Car hire in Negombo, Sri Lanka

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The most popular car rental companies in Negombo

Hiring a car in Negombo: Fast facts

Here's everything you need to know to hit the road happy.
Most popular car hire companySr Rent A Car
Most popular carPremium/Luxury, 4-5 doors
Average daily price$1,154
Best time to book1 week before

How to book the best car rental deals in Negombo

We’re frequently named as the most trusted travel search site out there. We scan hundreds of trusted travel providers and put it all in one place, allowing you to instantly compare car hire rates and then book with no fees. Here's how to get the most out of your Negombo car rental search.

How to find a cheap car hire deal in Negombo

  • Searching for a cheap rental car in Negombo? You've landed in the right place. With prices averaging $1,154 a day, we compare all the best deals so you can book faster, spend smarter, and drive away happy.

  • Daily rental prices in Negombo start from just $71.

  • For longer trips, grab a weekly rental from $480 and pack in more adventures.

  • To land the best price on a Negombo car hire, get in early. Rates generally rise as your travel dates approach, and you might have less to pick from.

  • Line up your ride with Green Motion, one of the city's leading providers.

  • Check if a collision damage waiver (CDW) is part of your Negombo car hire policy, whether you go with Green Motion or a different supplier. Some companies treat it as an optional extra instead of bundling it in.

  • Booking one-way could score you a discount on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower rates when vehicles need to be moved between sites. Simply click 'Return car to a different location' when searching the cars for rent in Negombo.

  • Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that has a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect the car with a full tank and drop it off full, so you're only paying for what you use.

  • Hit the road without watching the miles and racking up additional fees. Go to the 'Policies' filter and select 'Unlimited mileage' to find a ride that lets you drive as far as you want.

Best value car hire options right now

  • You'll find the best value with this company, with average prices at $205 a day.

  • Offering daily rates of around $132, this provider comes in next.

  • The third option also comes in as one of the cheaper suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly $354 a day.

  • Want a car that's the reliable option for most getaways? The Premium rental category is the crowd favourite among travellers visiting Negombo.

Compare car hire types in Negombo

  • Small: Including classes like mini and economy, this cheap rental car in Negombo makes getting around affordable and hassle-free. These nimble, fuel-efficient cars are perfect for city driving and short trips.

  • Medium: Not too big, not too small, this just-right ride is calling your name. Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are suited to couples and small families.

  • Large: Long drives fly by in this Negombo car hire category. Also known as full-size, they have the engine size to match the journey. The extra legroom and comfort make them a great choice for families and groups of friends.

  • SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're navigating rugged country lanes or cruising along wide-open highways, many come with all-wheel drive to help you take on any road.

  • Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Negombo makes short work of heavy loads and large groups. They're spacious, versatile, and ready to tackle whatever task lies ahead.

Insurance and optional extras

  • Car rental excess insurance isn't a necessity, but is something to think about. If your car is damaged, no matter how minor, it can help you avoid paying a hefty excess fee. Different Negombo car hire providers have different insurance policies and coverage levels, so check the details before booking.

  • Upgrade your ride with extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. They can make your drive more efficient and enjoyable when you rent a car in Negombo.

Good to know

  • Check each supplier's age requirements before booking your car hire in Sri Lanka. Rules can differ, and added fees or restrictions may apply if you're a younger driver. At the start of your search, uncheck the 'Driver aged between 25–70' filter and enter your age to browse your options.

  • Add a car seat to your Negombo car hire reservation if you're bringing the kids. Rules can change from one place to another, but using a child seat suited to their size and age is always the safest option.

  • You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough funds to cover the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will outline the exact requirements.

  • If it's your first time driving in Sri Lanka, remember that traffic here keeps to the left side of the road.

  • Local speed limits are often about 45kph in built-up areas and around 95kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.

  • The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Sri Lanka is 0.06%. Because alcohol affects each person differently, the best way to be sure you're safe to drive is not to drink anything at all.

  • Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a faster run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.

Best hotels in Negombo for drivers

  • Spend less time circling for a parking space and more time enjoying the comfort of 8 Plus Motels. Around 2 kilometres from central Negombo, it comes with parking, a laundry and a pool.

  • Or make use of the parking at Rodrigo's Villa & Restaurant. The city centre is roughly 2 kilometres from this option, which also features ironing services and car hire options.

  • Need more ideas before you book? Browse through the full list of hotels in Negombo. You can refine your search with the filters — try 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' or 'Valet parking.' If you're driving electric, you can select the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter too.

  • After you've found a car hire deal in Negombo and your hotel, it's time to plan your adventures. Negombo Beach, Ettukala Beach and Virgin Mary Lagoon Boat Safari are the perfect introduction to the city.

Hit the road: Where to drive to from Negombo

  • Around 31 kilometres south of central Negombo, Colombo belongs on your itinerary. Steer straight toward must-see sights like Mt Lavinia Beach and Elephant House.

  • Reliable accommodation options with parking in Colombo include The Kingsbury Colombo and Marino Beach Colombo.

  • Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia has some great accommodation options including Marino Beach Colombo and NH Collection Colombo. Both are convenient choices for guests with cars.

  • Keep the momentum going and road-trip it to Kalmunai, roughly 225 kilometres east of Negombo. Kick things off at Jamia Jummah Masjid (Kalmunai Town Red Mosque), then take your time exploring Green Field Aasath Park.

Frequently asked questions

On average, hiring a car in Negombo will set you back around $1,154 per day or $6,204 per week. 
The cheapest car to rent in Negombo is a compact estate (sometimes known as a station wagon). The most popular is Premium/Luxury, 4-5 doors.
The cheapest car hire companies in Negombo are currently Sr Rent A Car and U-Save.
Bagging the best car hire deal depends on when you book  – often, it pays to book your wheels as far in advance as possible. But according to our data, the cheapest month to rent a car in Negombo is currently April.
On average, around $6,204. But the best price we found for car hire for a week in Negombo is $480.
Based on everything we know about daily prices, the average cost to hire a car in Negombo for a whole month is $26,958. 

But sometimes, you'll get a discount for booking a whole month instead of 3 and a half weeks. So play with your dates to find the best deals!
If you're looking for freedom to explore Negombo, choose a car with unlimited mileage, or look for car hire deals with a ’full to full' fuel policy as opposed to a 'half-full to full' one.

We also clearly highlight car and van hire options in Negombo that have free cancellation
Yes – you can easily find car hire companies that allow you to pick up your car in one place, and then drop it off in another. Just select ‘Return car to a different location’ when you search with us.
Public transport can only get you so far, and could be tricky to navigate with children or luggage. With your own set of wheels, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want, for as long as you want. And you'll be able to discover more outside of Negombo.
Most places – Negombo included – allow under 25s to rent a car as long as they provide a valid driver's license and the correct documentation. It may cost slightly more due to a higher insurance excess for young drivers. 
The cheapest price we found for an economy car is $97 per day. The average price per day is around $105.
Of course. Most major car hire companies like Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and U-Save offer baby and child seats as an add-on when you book.
Other travellers rated Sr Rent A Car as the best overall in terms of experience.
We search the internet for all kinds of vehicle hire deals, including vans. But at the moment, we can't find any van hire in Negombo.