Sri Lanka

Car rental in Bentota

Cars from local rental companies in Bentota: pick your dates to see real cars with total price, deposit and insurance.

LKBentota
Localrent · local companies

Cars in Bentota

Pick pick-up and drop-off dates — the form shows available cars, total price, deposit and insurance.

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Licence & road rules

Driving in Sri Lanka: licence and road rules

What you need to rent a car and drive here as a visitor. Rules change — check with your rental company before the trip.

EU / EEA licence
Local permit

An EU/EEA licence and IDP are not enough — a local temporary driving permit is required.

UK licence
Local permit

A UK licence and IDP are not enough — a local temporary driving permit is required.

US licence
Local permit

A US licence and IDP are not enough — a local temporary driving permit is required.

Foreign licences and IDPs are not enough on their own: the IDP must be endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon (Colombo), or you need a temporary Sri Lankan licence from the Department of Motor Traffic. Rental firms often arrange this.

TrafficOn the leftright-hand drive — take it easy at first
Speed limits, km/h50 / 70 / 100town / rural / motorway. Expressways 100 km/h, often lower on curves and approaches; limits are approximate for cars.
Alcohol limit0.8 ‰blood alcohol
Driver agefrom 21usually 1–2 years’ experience; young-driver fees apply
Emergency number119police, ambulance, fire
Tolls

Expressways (E01, E02, E03, E06) are tolled at booths, paid in cash (rupees) on exit; ordinary roads are free.

Tip: Roads are narrow and crowded with buses, tuk-tuks and animals, so many visitors hire a car with a driver instead. If you drive yourself, avoid driving at night.

How to rent a car

Four steps from choosing a city to getting the keys in Bentota.

Choose a car
  1. Choose a city and dates

    Pick where and when to collect the car. You can return it to the same place or, with many companies, in another city.

    Pick-up and drop-off in the form
  2. Compare the cars

    Each car shows the total price for your dates, the deposit, insurance, mileage limit and driver requirements.

    All terms before you book
  3. Book online

    The rental company confirms the booking. Usually a small prepayment online and the rest on pick-up.

    Confirmed by the company
  4. Get the keys

    Bring your passport and driving licence. The car is handed over at the office, the airport or, often, at your hotel.

    Passport + licence

Car rental FAQ

The essentials, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Bentota?

It depends on the season, car class and rental length — longer rentals are cheaper per day. The form shows the total price with insurance once you pick dates.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Bentota?

EU/EEA licence: An EU/EEA licence and IDP are not enough — a local temporary driving permit is required. UK licence: A UK licence and IDP are not enough — a local temporary driving permit is required. US licence: A US licence and IDP are not enough — a local temporary driving permit is required. Foreign licences and IDPs are not enough on their own: the IDP must be endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon (Colombo), or you need a temporary Sri Lankan licence from the Department of Motor Traffic. Rental firms often arrange this.

Where do I get an International Driving Permit?

Get it at home before the trip: in the UK at PayPoint shops, in the US through AAA, in EU countries from the licensing authority or national automobile club. It is a translation of your licence and is valid only together with it.

What are the speed limits in Sri Lanka?

Typically 50 km/h in towns, 70 km/h outside towns and 100 km/h on motorways. Expressways 100 km/h, often lower on curves and approaches; limits are approximate for cars. Always follow the signs — cameras are common and fines reach you via the rental company.

Are there toll roads or vignettes in Sri Lanka?

Expressways (E01, E02, E03, E06) are tolled at booths, paid in cash (rupees) on exit; ordinary roads are free.

What is the drink-driving limit?

The limit is 0.8 ‰ blood alcohol. The safest rule is not to drink at all before driving.