Frequently asked questions
Answers before you ask
Everything travellers ask us before booking a private driver in Sri Lanka: how it works, what is included, who drives you and how to plan the trip.
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Getting started
Booking & payment
How do I book a private driver?
Message us on WhatsApp or send the quote form with your travel dates, group size and the places you would like to see. We reply with a tailored quote, usually within 24 hours, with no obligation.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as you can once your dates are set, especially in peak season (December to March and July to August), so we can secure the vehicle and hotels you want. Last-minute requests are welcome too, and we will always try to accommodate them where possible.
Can I get a quote before I commit?
Yes. Quotes are free. Share your dates and the places you want to visit and we will send a clear quote for your route, so you can decide with all the details in front of you.
Who will I deal with before and during my trip?
You deal directly with our small, family-run team in Gampaha, with no middlemen. We are on WhatsApp and the phone before your trip and throughout it.
Know what you are paying for
Pricing & what is included
How much does a private driver cost?
Every trip is quoted individually, based on your route, the number of days, your vehicle and group size. Our itineraries run from 6 to 12 days and each one can be adjusted, so tell us your plans and we will send a quote built around them.
What is included in the price?
On our itineraries the price includes a private air-conditioned vehicle for the full trip, an English-speaking chauffeur guide, fuel, parking and highway toll charges, the driver's accommodation and meals, daily breakfast at the listed hotels, and airport pick-up and drop-off.
What is not included?
International flights and visa fees, entrance tickets to sites and national parks, lunches and dinners unless noted, personal expenses and gratuities, travel insurance, and optional activities such as ballooning or rafting tickets.
Do I pay for my driver's meals and accommodation?
No. Your driver's accommodation and meals are included in your price, so there is nothing extra to arrange or pay for.
Are there any hidden charges?
Fuel, parking and highway tolls are included in your itinerary price, and what is not included is listed clearly on every tour page, so there are no surprises along the way.
Is tipping expected?
Gratuities are not included in the price. Tipping is entirely your choice, based on how you feel about the service.
The people and the car
Your driver & vehicle
Do your drivers speak English?
Yes. Our chauffeur guides speak English and are happy to share local knowledge, recommend places to eat and help with anything you need along the way.
Will I have the same driver for the whole trip?
Yes. You get your own vehicle and the same chauffeur guide for the entire trip, so he gets to know you and your pace.
What kind of vehicle will we travel in?
Comfortable, air-conditioned cars and vans sized to your group, well maintained and driven by an experienced local driver. Every tour is private, so you are never grouped with strangers.
Is it safe to travel with a private driver?
Yes. Our drivers are licensed, experienced and familiar with the island's roads, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about the drive.
How will I be met at the airport?
Airport pick-up and drop-off are part of your tour. On arrival day you are greeted at the airport by our representative and taken to your first hotel.
Is a private driver a good choice for families?
Yes. A private vehicle and flexible pacing work especially well for families, since you are not tied to a group's schedule. Tell us the ages of your children when you enquire so we can plan the stops around them.
Shape the journey
Planning your trip
Can I customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Every itinerary on this site is a starting point. Add extra days, swap destinations or slow down the pace, and your driver will work the route around what you want to see.
How long should I stay?
Our itineraries run from 6 to 12 days. Glimpse To Sri Lanka is a fast-paced 6-day introduction for a first taste of the island, while the 10 to 12 day circuits cover the Cultural Triangle, hill country, wildlife parks and the coast at a more relaxed pace.
What areas of Sri Lanka do you cover?
The whole island, from Colombo and the west coast beaches to the Cultural Triangle, the hill country, the south coast and the east coast, including Sigiriya, Kandy, Galle, Yala, Ella and more.
Can I add safaris or whale watching?
Yes. Safaris at Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpattu and Minneriya and whale watching from Mirissa can be built into your route. Park entrance and activity tickets are paid separately.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on the coast. The south and west coasts, such as Mirissa and Bentota, are best from November to April, while the east coast, such as Arugam Bay and Trincomalee, is best from around April or May to September or October. Each destination page lists its own best months.
Can I choose my hotels?
Tell us the hotel level you prefer and we will adjust the stays to match. For example, the Grand Ceylon Signature Circuit is built around comfort-grade hotels and can be upgraded to 5-star and boutique properties.
Before you fly
Safety & travel tips
Is Sri Lanka safe for visitors?
Sri Lanka is welcoming to visitors, and travelling with a local driver adds convenience and peace of mind. As anywhere, check your government's current travel advice before you go and take standard precautions.
Do I need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need an online Electronic Travel Authorization before arriving, and some nationalities have visa-free entry. Rules change, so check the official Sri Lankan immigration website before you travel. Visa fees are not included in our tours.
What should I wear at temples?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and be ready to remove your shoes and hat at sacred sites. Light, breathable clothing works best in the heat.
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance is not included in our tours, so we recommend arranging your own cover, including medical protection, before you fly.
Still have a question?
Ask us directly and a real person from our family-run team will answer, usually within 24 hours.







