By the H.B.S. Rent a Car team · Published
Hiring a car with a driver is the most common way for visitors to see Sri Lanka, and for good reason: the driver deals with the roads, knows the country, and stays with you for the whole trip. It also has more variables than a simple rental, so it pays to know what to ask. This guide explains how to plan the booking and how to read a quote. For the service itself see chauffeur-driven tours.
Step 1: decide the shape of the trip
Start with the number of days, the places you want to see and the pace. Sri Lanka's distances are short but the journeys are slow. A sensible plan has two to four hours of driving a day, with a rest day every four or five days. Send us a draft route and we adjust it, or begin with one of the routes in our self-drive road trip guide, which work equally well with a driver.
Step 2: choose the vehicle
Choose according to the number of passengers and the amount of luggage, not just the price. For two people, a hybrid sedan is comfortable and economical. For a family of four, a crossover such as the Honda Vezel or Toyota C-HR works well. For five to seven people, a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. For larger groups, a Toyota Hiace KDH van. See the car list.
Step 3: understand what the price covers
Quotes for chauffeur-driven hire are built from several parts. Two quotes can differ by hundreds of dollars simply because one includes items the other does not. Ask us to state each item in writing.
| Item | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Vehicle and driver | Which vehicle exactly, and is it air-conditioned? |
| Distance | Is there a daily or total kilometre limit, and what is the price per extra kilometre? |
| Fuel | Is fuel included, or is it charged separately? |
| Expressway tolls and parking | Included, or paid by you? |
| Driver's meals and accommodation | Our tourist hotels usually provide driver quarters; where not available, a daily driver allowance is arranged |
| Waiting time and overnight stays | How is a late finish or an extra stop charged? |
| Airport pickup and drop | Included in the package or separate? |
| Insurance | Commercial insurance applies; confirm the excess if you also drive |
Step 4: agree the rules with your driver
On the first morning, go through the day's plan with the driver. Tell him or her how early you like to start, how much time you want at each site, and whether you need rest stops for children or older travellers. Agree before you set off whether you want any shopping stops; if you do not, say so clearly. A good driver respects the plan and offers advice, but does not take you to shops you did not ask for.
Tipping and thanks
Tipping a driver is customary in Sri Lanka but not fixed. Many guests give a tip at the end of the trip if the service was good, according to their own judgement and the length of the trip. It is optional.
Mistakes to avoid
- Overloading the route: 300 km in a day is not possible on most Sri Lankan roads.
- Booking the cheapest quote without checking what it includes.
- Not telling the company about luggage, children or mobility needs.
- Planning long days after a night flight.
- Skipping a rest day.
Combining a driver with self-drive
You can hire a driver for part of the trip, for example for the arrival and the hill country, and drive yourself on the coast. See self-drive rental, and compare the two in our self-drive or driver comparison.
A typical day with a driver
A good touring day starts early, because mornings are cooler, roads are quieter and the light is better for photographs. The driver collects you from the hotel at the agreed time, usually between 7 and 9 am, and drives for one to two hours to the first stop. The morning stop is the main sight of the day. Lunch is at a place the driver recommends or one you choose, and the afternoon is a second, lighter stop, followed by the drive to the next hotel so that you arrive in daylight.
Keep the driving to about four hours a day in total. Days that look easy on the map, for example Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, still take half a day because of the hill roads, tea factories and viewpoints on the way.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 | Climb Sigiriya Rock before the heat; the driver waits at the car park |
| 10:00 | Breakfast and the drive towards Dambulla (about 20 km) |
| 10:30 | Dambulla cave temple |
| 12:30 | Lunch near Matale |
| 14:00 | Spice garden stop or the drive on to Kandy (about 2.5 hours) |
| 16:30 | Arrive at the Kandy hotel in daylight |
Driver compared with other ways to travel
Visitors often compare a hired car with a driver to trains, buses and taxi apps. Each works for part of a trip; the table shows where a car with a driver is strongest.
| Option | Strength | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Car with a driver | Door to door, flexible stops, luggage space, air conditioning | Costs more than public transport for one traveller |
| Train | Scenic on the hill-country lines (Kandy to Ella) | Seats can sell out; fixed timetable; luggage to carry |
| Bus | Cheapest | Crowded, slow, little space for luggage |
| Taxi or app car | Good for short trips in towns | Long trips are harder to arrange and to price |
| Self-drive | Freedom and privacy | Licence and permit needed, and you handle the roads yourself |
Special requests and needs
Tell us in advance about children, older travellers, wheelchair users, dietary needs and anything else that affects the plan. A driver can slow the pace, choose gentler roads, build in more rest stops and recommend restaurants that suit your diet. If you need a child seat, ask when you book. If you want a particular stop, such as a family home, a cinema or a market, say so, and the driver will include it.
Documents and safety
As a passenger you do not need a driving permit. Our vehicles carry commercial rent-a-car insurance, and our drivers are experienced and English-speaking. Wear seat belts, keep valuables with you rather than in the boot when you stop, and tell the driver if you feel unwell or uncomfortable with the driving. Our 24/7 line is available if you need to speak to the office about anything.
Frequently asked questions
Do the drivers speak English?
Is fuel included in a chauffeur-driven tour?
Who pays for the driver's accommodation?
Can I change the route during the trip?
How do I book?
Related pages
Book Your Vehicle with HBS Today
Genuine commercial insurance, 24/7 breakdown assistance and island-wide service from a government-registered agency.