Hi, i'm roshan. I'm a local driver in colombo,sri lanka. I hav 13 years of driving experience. I drive a clean honda fit shatlle and i can take you to bentota , hikkaduva ,galla, unavatuna ,mirissa ,yala, ella, nuvaraeliya ,kandy,sigiriya,dabulla, nigambo ,airport and anywhere in sri lanka. Friendly ,safe and on time !
Hi im mahinda im from the most beautiful island in the world aka sri lanka, i help travelers travel and guide you through whole trip with passion, kind and professionally , i have 30 years of experience in tourism industry
Compare private drivers in Colombo. Choose from local drivers for airport transfers, city sightseeing and day trips down the coast — with vehicles, daily rates and driver profiles side by side.
Colombo is Sri Lanka's gateway: the airport, the expressway south and the rail and road network all meet here. Travellers commonly hire a driver for the airport transfer, a day of sightseeing in the city, or the first leg of a longer island route.
Hiring a private driver in Colombo
Colombo is where most trips in Sri Lanka begin: the international airport (CMB) sits about 35 km north of the city, and the expressway and coastal roads spread out from here. Hiring a car with a local driver is the simplest way to handle arrival day, a city tour or the first leg south. You agree the hours, the driver picks you up at your hotel, waits at each stop and drops you back — no haggling for tuk-tuks between sights, no guessing taxi meters.
Full-day and half-day driver hire
A full day in Colombo is normally counted as around eight hours and suits a city loop plus a coastal run; half-days work well for an afternoon in the Fort and Pettah districts or a transfer to Mount Lavinia beach. Each driver on Find a Driver sets their own hourly and daily price, visible on their profile before you contact them. The rate covers the vehicle, fuel and the driver's time — entrance fees, site tickets and meals are always paid separately.
Colombo airport transfers
Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) is roughly an hour from central Colombo depending on traffic, so a pre-booked transfer beats finding a car on arrival. Many drivers list a fixed airport transfer price on their profile and will track your flight; send your flight number in the chat so the driver can adjust to delays. The same driver can often handle both your arrival and departure run, or continue straight into a day trip.
Day trips from Colombo
Colombo is the natural starting point for the south-west: the expressway puts Galle Fort within about two hours, and drivers regularly run day trips to Bentota's beaches, the Kosgoda turtle hatcheries and Madu River boat safaris. Kandy and the Cultural Triangle are longer days but possible with an early start — or keep the same driver for a multi-day loop around the island.
Why travellers hire a driver in Colombo
The airport is 35 km out of town — a pre-booked driver is far easier than negotiating on arrival.
City sights are spread across Fort, Pettah, Kollupitiya and the seafront, too far apart to walk.
The southern expressway from Colombo makes Galle and the beaches an easy day trip.
One driver for the day is normally cheaper than several one-way taxis.
Popular day trips in Colombo
Colombo city loop
Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, Pettah Market, Galle Face Green and the Fort district.
Galle day trip
Southern expressway to Galle Fort, with a beach stop at Bentota or Unawatuna on the return.
Bentota & Madu River
Beach time at Bentota, a Madu River boat safari and the Kosgoda turtle hatchery.
Airport transfer
Pickup or drop-off at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), timed to your flight.
Good to know
Site entrance fees, boat safaris and meals are paid separately from the driver's rate.
Colombo traffic is heaviest on weekday mornings and evenings — allow buffer for airport runs.
For multi-day island trips, confirm whether the driver's accommodation and meals are included in the quote.
Colombo private driver FAQ
How much does a driver cost per day in Colombo?
Colombo drivers on Find a Driver set their own daily rates, visible on each profile before you book. The rate includes the car, fuel and the driver; entrance fees and parking are usually extra.
Can a driver pick me up at Colombo airport?
Yes. Many Colombo drivers offer fixed-price airport transfers and track your flight. Send your flight number in the chat so they can adjust for delays.
Can I keep the same driver for a trip around Sri Lanka?
Yes. Send your dates and route in the request, and drivers can quote a multi-day rate. Confirm in chat whether their accommodation and meals are included.
Ready for your Colombo trip?
Tell us your dates and times — local drivers reply with their all-in daily rate.
