This travel guide is about how to rent a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka. It covers all aspects: where to rent a tuk tuk, obtaining a driving license, rental costs and cost comparisons, driving tips, and more.
We recently spent a month actively traveling in Sri Lanka, covering over 1000 kilometers. We visited hidden waterfalls and beaches, trekked in a rainforest, and extensively roamed Sri Lanka.
But how to get around in Sri Lanka? At first, we took taxis. Then, we switched to a scooter for more flexibility. However, fitting two people and four backpacks on a scooter proved difficult.
At that time, we were already in Ella. There, we saw fellow travelers driving a tuk tuk.
Shall we also rent a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka? We saw the following advantages:
– a tuk tuk could fit our luggage
– we could travel like a local
– we could be flexible and explore Sri Lanka on our own
Seeing these advantages, we decided to go for it . Two days later, we were roaming around the Sri Lankan tea plantations on our own! We were thrilled.
Arriving at Elephant County 
A Tuk Tuk is a Local Transportation Method
Costs of Renting a Tuk Tuk in Sri Lanka
Before deciding to rent a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka, we checked how much it would cost. Although we wanted the flexibility to explore the country on our own, we didn`t want to overpay for experience.
To decide, we compared our daily transportation expenses against the tuk tuk rental costs:
A tuk-tuk per day cost around 21 USD (6270 LKR).
During our first few days, on average, we spent 33 USD (10000 LKR) on transportation.
So far so good: renting a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka just made sense.
Costs of Renting a Tuk Tuk vs. Taking a Taxi
The cost comparison table below highlights the price difference between taking a taxi or renting a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka. I chose some of the main attractions and their distances following the usual travel route.
Info: Around each location, there are several places to visit. Therefore you`ll likely take a taxi several times a day. For example, if you are in Galle, you`ll probably want to see Unawatuna, Dalawella Beach, etc., too.
Info: The cost comparison table is fact-checked by a local Sri Lankan.
| Route | Distance (KM) | Taxi Cost | Tuk Tuk Rental Cost | Tuk Tuk Fuel Cost | Total Tuk Tuk Cost (Rental + Fuel) | Savings with Tuk Tuk |
| Colombo – Unawatuna | 130 km | 18000 LKR | 6270 LKR | 2275 LKR | 8545 LKR | 9455 LKR |
| Galle – Tangalle | 76 km | 11000 LKR | 6270 LKR | 1330 LKR | 7600 LKR | 3400 LKR |
| Tangalle – Ella | 137 km | 19000 LKR | 6270 LKR | 2398 LKR | 8668 LKR | 10332 LKR |
| Kandy – Sigiriya | 90 km | 10000 LKr | 6270 LKR | 1575 LKR | 7845 LKR | 2155 LKR |
Costs Explanation:
– Driver Costs: average costs using the Pickme App (=Uber in Sri Lanka).
Note: Pickme App is not available everywhere, however, you can always use it to check taxi prices and use it as a price negotiation base.
– Daily Tuk Tuk Rental Price: price from the TukTukRental.Com website, after applying -5% Discount with Code “Wanderer”.
– Fuel Costs: 350 LKR / liter, calculated with a fuel consumption of 5 liters per 100km.
If you decide to book with TukTukRental.Com, the Coupon Code “Wanderer” gives you 5% Discount!
Distances in Sri Lanka – Travel Route Example
Sri Lanka is a fairly big country, with countless places to see. The map below is a travel route example, highlighting Sri Lanka`s main attractions.
Being aware of the distances within Sri Lanka, renting a tuk-tuk made perfect sense.
Then, we only needed to find a company to rent a tuk tuk from in Sri Lanka.
How to Rent a Tuk Tuk in Sri Lanka
In this section, I explain how we rented our tuk-tuk as first-time travelers in Sri Lanka.
I share the company we chose and explain why we chose them. Then, I go through the booking process with you, explaining its different steps: tuk tuk options/extras, Sri Lankan driving license, pick-up, and return process.
Finally, I share additional practical info with you, such as the mileage, insurance policy, and tell you about the tuk tuk rental community.
Our Chosen Provider: TukTukRental.com
To rent a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka, we chose TukTukRental.com. Why did we choose them?
Mainly, because of their online reviews. They have a 4.9/5 rating with hundreds of positive reviews on Google Maps. It was a fair indication for me to trust them.
Delving deeper, I learned that TukTukRental.com is a social business: they rent the tuk tuk-s from low-income Sri Lankan families, providing earnings for locals. They also support the locals with education aid and setting up water connections for the families.
You will see: Sri Lankans are the kindest people and they deserve the best.
By renting a tuk tuk from TukTukRental.com, you support the locals, too.
Last but not least, their tuk tuk-s are in great condition.
If you decide to book with TukTukRental.com, the Coupon Code “Wanderer” gives you 5% Discount!
Morning Coffee at Dalawella Beach 
All I could wish for: Elephant Encounter
Online Booking with TukTukRental.com
The booking process at TukTukRental.Com is very easy to follow:
- Add your Details:
Rental dates, pickup/return location + coupon code “Wanderer“. Click on Search to apply the discount. - Select a Tuk Tuk:
Choose from the tuk tuk options like regular Bajaj, Electric, or Cabrio Tuk Tuks. Discounted prices are shown. We chose the regular Bajaj Tuk Tuk, it was perfect.
Info: All Tuk-Tuks are equipped with an USB charger, a phone holder, a rain coat, a spare tyre, and an emergency fuel tank. - Confirm a Sri Lankan Driving License Option:
– You either confirm to arrange your driving license in Colombo by yourself
– Or have it taken care of by TukTukRental.Com - Extras: optional add-ons: Bluetooth speaker, surf rack, seat belt, etc.
- Payment & Deposit:
Proceed with payment. It includes a $150 deposit (automatically refunded 7 days after your rental ends). - Email Confirmation: Upon payment, you’ll receive an email with the next steps, followed by final confirmation.
Pro Tip:
Book early—Tuk Tuks sell out quickly in high season.
Coupon Code for my Readers: 5% Discount
I contacted TukTukRental.Com about this travel guide about how to rent a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka. As I write about my first-hand experience with them, they agreed to provide a special discount for my readers!
By booking through TukTukRental.Com, you can enjoy 5% off the rental price.
Discount Code: Use the Code “Wanderer” to receive your 5% discount.
How to apply the discount:
1. Go to TukTukRental.Com Homepage
2. Choose desired dates, pick-up & drop-off location
3. Add the Code: Wanderer (see picture -> )
4. Click on “Search”
5. See the Discount already applied
Driving License, Mileage, and Insurance
Driving License:
You need to obtain a Sri Lankan driving license to drive on the roads legally. Most vehicle rental providers won`t agree to the rent if you do not possess a Sri Lankan driving license.
Before your travels: Get an international driving license in your home country. You can use that to arrange your Sri Lankan Driving License.
There are two ways to obtain a Sri Lankan Driving License:
- 1st Option:
TukTukRental.Com can take care of it for 40 USD. We chose this option as at the time of the booking, we were already in Ella. - 2nd Option: Arrange the Sri Lankan driving license on your own (around 30 USD)
For this, go to the Automobile Association of Ceylon in Colombo and arrange it on your own. You will need passport photos (a dedicated shop is available on-site) and your driving license.
If you choose this option, count with half a day to arrange it.
Mileage:
there is unlimited mileage included in the policy of TukTukRental.Com
Insurance policy:
full coverage with 24/7 emergency line, included in the rental price
Picking up and Returning the Tuk Tuk
Pick-Up
Normally, people pick up the tuk tuk at the main offices in Colombo or Negombo.
If you already left the capital, you can get it delivered to 15+ locations at an extra cost. We picked up our tuk tuk in Ella.
Return
The return happens at the same place, one of the main offices in Colombo/Negombo.
While the team checks the tuk tuk upon return and create your checkout document, there is a waiting area with AC where you can take a rest.
TukTukRental.com Community
The Chat Group of TukTukRental.Com was the highlight of our trip! It is an active community where travelers share tips, insights, elephant sightings, and more.
The chat group is integrated into the application of TukTukRental.com.
There, You can connect with fellow tuk-tuk roamers, and share travel tips, such as about the best beaches, best restaurants, hidden gems, and more. We used this group to get tips about hidden places to see wildlife.
You can join the community after making your booking with TukTukRental.com.
Roaming the streets of Sri Lanka 
Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, Kandy
Driving a Tuk Tuk In Sri Lanka
Most people are afraid of driving a tuk tuk. We were the same: as humans, we naturally want to avoid the things we`ve never done before. On top of that, most internet sources say it`s difficult to drive a tuk tuk.
Let me disagree on that: I found driving a tuk tuk easy. I got used to driving it after a few minutes – and I am not a particularly good driver.
Hint: A tuk tuk has manual gears. If you know how to drive a manual car (like most people from Europe), you won`t have a problem driving a tuk tuk either.
Driving Lessons: Don`t worry: you won´t be left on the street to figure out how to drive a tuk tuk.
You will get a 15-25-minute long driving lesson (or until you are confident driving it) from a local before handing over the vehicle to you.
FAQ-s about Driving a Tuk Tuk
Driving Rules & Traffic in Sri Lanka
Everyone told us to imagine the Sri Lankan traffic like a slowly flowing, wide river. In the river, there are tree logs, coming in all sizes.
The bigger obstacles, (cars, trucks, buses) go first, while the smaller ones (tuk-tuks and scooters) go on the side, letting the big guys go ahead.
Tip: Be very careful around buses and always give them space to pass. They tend to drive like crazy.
Safety Tips for Driving a Tuk Tuk
Keep these rules at all times to ensure your safety while driving a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka:
- 1. Plan the day ahead and never drive at night.
- 2. Traffic might come from any direction. Be careful.
- 3. Never drink and drive. Sri Lanka has zero-tolerance policy and it`s also dangerous.
- 4. Don`t leave food in your tuk tuk when you stop. In certain areas (more on that later), monkeys might get in the tuk tuk and give you a headache.
- 5. Buses drive like crazy. Always get out of their way and be careful.
- 6. Enjoy the experience.
Police and Traffic Checks
Personally, we weren`t stopped by the police. TukTukRental.com has a good reputation in Sri Lanka, and the police know that everyone who rents a tuk tuk from them must possess a valid Sri Lankan Driving License.
Also, with a tuk tuk you can`t very drive fast – it`s likely you won`t get a speeding ticket.
Nevertheless, police checks might happen. Should they stop you, act normal and be kind.
Driving Around Sigiriya & Dealing with Wildlife
Sri Lanka has one of the highest density of wild animals in the world.
We experienced it first-hand: at most places, anywhere we looked, within seconds we could either spot a huge lizard, a monkey, a peacock (there`s a lot of them!), or other exotic animals.
Monkeys:
Especially around the Sigiriya region, we saw many monkeys. Other tuk tuk drivers told us stories about monkeys getting into their tuk tuk as soon as they stopped, robbing their food, and pissing into the tuk tuk. Until your vehicle is running, the monkeys usually don`t jump into the tuk tuk.
Tip: Don´t store food in your tuk tuk.
Elephants:
On the famous B35 road next to the Yala National Park, or driving around Sigiriya, you might meet wild elephants on the road. If you meet them, pass by them quickly and never leave your tuk tuk. They are wild animals.
Tip: Don`t store food in your tuk tuk,
Deers: We saw deers around Kandy and Sigiriya. Some deer species in Sri Lanka are fairly big.
Leopards: We didn`t see any of them. They are a rare sight in Sri Lanka.
Lizards/ Water Monitors: they can be anywhere and they can be huge! Drive always carefully.
Crocodiles: Crocodiles in Sri Lanka are known to be shy. Beware of them and don`t swim in any lake or river. Drive carefully if signs indicate crocodiles and never try to go near them.
(I didn`t see any crocodiles during my one month in Sri Lanka.)
Animals in the tuk tuk: Before starting to drive, check the inside of your vehicle and make sure there are no animals inside.
Extra tip: For the night, cover your tuktuk with the raincoat (all cars are equipped with it). It prevents animals from entering the vehicle.
Fuel, Gas Stations, Possible Defects, Local Help
- Fuel and Gas Stations: to drive a tuk tuk, fill it with normal petrol. There is always a gas station nearby.
- Defect with a Tuk Tuk:
In Sri Lanka, everyone has a tuk tuk. Consequently, you`ll always find a repair shop should you have any problems with it. In case of a defect, call your rental company first. TukTukRental.com offers full coverage and pays for all defects.
Info: most people won`t experience any problems with a tuk tuk. - Local Help and What to Expect:
Sri Lankans are the kindest nation I have ever seen. I traveled extensively in Southeast Asia (including Thailand!), and I believe that Sri Lankans might be the kindest of them all.
In case you face any emergencies (if it´s with a tuktuk, follow the policy of the rental company), locals will always be there to help you and take care of you.
Kandy to Ella Train: Do I have to skip it?
Many people come to Sri Lanka to check the Kandy-Ella train off their bucket list. If you don`t want to miss the Kandy-Ella train, but also drive a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka: simply inform your rental company about it and see their possibilities.
For example, TukTukRental.Com offers the service to drive your tuk tuk to your destination while you`re on the world-famous train ride.
In a nutshell: you don’t have to skip the Kandy-Ella train even if you rented a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka.
If you decide to book with TukTukRental.Com, the Coupon Code “Wanderer” gives you 5% Discount!
Our Experience – Was it worth renting a Tuk Tuk?
For us, it was 100% worth renting a tuk tuk. If we didn`t rent a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka, we would have seen much less of the country. I can`t name a single disadvantage of a tuk tuk.
Thanks to the tuk tuk, we remained flexible, could store our luggage easily, and stayed out of the midday sun. And we also would have spent much more on transportation if we didn`t rent a tuk tuk.
If you want to explore on your own and see as much as possible: I definitely recommend renting a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka.
Summary
I hope this guide about how to rent a tuk tuk in Sri Lanka answers all of your questions. I worked on it for many days to make sure I provided value and helped fellow travelers.
Should I have missed something or you have further questions, just let me know either in the comments or send a message 🙂
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