Hiring a tuktuk in Sri Lanka is without doubt one of the most enjoyable ways to discover the country. You decide where to stop, drive right through green tea plantations, along the coastline and through small mountain villages. It gives you a freedom that using public transport or taxi simply don't have. Plus, you always have your own transport, get in touch with locals and can eat delicious local snacks along the way!
But how do you arrange a tuktuk in Sri Lanka? What are the costs, what do you need to consider and how does it actually feel to get behind the wheel yourself? In this blog, we share our experiences, practical tips and a discount code for TukTuk Rental!
General information about Sri Lanka
Are you planning your trip to Sri Lanka? Then check out our tips for the best travel period, daily budget and applying for a visa. Find all information on Sri Lanka here.
Tuktuk Rental discount code
Let's start with a handy and fun tip: with the discount code ‘THOUSANDTRAVELMILES‘ get 5% discount at TukTukRental! This discount will be immediately deducted when you click on this link to Tuktukrental.com click!
Why rent a tuktuk from Tuktuk Rental?
But why hire a tuktuk in the first place? A tuktuk offers much more flexibility than a taxi or bus. You decide your own route, stop where you want and discover places you would otherwise miss. It is an adventurous way of travelling that brings you closer to local life.
Are you already convinced or were you? Then we would like to explain to you why the best place to rent a tuktuk is at Tuktukrental.com. What we like about Tuktuk Rental is that it is not only a professional and reliable company, but also an organisation with a heart for the locals. They work with Sri Lankan tuktuk owners, giving them a fair chance to earn a good living from their own tuktuk. So because the company does not own tuktuks, but works with rentals of local tuktuks, the owners often earn up to five times more than normal. So you enjoy an unforgettable road trip and contribute something to the local economy at the same time.
What makes TukTuk Rental the best choice?
- No worries about insurance: Everything is fully regulated, something that is lacking in many other landlords.
- Free driving lesson at the start: Ideal if you have never driven a tuktuk before.
- An official Sri Lankan driving licence: Once you pass your driving lessons, you will get an official Sri Lankan driving licence.
- Unlimited mileage: Drive as far and as often as you like. This gives you complete freedom to plan your ideal round trip.
- Rapid breakdown assistance: Having bad luck? No problem! With the handy app and customer service, there is always a mechanic nearby to help you. Customer service is also easily accessible via whatsapp.
- Useful extras: Among other things, you get a phone holder with USB charger and a spare wheel as standard. Optionally, you can hire extras such as a cooler, bluetooth speaker or surf rack.
- Own app with tips: In the app, you will find handy addresses of mechanics, nice restaurants and cool sights. Ideal if you want to plan an extra stop during a long drive.
What you need to know before renting a tuktuk!
Whether you want to do a complete tour or rent a tuktuk for a few days. It's useful to be well prepared to hit the road!
1. What does it cost to hire a tuktuk in Sri Lanka?
We cannot give you a fixed price because the price depends on the number of days you rent the tuktuk. The longer you rent, the lower the daily price. If you follow our itinerary through Sri Lanka of 3 weeks, you will pay an average of €20 per day. In addition, take these extra costs into account:
- Sri Lankan driving licence: $40 (€34.24)
- Train transfer (optional): $49 (€41.95)
- Fuel: for a three-week itinerary, count on about €60
- Start from a location other than Negombo: you will pay extra for this, depending on the location, between $15 and $160 (€12.85 - €137.00)
Tip: Always check the latest exchange rate for exact prices!
Prices per day for renting a tuktuk
To give you a good idea of the prices, we have made an overview below. These are the prices if you do not use the discount code ‘’THOUSANDTRAVELMILES'. Click on this link to Tuktukrental.com To see the prices including our discount code!
| Tuktuk | 2-13 days | 14-22 days | 23-38 days | 39-55 days | 56+ days |
| Normal | $22 | $20 | $18 | $16 | $14 |
| Electric | $28 | $26 | $24 | $22 | $20 |
| Convertible | $24 | $22 | $20 | $18 | $16 |
In addition, you always pay a $150 (€128.50) deposit.
Note: There are several tuktuk rental companies in Sri Lanka, but we only recommend Tuktukrental because we are sure that you are well insured here. We have no experience with other parties and therefore do not recommend them.
Additional options when renting a tuktuk through Tuktuk Rental
When you book a tuktuk you can add some handy extras namely:
- Transfer for train journey Kandy - Ella (or vice versa): Don't want to skip the iconic train ride? No problem! For $49 (€41.95) provides Tuktukrental That your tuktuk will be taken to your terminus.
- Bluetooth speaker: For just $1 a day, you take your own music with you wherever you go.
- Cool box: Keep drinks and snacks cool on the go for $1 per day. We had included this option, buy some ice and your drinks will be cold all day!
- Surf rack: Easily take your surfboard on top of your tuktuk for $1 per day.
- Child seat: Travelling with small children? For $1 per day, arrange safe transport with a baby or child seat.
2. How does it work with driving licence and driving lessons?
To drive a tuktuk yourself, you need a international driving licence and a local Sri Lankan driving licence necessary. Indeed, it is mandatory. Fortunately, you can make it Sri Lankan driving licence by Tuktukrental arrange it. Once you have made a booking, you will receive a form by e-mail in which you fill in your details. They will then apply for a driving licence for you. When you pick up the tuktuk, you will first get a short driving lesson and then you will be Sri Lankan driving licence handed to you.
Tip: You can easily arrange your international driving licence at an ANWB shop. Bring a passport photo and your driving licence and within minutes you'll be outside your personal international driving licence. Are you travelling together and both want to drive a tuktuk? If so, you will both need an international driving licence.
Read also: What to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka? Discover 6x the best tips!
Read also: Sri Lanka travel itinerary: complete itinerary for 2, 3 or 4 weeks
3. Take a train trip and rent a tuktuk
You may have already read it between the lines but it is possible to make the famous train journey from Kandy to Ella when you rent a tuktuk! For $49 (€41.95), you can book a transfer with Tuktuk Rental. A driver will take you to the train station of departure and wait for you at the station of arrival afterwards. You can simply leave your luggage in the tuktuk, allowing you to enjoy the view carefree without lugging heavy backpacks.
4. How much luggage can fit in a tuktuk?
Yes... this is a good question and one we also wondered while booking. Fortunately, a tuktuk is bigger than you think. We've seen entire families with luggage disappear in it and with a bit of fitting and measuring, everything works.
Most backpacks fit easily behind the back seat. So you can choose to stack the backpacks on top of each other or put one bag next to you on the bench. We found the latter more convenient but so the choice is yours.
Want to stop somewhere along the way? No problem! We had these cable locks taken and our own flightbags so we could secure and fully lock our luggage. Sri Lanka is generally very safe and at Tuktukrental there were only a few reports of petty theft.
When we parked the tuktuk for long periods of time or it was completely out of sight, we would put the black flaps down. This way, our stuff was less visible and besides, it's a snap!
5. What if your tuktuk breaks down on the way?
When we saw the introductory video, we had to laugh at the statement that any Sri Lankan, and even his dog, can fix a tuktuk. But there is definitely a grain of truth in it. In fact, a tuktuk is quite simple to put together. This has the advantage that a tuktuk is easy to repair, but the disadvantage is that you can also break down on the road just like that!
We ‘luckily’ did not experience this ourselves but know from others that they were helped tremendously quickly. There is always someone nearby who can help you, TuktukRental's customer service responds quickly and you can use the Tuktuk Rental app to easily see all mechanics in the area! Repairs are also usually dirt cheap (read a few euros) and you can submit these costs to Tuktuk Rental afterwards.
Tip: On arrival, buy a local SIM card (e.g. from Dialog) immediately or arrange an eSIM from, for example Airalo. With this, you always have coverage and can easily contact them in case of questions or breakdowns.
Practical tips and facts for renting a tuktuk in Sri Lanka
If you are planning to hire a tuktuk in Sri Lanka, it is smart to know some practicalities beforehand. There are also some rules you need to consider.
1. Is it difficult to drive a tuktuk?
Riding a tuktuk feels like a combination of driving a car and scootering. You accelerate with your right hand, while braking with your right foot. You shift gears with your left hand, controlling the clutch with a lever. There are four gears plus a neutral position, as well as reverse. At first, this can take some getting used to and may seem a bit overwhelming, but don't worry: you will always get a comprehensive driving instruction as soon as you pick up the tuktuk!
2. Traffic rules you need to know
In Sri Lanka, everyone drives on the left side of the road. This may feel strange for the first few minutes, but you quickly get used to it! It is important that you stick to the speed limit: officially a tuktuk cannot go faster than 40 kilometres per hour, even if signs indicate otherwise. In addition, motorways (the E roads) are off limits for tuktuks.
Tip: Use Google Maps or Maps.me for navigation and turn on the ‘avoid motorways’ and ‘avoid toll roads’ options. That way, you will never inadvertently end up on forbidden roads.
3. What do you do when it rains?
A tuktuk is not completely closed but in bad weather you need not worry about arriving at your destination completely soaked. This is because there are rain flaps on both sides that you simply pull down, so that the tuktuk is almost completely closed off. This keeps you dry and even makes it extra cosy inside.
In addition, it is ideal in colder areas such as Ella and Nuwara Eliya Because these flaps also stop the worst of the cold wind!
4. Refuelling, parking and animals on the road
Refuelling is a breeze! There are petrol stations in almost every village and along many roads. As soon as you arrive, wait your turn and indicate the amount you want to fill up. We actually always chose ‘full’ so that our tank was nice and full. After this, someone will fill up for you, you pay and move on!
Besides, parking is free almost everywhere. Only in Kandy did we pay a small fee at the Temple of the Tooth. In addition, we occasionally tipped restaurant owners when we asked them to keep an eye out.
Tip: Put your rain flaps down when you park the tuktuk for an extended period. This not only protects against an unexpected rain shower, but also prevents curious monkeys from climbing inside.
During your drives, you need to be extra vigilant for animals that suddenly cross over, such as dogs, cows, monkeys and sometimes even wild elephants (yes... this really does happen). Especially in areas like Sigiriya, Udawalawe and Yala, there is a chance that you will encounter an elephant on the road. An impressive experience, but always stay at a safe distance, don't stop too close and make sure your motorbike keeps running. This will always allow you to drive away if you need to.
Tip: It may happen that elephants block the road and it is dangerous to drive past them. In that case, it is smart to wait a while until a bus or truck arrives and drive behind them. Make sure you always drive on the ‘inside’ and thus as far away from the elephant as possible!
5. Maintaining your tuktuk
As soon as you drive your tuktuk off the premises, you will also feel that this is ‘your’ tuktuk for a while. And that's right! You are responsible for making sure the tuktuk is returned clean and tidy. After all, you are taking someone's most expensive possession and source of income with you!
Therefore, abide by the rules that Tuktukrental along and check your tuktuk every morning before you set off. The check takes less than five minutes and is simple.
- Check that the oil level is in order and top it up if necessary.
- Also check the brake fluid and check tyre pressure.
In case something does go wrong, you will find a small workshop in almost every village where they can repair a tuktuk.
Tip: Download the app from Tuktukrental. It contains addresses of reliable garages as well as useful travel tips and suggestions for great stops along the way.
6. Useful points to know!
- In every tuktuk, a phone holder and a USB connector for charging on the go are standard.
- Police checks are frequent but friendly. They briefly check your papers and let you drive on again.
- The main roads in Sri Lanka are well maintained. On small roads towards accommodations, it can sometimes be bumpy, but the tuktuk can take more than you think.
- A tuktuk is suitable for anyone with a driving licence. In doubt? You can also choose to cover only part of your journey by tuktuk.
- Three adults or two adults with two children can fit in a tuktuk.
- For a unique chance to see wild elephants, take a diversion across the B35. This road runs right through Yala National Park and chances are you will see elephants along the road here. Always keep your distance, leave the engine on and drive past them at speed!
- Stick to the speed limit of 40 km per hour. On long straight stretches, speed measurements are sometimes checked.
- Furthermore, you should have a technical check done after every 1,000 kilometres, as the vehicles require a lot of maintenance. The cost is often no more than €2 and you pay for it yourself!
Our experience renting a tuktuk in Sri Lanka
The first moment we drove the tuktuk on the road together was quite exciting. Because even though Melvin got his driving licence within 15 minutes, suddenly you are on your own. You shift gears by hand, the traffic looks chaotic and horns are everywhere. But after just a few hours of driving, it's like you've never done anything else!
In addition, the pick-up went smoothly and was neatly arranged. The driving lesson was clear and they really do a number of ‘tasks’ with you. You can't manage right away? No problem, they take their time for you. Gear shifting and clutching take some getting used to, but you quickly get the hang of it.
So you drive on the left side of the road and although the traffic seems busy, you soon notice that there is a lot of structure in it. Honking is a way of communicating here. A short honk from behind means “I'm overtaking you, please pay attention.” And when a bus flashes big lights or honks, you know it is going to overtake and that you need to make room. By space, we really mean space by the way... so make sure you slow down a bit too otherwise they will push you off the road. Sounds exciting but you really get the hang of it! The most important thing is not to drive insecurely, but to just go with the flow.
Note: In Sri Lanka, there is a rule that larger vehicles have priority (the bigger, the more priority). So always let buses, trucks and cars pass first and hold your speed for a while while they overtake you.
The biggest advantage of a tuktuk is the freedom. You can stop at that deserted beach, take a photo in the tea plantations or spontaneously drive into a village without depending on taxis or buses. Moreover, you are dry during a tropical rainstorm and sheltered from the sun on hot days. Locals love to see tourists riding in a tuktuk, so there is a lot of waving along the way!
Are there any drawbacks?
Of course, there are also some downsides. Shifting gears takes some practice and long drives can be tiring. Our longest drive was from Negombo to Wilpattu and took about 5 hours. This was also our first day so we were pretty much done with it after this drive. But fair is fair: this doesn't outweigh the freedom and experience a tuktuk gives you!
Plan your trip with our Sri lanka map!
Plan your ideal itinerary through Sri Lanka with our handy Google Maps map. Discover the best local eateries, iconic sights and hidden gems. With this map, you'll have all hotspots at your fingertips and won't miss a single highlight of this beautiful country.
We hope these tips help you plan your trip. Do you still have questions? Then feel free to drop us a line at Instagram.
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