Self Drive Car Rental in Sri Lanka, Collected at the Airport
Self drive car rental in Sri Lanka lets you plan your own route, stop where you like and travel on your own schedule. Jayasinghe Tours rents cars from Katunayake, beside Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), so you can collect your car close to where you land and head straight to Negombo, Colombo, Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella or the south coast.
If you would rather not drive, see car rental with a driver. For all options, start with our main Sri Lanka car rental page.
Self Drive Cars and Prices
These are the self-drive vehicles currently listed, with daily rates in US dollars:
| Vehicle | Type | Daily rate |
|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Wagon R | Compact · 2-3 Passengers | $40 / Day |
| Toyota Axio | Sedan · Family Friendly | $55 / Day |
| Honda Vezel | Hybrid · Eco-Friendly | $65 / Day |
| Honda Fit Shuttle | Station Wagon Car Large Space of Boot | $50 / Day |
| Nissan NV200 Minivan | Minivan · Families & Small Groups | $65 / Day |
All daily rates include insurance and unlimited mileage. Vehicle availability depends on your dates, so message us before you travel.
Requirements to Self Drive in Sri Lanka
- A valid national driving licence with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
- A Sri Lankan driving permit. The 24/7 DMT office in the airport lobby issues the temporary permit. The fee is 50 USD.
- An English translation, officially stamped by your embassy, if your licence is not in English.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) holders can have it endorsed at the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AA Ceylon) for around 30 USD. We can arrange this in advance for you.
- A refundable security deposit of at least $300 USD, returned when the car comes back in its original condition.
Read the full Sri Lanka driving permit guide before you travel.
Driving Tips for Visitors
Traffic in Sri Lanka drives on the left. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 70 km/h on roads outside towns and 100 km/h at most on highways, where tolls apply. Allow extra time for mountain roads to Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Ella, and avoid long drives after dark if you are unfamiliar with the roads. If you would prefer a relaxed trip, a car with a driver is always available.