors choose a car with a driver because it’s safer and the cost difference is small.
What’s the difference between chauffeur car hire and a private driver tour?
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Both include a car and driver. Chauffeur car hire is flexible — by the hour, day or journey. A private driver tour is planned around a full itinerary. Private driver tours →
Is there a mileage limit?
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Full-day hire covers up to 10 hours of service and the distance agreed when you book. Any extra hours or distance are agreed with you in advance.
Can the driver wait while we sightsee or shop?
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Yes. Waiting time is included within your hire hours.
Can I hire a car with driver for just one day?
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Yes. Full-day hire is popular for day trips from Colombo, Negombo or the south coast. Your driver collects you from your hotel and brings you back the same evening.
Are your vehicles insured?
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Yes. Every vehicle has comprehensive insurance and passenger insurance, and is serviced regularly.
Chauffeur Car Hire vs Self-Drive in Sri Lanka
Here’s how renting a car with a driver compares with driving yourself:
| Car with driver | Self-drive rental | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving permit | Not needed | International Driving Permit endorsed in Sri Lanka |
| Fuel, tolls, parking | Included | Paid by you |
| Navigation | Your driver knows the roads | Your responsibility |
| Safety on busy roads | Experienced local driver | Challenging for visitors |
| Local tips and guiding | Included | None |
| Stress level | Low | High |
For most visitors, the small extra cost of a driver is more than worth the comfort, safety and time saved.
Where Can You Go with a Chauffeur-Driven Car?
Anywhere in Sri Lanka. Popular trips include Colombo city tours, the Cultural Triangle (Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa), Kandy and the tea country, Ella, the national parks, and the beaches of the south and east coasts. Your driver will suggest the best route, the best time to leave and the best places to stop on the way.
Book Your Chauffeur-Driven Car in Sri Lanka
Tell us when and where you need a car, and we’ll send you a fixed quote.