How to Rent a Car in Sri Lanka: Step-by-Step Guide

The island of Sri Lanka runs approximately 433 km from north to south and spans around 225 km from east to west. The land is blessed with an abundance of geographical features that include scenic hills, calming plains, lush forests, vibrant jungles, and stunning coastlines. There are also plenty of cultural and historical landmarks that include several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. All of these are accessible by road within a few hours of each other. This means that there are plenty of options for road trips in Sri Lanka, making driving in Sri Lanka a popular option among visitors. With the availability of reputed car rental services in Sri Lanka, renting a car (with or without a driver) would be an ideal option for flexibility and comfort as you explore the island by road.

Why Renting a Car in Sri Lanka Is a Great Idea

Renting a car to explore Sri Lanka would allow you the benefits of:

• Flexibility – You would have the freedom to create your own itinerary without having to adjust your schedule to suit public transport timings and limitations. This means that you could spend more time at places that are of greater interest to you and also enjoy the scenic views as you travel from one place to another, stopping for photographs as you please.
• Reliability – Not having to rely on public transport schedules that might be subject to spontaneous changes or delays also means that you would be able to follow your itinerary at your own pace, as planned.
• Convenience – Renting a car would mean having more luggage space and being able to discover Sri Lanka from within the comfort of a spacious, air-conditioned vehicle.
• Access – A rented car would enable you to take less-travelled roads to visit remote areas that are not accessible by public transport. This would enable you to visit, witness, and experience hidden gems across the country.
• Cost-effectiveness – Considering the fact that you are likely going to have to incorporate the use of tuk-tuks or cabs if you opt to use public transport, it would likely be more economical to rent a car for your stay in Sri Lanka, especially if you are travelling as a family or in a group, or are long-stay travellers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Renting a Car in Sri Lanka

Following are the three main aspects that you need to consider when renting a car in Sri Lanka.

1. Choose the right car rental service. Look into the key aspects that your short-listed car rental services offer. Do they have vehicle options that meet your requirements in terms of size, fuel efficiency, and budget? Do they offer a chauffeur option? Are they reliable and accountable, with vehicle registrations and insurance policies in place? Kings Rent-a-Car is one of the most dependable and recommended car rental companies in Sri Lanka. Ensuring that all paperwork is in place, Kings offers a reliable fleet of vehicles, ranging from salon cars to SUVs and 4WDs, at some of the most reasonable car rental rates in Sri Lanka. We offer both self-drive and chauffeur services and add-on options of child/infant car seats, jumper cables, first aid kits, and GPS-enabled tablets. The rental process is streamlined to be simple and convenient for the customer.
2. Decide between self-drive or chauffeur service. Which service you pick depends on a combination of factors. Kings Rent-a-Car offers both options.
• A chauffeur driven service would be the epitome of comfort and convenience, without having to worry about adjusting to local driving, navigating routes, and parking. This would also enable you to enjoy the scenic views and outside activities between destinations, as well as to get a bit of rest now and then while travelling. This might be more suitable for families with children, large groups, and travellers looking for a more laid-back experience.
• The self-drive option is comparatively more budget-friendly and is supported by 24-hour roadside assistance across the country. This would allow travellers complete autonomy and freedom to explore the country as they wish. It might be better suited for young couples and groups of friends who are keen to make their stays more fun and adventurous.
3. Understand the driving licence requirements in Sri Lanka. Do you need an international driving licence in Sri Lanka? Well, if you are looking to rent a car in Sri Lanka without a driver, there are two methods that could make you eligible to drive in Sri Lanka, and Kings Rent-a-Car offers assistance with attaining either.
• Temporary Sri Lanka Driving Licence, which can be obtained on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka. This requires a valid driving licence in English language from your country of residence. Kings offers guidance on document requirements and assists with navigating the process at the airport.
• International Driving Permit, which should be obtained from your country of residence and should be endorsed by the Sri Lanka Automobile Association prior to driving in Sri Lanka. Kings makes arrangements to have this endorsement ready prior to your arrival.

Tips for Driving in Sri Lanka

Here are a few basic tips to bear in mind when driving in Sri Lanka.

• Sri Lanka follows a right-hand-drive system, and we drive on the left side of the road.
• Be aware of local traffic laws and regulations, as breaking the law can incur fines and further punishment.
• Make sure that all the paperwork pertaining to your driving permit, the vehicle, and your agreement with the rental company are in order.
• Driving conditions and road conditions may daunt you at first, and they also vary between urban, suburban, and rural areas. Make sure to be focused and aware of your surroundings.
• Make sure that you have local emergency/assistance contact numbers at hand.
• Be aware of animals (and large birds such as peacocks in some areas) who might be resting on or moving across the roadside.
• Make sure you are relaxed and rested before you take the wheel, to ensure safe and enjoyable travels.

Visit Kings Rent-a-Car online for more information on car hire in Sri Lanka with a driver or for self-driving, or WhatsApp us on +94 77 773 9492 for information and inquiries.