Car Rental in Bandarawela

Where to drive

• Explore Ella Rock and Nine Arch Bridge: A short drive of around 30 minutes (10 km) from Bandarawela takes you to the iconic Ella Rock for a rewarding hike and the stunning Nine Arch Bridge, perfect for capturing memorable photos.
• Visit Lipton's Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory: Drive approximately 1.5 hours (35 km) to Haputale and then up to Lipton's Seat for panoramic views, stopping at the historic Dambatenne Tea Factory along the way.
• Discover Diyaluma Falls: Head south for about 1.5 hours (40 km) to witness Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka's second-highest waterfall, offering opportunities for swimming and hiking.
• Journey to Horton Plains National Park: Embark on a scenic drive of around 2 hours (60 km) to Horton Plains National Park, home to World's End and Baker's Falls, requiring an early start to avoid mist.
• Experience Nuwara Eliya, Little England: Drive approximately 1.5 hours (45 km) through picturesque tea estates to Nuwara Eliya, known for its colonial architecture, cool climate, and Hakgala Botanical Garden.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Sri Lanka, you will generally need a valid national driving license from your home country, an International Driving Permit (IDP), and your passport. Some rental agencies may also accept a local temporary driving permit issued by the Automobile Association of Ceylon upon presentation of your national license. The minimum age for renting is typically 21 years, with at least two years of driving experience.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Bandarawela vary based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars typically start from around 30-40 USD per day. SUVs and larger family vehicles might range from 50-70 USD daily, while premium options can exceed 80 USD. Prices tend to be higher during peak tourist seasons, especially from December to March and July to August, and can be lower during the off-peak months.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Sri Lanka, traffic drives on the left side of the road. Speed limits are generally around 50 km/h in urban areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, and up to 100 km/h on expressways. The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers is very low, close to zero, so it's best to avoid alcohol entirely if you plan to drive. Headlights must be used in low visibility conditions and at night. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and child seats are required for young children, though availability may vary with rental companies.

Parking

In Bandarawela, parking is generally available on streets, often free of charge. In busier commercial areas, you might find designated parking spots. Always look for 'No Parking' signs or yellow lines. Larger hotels and attractions usually offer private parking facilities for their guests.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are available in Bandarawela and along major routes. You'll find petrol (gasoline) and diesel. Prices are regulated by the government and are generally consistent across the country; expect around 1 USD per liter for petrol. Most stations accept cash, and some larger ones may accept credit cards.

Which car to choose

For driving in and around Bandarawela, an economy or compact car with good ground clearance is often sufficient for exploring local sights. However, if you plan to venture into more remote areas, tackle steep mountain passes, or travel with more luggage, an SUV or a vehicle with a slightly more powerful engine and automatic transmission is recommended for comfort and ease of driving on winding, sometimes challenging, roads.

Frequently asked questions