By the H.B.S. Rent a Car team · Published
A van with a driver is the simplest way to move a group around Sri Lanka: one vehicle, one driver, shared luggage space and one price. H.B.S. Rent a Car hires vans from seven seats (Suzuki Every, Mazda Scrum) to ten and fourteen seats (Toyota Hiace KDH), with an English-speaking driver or, if your group has a licensed driver with the right permit, for self-drive. This guide explains which van to pick, how many bags fit, the routes that work well and how the price is built.
Vans in our fleet
Seat counts are those shown against each vehicle; luggage space depends on the model, so tell us how many suitcases you carry. The rate shown is the vehicle's own rate per day on 21 October 2026; a chauffeur-driven hire is quoted for your route and days.
| Van | Seats | Vehicle rate per day | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Every | 7 | Rs. 14,000 | Families of five to seven, light luggage, city and coast |
| Mazda Scrum | 7 | Rs. 14,000 | The same group size on a tight budget |
| Toyota Hiace KDH | 10 | Rs. 25,000 | Groups of eight to ten with luggage |
| Toyota Hiace KDH Highroof (2025) | 14 | Rs. 28,500 | Large groups, tours, airport transfers with many bags |
Which van for how many people
- Up to 5 people with normal luggage: a crossover or a Prado may be more comfortable than a van.
- 6 to 7 people: Suzuki Every or Mazda Scrum, with luggage kept light.
- 8 to 10 people: Toyota Hiace KDH. Add roof luggage only if the driver agrees it is safe.
- 11 to 14 people: Toyota Hiace KDH Highroof, the only one of our vans with 14 seats.
- More than 14 people: two vehicles, or ask us about larger transport.
Routes that suit a van with a driver
Vans are comfortable on main roads and expressways. On narrow hill roads and village lanes a smaller vehicle is easier, so we advise on the route. Popular group routes are the airport to Sigiriya and Kandy, the Cultural Triangle loop, the hill country to Ella, and the south coast to Galle and Yala. See best places to visit by car for driving times, and self-drive road trip routes which work equally with a driver.
How the price is made
The price of a van with a driver is made of the same parts as any chauffeur-driven hire: the van, the driver, fuel, tolls, the driver's room and meals, and the distance. Because the van and the driver are paid once, the cost per person falls as the group grows; for example a van for ten shared by ten people costs each far less than five separate cars. Read Sri Lanka private driver cost for the quote checklist.
Group transfers and airport pickups
For groups arriving together, we meet the flight at Bandaranaike airport and take everyone to the hotel in one van, at any hour. Send the flight number, the number of passengers and bags and the hotel address. See airport transfers from Colombo airport and car rental at Colombo airport.
Booking checklist for a group
- The number of people, including children, and the number and size of suitcases
- The route and the days, with the hotels
- Whether you want a driver or will drive yourselves (with the licence and permit)
- The pickup place and time, and the flight number if you arrive by air
- Who will pay the driver's room if the hotels do not provide one
Frequently asked questions
How many people fit in a Toyota Hiace KDH?
Can I rent a van with a driver in Sri Lanka?
How much is a van with a driver?
Is a van cheaper than several cars?
Can the van pick us up at the airport?
Related pages
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