By the H.B.S. Rent a Car team · Published
A cheap rental car in Sri Lanka does not have to be a risky one. The lowest daily rates in our fleet belong to small, economical cars with commercial insurance, which are ideal for city driving and for one or two travellers. This guide shows the cheapest cars with their real daily rates (as listed on 21 October 2026), explains the costs that are not in the rate, and gives ten ways to keep the total low. The live table is on car rental prices in Sri Lanka.
The cheapest cars and their daily rates
These are the lowest rates per day in our fleet. The rate per day falls for two weeks, one month and three months, so a longer hire is much cheaper per day. Prices are in Sri Lankan rupees (Rs.); dollar amounts are approximate.
| Car | Seats | Per day | 1 month (per day) | 3 months (per day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Wagon R (hybrid) | 5 | Rs. 12,000 (about $37) | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 9,000 |
| Honda Fit Shuttle (hybrid) | 4 | Rs. 12,500 | Rs. 10,500 | Rs. 9,500 |
| Honda N Box | 4 | Rs. 13,500 | Rs. 10,000 | Rs. 8,500 |
| Mazda Scrum / Suzuki Every (van) | 7 | Rs. 14,000 | Rs. 9,500 | Rs. 8,000-9,500 |
| Toyota Prius (hybrid) | 5 | Rs. 16,500 | Rs. 12,000 | Rs. 11,500 |
Which budget car is right for you
- One or two travellers, city and coast: Suzuki Wagon R, Honda Fit Shuttle or Honda N Box. They are small, easy to park and cheap to run.
- A family of four to five on a budget: Toyota Prius. It uses little fuel on long drives and has more space.
- Seven people on a budget: Suzuki Every or Mazda Scrum. They are the cheapest way to move a larger group; see van rental with driver.
- Hill country: small engines struggle on long climbs with a full load. For Nuwara Eliya and Ella choose a crossover or at least a hybrid sedan; read best cars for hill-country roads.
Costs that are not in the rate
A low rate is only part of the budget. These items are paid in addition, and they are the same with every honest company: ask about them before you compare.
| Item | How it works at H.B.S. |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Full-to-full or same-level; a hybrid saves money on long routes |
| Kilometres | 100 km per day are included; extra kilometres are billed at the excess rate; an unlimited-kilometre add-on is offered on some vehicles |
| Expressway tolls and parking | Paid by the hirer |
| Security deposit | Refundable after the return inspection |
| Insurance excess | A standard excess applies, stated in your agreement |
| Traffic fines | Paid by the hirer |
Ten ways to keep a car rental cheap
- Rent for a week or longer: the rate per day drops with the length of the hire.
- Choose the smallest car that fits your party and bags.
- Pick a hybrid for long distances; fuel is the biggest cost after the rate.
- Plan your route to stay close to the 100 km per day allowance, or ask about an unlimited-kilometre add-on if you will drive far.
- Book outside the busy months (December to March) if your dates are flexible.
- Return the car with the fuel level you received, to avoid refuelling charges.
- Photograph the car at pickup, so that you are not charged for old marks.
- Do not drive on unpaved roads; damage to tyres, rims and the undercarriage is charged at replacement cost.
- Return on time.
- Ask for the total in writing, with every item listed.
Cheap, but not at any cost
Do not hire a private car from an individual to save a little: its insurance does not cover paid hire. Every H.B.S. car carries commercial rent-a-car insurance, with 24/7 breakdown support and a replacement if a roadside repair cannot be done quickly. Read why a registered agency matters and our rental costs and pickup checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest car to rent in Sri Lanka?
Is a cheap rental car safe?
How can I rent a car cheaper for a month?
Are kilometres limited on a budget rental?
Do I need a deposit?
Related pages
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