Car & Driver
Hiring a Car and Driver in Sri Lanka
How hiring a private car and English-speaking driver in Sri Lanka works: what the price covers, how kilometres count, which vehicle to choose, how to book.
On this page
Most visitors to Sri Lanka do not drive themselves. Roads are busy, signs are patchy and journeys take longer than the map suggests. The usual answer is a private car with a driver who stays with you for the whole trip. This page explains how that works with SelFly, what the price covers, and what to check before you book anyone.
What a car and driver means
You hire a private vehicle and a driver for a set number of days. The vehicle is yours alone, so you travel only with your own group and never share it. The driver speaks English, knows the roads and is with you from pickup to the last day.
It is not a fixed group trip and it is not a hotel package. You choose where to go and where to stay. The driver gets you there, and you can change the plan as the days go on.
What the price covers
- A private, air-conditioned vehicle for your whole trip
- An experienced English-speaking driver
- Fuel, parking and road tolls
- The driver's own meals and accommodation, so you never pay for them separately
- Bottled water on board
- 120 km for every day of your trip, shared across the whole journey
What you pay for yourself
- Hotels and other accommodation
- Entrance tickets and activity fees
- Your own meals and drinks
- Personal spending and shopping
How the price is worked out
The price is for the whole vehicle, not per person. A couple and a family of four in the same car pay the same rate, so a fuller car makes each person's share smaller.
There is one daily rate for the vehicle you choose, multiplied by the number of days. Each day adds 120 km to a shared allowance, so a ten-day trip includes 1,200 km in total. You can drive a long day and a short day and it balances out. Extra kilometres are only charged if the whole trip goes over the allowance, at a per-kilometre rate for your vehicle.
You can see the figure before you commit with the price calculator. Nothing is charged online. Payment is made on arrival.
Choosing a vehicle
| Vehicle | Seats | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Mini car | Up to 2 guests | Solo travellers and couples |
| Sedan | Up to 3 guests | Couples or small families with light luggage |
| SUV | Up to 3 guests | More comfort and luggage space |
| Van | Up to 6 guests | Families and groups travelling together |
Count luggage as well as people. Hill-country roads are narrow and winding, so many travellers choose a little more space than they strictly need.
Changing the plan on the road
The biggest advantage of having your own driver is that the plan can move with you. Skip a stop that no longer appeals, stay longer somewhere you love, or add a place you heard about over breakfast. Small changes are simple and are agreed with your driver. A bigger change, such as a new destination or a long detour, is agreed with our team first because it can change the route and the price.
How to book
- Choose your vehicle on the vehicle request form: your dates (minimum three days), pickup and drop-off. Or start from a ready-made journey if you want a route to begin with.
- Send the request. There is no payment at this stage.
- We confirm the vehicle, route and price, and you pay on arrival.
- Hotels are booked by you directly with the place you choose.
If you would rather talk it through first, message us on WhatsApp from the button on any page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the driver English-speaking?
Yes. Every SelFly driver speaks English and can help with practical travel support, local recommendations and day-to-day arrangements.
Is the price per person or per vehicle?
Per vehicle. You choose the vehicle that fits your group and pay one price, however many of you travel, up to the vehicle capacity.
Does the price include fuel and tolls?
Yes. Fuel, parking and road tolls are included, along with the driver's own meals and accommodation.
Are hotels included?
No. You choose and pay for your own accommodation directly, so you can stay where you like and at the budget you like.
How many kilometres are included?
120 km for each day of your trip, pooled across the whole journey. Extra kilometres are charged at a per-kilometre rate only if the total goes over.
When do I pay?
On arrival, in cash or by bank transfer. SelFly does not take deposits or online payments.
See what your trip would cost.
Pick a vehicle and the number of days, and the calculator shows the full price, including a lower rate when your first or last day is only an airport run. Then send your request.
