If you want to see as much of Sri Lanka as possible, it is best to take a tour of the beautiful island. However, Western tourists are advised not to drive themselves in Sri Lanka. A comfortable alternative is to hire a vehicle with a driver. Please ensure that you have received your Sri Lanka visa well in advance of departure when you make your travel preparations.
Traffic conditions are a bit different compared to Europe
While in countries like Australia, Canada, or USA it is normal to rent a car or a van and drive it on the road yourself, in Sri Lanka this is not recommended. The traffic in Sri Lanka is not comparable at all to that of in the United Kingdom (UK) or Ireland. While British tourists might be used to driving on the left side of the roa and overtaking on the right, as is the case in Sri Lanka, the driving behaviour of the local population is quite different from what they would be used to back at home.
In a lot of places in the country, traffic can be very chaotic with motorbikes and tuktuks (3-wheelers) driving criss-cross through each other, and car horns and flashing lights are used very often and in various different ways. Road signs and other road markings can also be unclear, which can lead to dangerous situations while you’re on the road. In the rainy season, a large part of the road network could even become impassable due to flooding.
Tourists are advised not to drive themselves
For the reasons mentioned above, it is not recommended to drive as a tourist in Sri Lanka. However, this does not mean that one is forced to stay in one location for the entire journey. There are plenty of alternatives to make a round trip without having to get behind the wheel yourself, for example by using public transport or by hiring a private driver.
Do you still want to rent a car in Sri Lanka and hit the road yourself? Then make sure you have made the right preparations. For example, not only is an international driver’s license is required to rent a car yourself, but also an additional permit from the Sri Lankan government is needed. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka is one of the few places where they don’t automatically recognize the international driving license. Before renting a car, you are required to have your international driver’s license verified by the Sri Lankan Department of Motor Traffic. Also, all travelers – regardless of whether they are going to rent a car, a driver or take the public transport while they’re in Sri Lanka – require a visa (ETA Sri Lanka).
Traveling by car or public transport?
Public transport in Sri Lanka is generally well organized but sometime can be unpredictive. Most places in the island can be reached by bus and you can also get a long way by train. For shorter distances, tuktuks aka threewheelers are a very good option. However, a disadvantage of public transport in Sri Lanka is that the buses and trains can fill up quickly. Although the distances between cities are short, long-distance bus journeys can often take a bit of time as you’ll have to change buses several times and there can always be delays. Another disadvantage is that remote places of interest cannot be reached solely by public transport.
Round trip with a private driver
One of the best ways to travel flexibly and independently around Sri Lanka is by renting a car with a driver. This is a very common practice and a comfortable way to explore the island without the stress of driving. With a private driver you can easily visit different places in a relatively short time period and you are not dependent on unpredictive public transport services. In most cases, the driver can also act as a tour guide at the same time and provide useful tips on restaurants, places of interest, and accommodations etc.
Moreover, a driver in Sri Lanka is very affordable by Belgian standards. For about € 45 to € 60 per day you can rent a car or a van with a driver, and it often includes the cost for fuel and parking. In practice, the price for renting a car with a private driver is often not much higher than for renting a car alone.
Apply for your Sri Lanka visa easily online
In order to travel to Sri Lanka, in addition to a valid passport (which must be valid for at least 6 months from the day of arrival) and return flight tickets, you must also hold a Sri Lanka visa. You can apply for the Sri Lanka visa 24 hours a day through this website. Don’t wait too long with this. On average, the request is processed within 48 hours. However, it is possible that the granting of the visa takes longer because your application is subject to a check by the Immigration Service.
