Sri Lanka Destination Guide
Car Hire in Badulla: Self-Drive or With a Driver
Waterfalls, bridges and a hill road in the hill country
Car hire in Badulla: the essentials
You can hire a car for Badulla with H.B.S. Rent a Car from Rs. 12,000 a day. Badulla is about 215 km from Colombo airport, a drive of 5 to 6 hours via the Ella-Wellawaya road, and most of the sights on this page are between 205 and 220 km away. You can drive yourself or take an English-speaking driver for the hill roads, and a one-way rental lets you return the car in another city. The table below shows the lowest rate for each type of car.
Why Rent a Car for Badulla?
- ✔Six sights, one area: Dunhinda Falls, Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, Bogoda Wooden Bridge, the Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls and Little Adam's Peak are all between 205 and 220 km from Colombo airport.
- ✔Short hops between stops: the bridges, Ravana Falls and Little Adam's Peak are in the Ella area, so you can see several in a day and move on when you like.
- ✔Free sights, no tour: most of these places have free entry, so a car and a plan cost less than a package tour.
- ✔A road with bends: the hill roads suit a driver who is used to them, and you can ask for a driver if you are not.
Car rental rates for Badulla
The lowest daily rate of each type of car, in Sri Lankan rupees. The rate per day falls for rentals of two weeks or a month. Every car and its rate is on the rates page.
| Car | Per day | Per day, 2 weeks | Per day, 1 month | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small car (Honda Fit Shuttle, Suzuki Wagon R, Honda N Box) | Rs. 12,000 | Rs. 11,500 | Rs. 10,000 | Couples, 1-3 bags, city and expressway |
| 7-seat van (Suzuki Every, Mazda Scrum) | Rs. 14,000 | Rs. 12,500 | Rs. 9,500 | Families and groups with luggage |
| Hybrid sedan (Toyota Prius, Allion) | Rs. 16,500 | Rs. 14,500 | Rs. 12,000 | Long drives, lowest fuel use |
| Toyota Axio | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 18,500 | Rs. 15,000 | Comfortable sedan for 3-4 people |
| Honda Vezel, Toyota C-HR | Rs. 22,000 | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 16,000 | Higher seating for the hill country |
| Toyota Hiace KDH van (10 to 14 seats) | Rs. 25,000 | Rs. 23,500 | Rs. 17,500 | Groups of 8 or more |
| Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar XF | Rs. 30,000 | Rs. 28,000 | Rs. 24,000 | Business and VIP arrivals |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (7 seats) | Rs. 44,500 | Rs. 42,500 | Rs. 38,500 | 5 to 7 people, rough or hilly roads |
Top Attractions & Highlights in Badulla
In and around Badulla
- Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya
- Dunhinda Falls
- Bogoda Wooden Bridge
Near Ella
- Demodara Nine Arch Bridge
- Ravana Falls
- Little Adam's Peak
Vehicle Recommendations for Badulla
| Vehicle Category | Best Suited For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Crossover (Vezel / C-HR) | Hill roads with bends | Higher seating, more boot space |
| Sedan (Axio / Allion) | A couple on the main road | Air-conditioned, easy on fuel |
| 7-seat van (Suzuki Every) | A family with luggage | Room for bags and seats for seven |
Travel Tips for Driving to Badulla
- Allow time at each stop. The falls and the peak involve a short walk, so wear shoes with a grip.
- Start early so that you reach the hill country in daylight and have time to see several places in a day.
- Foreign visitors need a valid licence from their home country and either an International Driving Permit or a temporary endorsement from the Automobile Association of Ceylon.
Places to visit near Badulla by car
Each guide gives the distance from the airport, the entry fee and what to know before you go.
- Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya: the temple in the town of Badulla.
- Dunhinda Falls: a waterfall reached on foot.
- Bogoda Wooden Bridge: a wooden bridge beside a temple.
- Demodara Nine Arch Bridge: a railway bridge.
- Ravana Falls
- Little Adam's Peak: a small peak with a short climb.
Driving times to Badulla
Approximate times in normal traffic, measured from Colombo airport.
| From Colombo airport to | Approx. distance | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Bogoda Wooden Bridge | 205 km | 5 hours |
| Ravana Falls | 205 km | 5 hours |
| Demodara Nine Arch Bridge | 210 km | 5-6 hours |
| Little Adam's Peak | 212 km | 5-6 hours |
| Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya | 215 km | 5-6 hours via the Ella-Wellawaya road |
| Dunhinda Falls | 220 km | 5.5-6.5 hours |
Choosing a car
A crossover sits higher and is comfortable on the hill roads. A sedan is enough if you keep to the main road, and a Suzuki Every van suits a family with luggage. See the rate of every car, or read about car rental at Colombo airport if you are landing in Colombo.
Driving in the hill country
- The hill roads have many bends. Use a low gear on the descents and do not cut corners.
- Buses and lorries are slow on the climbs. Overtake only where you have a clear view.
- The Nine Arch Bridge carries a railway. Stay off the line when a train is due.
- Park in the marked places near the sights and keep valuables out of sight.
- Expressway tolls and parking charges are paid by the hirer; see the terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Badulla from Colombo airport?
About 215 km to Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya in the town. The drive takes 5 to 6 hours via the Ella-Wellawaya road.
How much does it cost to rent a car for Badulla?
Cars start from Rs. 12,000 a day. The price depends on the car and on how long you keep it, and the rate per day falls for rentals of two weeks or a month. The table on this page lists the lowest rate for each type of car.
Can I rent a car in Colombo and return it in Badulla?
Yes. A one-way rental between Colombo, Badulla and the other main cities can be arranged when you book. Tell us the pick-up and drop-off places.
Can I hire a car with a driver for Badulla?
Yes. An English-speaking driver can take you for a day or for the whole trip. Ask for a quote on WhatsApp at +94 777425008.
Which sights can I see in one day?
Ravana Falls, the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam's Peak are all near Ella, about 205 to 212 km from the airport, so many visitors group them. Dunhinda Falls and Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya are near Badulla town.
Do I have to pay to enter?
Muthiyangana Raja Maha Viharaya, the Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Falls and Little Adam's Peak are free to enter. Dunhinda Falls has a small maintenance fee, and the temples accept donations.
Plan your hire
- Car rental prices in Sri Lanka: the daily rate of every car
- Car rental at Colombo airport: self-drive or with a driver
- Self-drive rental and chauffeur-driven tours
- Self-drive road rules and routes
Ready to explore Badulla?
Book your self-drive vehicle or chauffeur driven car today with HBS Rent a Car Sri Lanka.
Book Your Trip to Badulla
📍
Pickup & HandoverIslandwide / BIA Airport
🛡️
Insurance Coverage100% Commercial Cover
⏱️
Support Guarantee24/7 Breakdown Assistance
Quick WhatsApp Quote