Costs - news
How Much Does a Private Driver Cost in Sri Lanka for Sightseeing?
Per-day prices, what is actually included, and the three line items most quotes get wrong.
A private driver with sedan car costs USD 50-80 per day for sightseeing in Sri Lanka. A van seating 6-8 people costs USD 70-110 per day. Prices include fuel, driver meals and accommodation on multi-day trips, tolls and the vehicle. Entrance tickets to attractions (Sigiriya, Yala, etc.) are extra. Airport transfers to Colombo are USD 25-40, to Kandy USD 60-80.
What is included in the daily rate
Sedan or van, fuel for the quoted route, the driver's pay, the driver's meals and accommodation on overnight trips, tolls and parking. On HireATourDriver.lk, there is no deposit required to lock the quote.
What is extra
Entrance tickets (Sigiriya USD 30, Yala safari jeep USD 50-60, Temple of the Tooth USD 10 etc.), your own hotels and meals, extra kilometres beyond the quoted route, and optional guide services at specific attractions.
Where quotes vary
Season (December to February costs more than May), vehicle class (sedan vs SUV vs van), route (coast-and-triangle loop vs full island) and extras (hotels bundled or booked separately). We quote the breakdown so you can see each line.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is tipping expected on top of the daily rate?
Not required but appreciated. USD 10-15 per day of a multi-day trip is a fair tip for good service.
Why do airport transfers to Kandy cost more than to Colombo?
Distance. CMB to Colombo is 35 km. CMB to Kandy is 115 km of mostly expressway, roughly 3 hours.