Travel Sri Lanka with Your Own Private Driver
With Chinta Tours, you travel around Sri Lanka in your own air-conditioned car or van, with an experienced English-speaking driver for the whole trip. There are no buses to catch and no group timetable. You decide where to stop, how long to stay and when to move on, and your driver takes care of the roads.
Chinta has been working as a driver guide since 2012, and we plan every trip from 4 to 21 days around your dates, interests and budget.
Why travel with a private driver?
Your own vehicle
A car or van just for your party, from the airport pickup to the departure drop. Keep your luggage in the vehicle.
Your own pace
Stop for photos, spend longer at a place you love, or skip something that does not interest you. The plan can be adjusted when possible.
Local knowledge
Your driver knows the roads, the best times to visit each site and where to eat, and is a local contact if you need help.
What is included on our private driver tours
- Transport by an air-conditioned car or van, from airport pickup to departure drop, with an English-speaking tourist driver.
- Hotel accommodation for the nights of the tour.
- Breakfast and dinner, as listed on each tour.
- Safari jeeps (4×4) with a driver, for the safaris on your itinerary.
- Entrance tickets to the places in the itinerary, including safaris and activities.
- Train tickets, where the tour includes a train ride.
- Unlimited drinking water while travelling.
Each tour page lists exactly what is included for that trip, so check it before you book.
Vehicles for your group
- We have vehicles for different group sizes, up to 9 passengers.
- Child seats can be arranged on request. Please tell us your children’s ages when you book.
- Travelling with children? See our Sri Lanka family holidays page.
Private driver or another way to travel?
| Private driver | Group tour | Self-drive | Public transport | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Route | Planned around you | Fixed | Your own | Limited to routes and timetables |
| Pace | Yours | The group’s | Yours | The timetable’s |
| Stress on the road | Low | Low | High: busy, fast roads | Crowded buses and trains |
| Local knowledge | Included | Guide | Your own research | Your own research |
| Luggage | In the vehicle | In the vehicle | In the vehicle | With you |
Official advice warns that driving in Sri Lanka is erratic, accidents are frequent, especially at night, and that visitors who drive themselves need the right permits. See our guide on is Sri Lanka safe for more. If you prefer company, we also offer small group packages.
What a day with your driver looks like
Morning
Breakfast at your hotel, then your driver collects you at the time you choose. Early starts are only for sights that need them, such as safaris.
Daytime
Drive to the day’s sights, with stops for photos and food on the way. You set the time at each place.
Evening
Check in at your hotel, relax, and have dinner. Your driver confirms the plan for the next day.
Popular private driver tours
- 4 day Sri Lanka tour and the 4 day beach and Yala safari tour for a short break.
- 7 day Sri Lanka tour, 10 day tour and 14 day itinerary for most visitors.
- 12 day luxury tour for hand-picked hotels.
- 9 day nature and wildlife tour and the 14 day safari tour for wildlife.
Every tour can be changed to suit you. See all our Sri Lanka tour packages. Travelling as a couple? See our honeymoon packages. Travelling alone? Read about solo travel in Sri Lanka.
How much does a private driver cost in Sri Lanka?
The price depends on the length of your trip, the number of travellers, the hotel category and the season. Send us your dates, your group size and the kind of hotels you prefer, and we will send you a plan and a price. See also our guide to where to stay in Sri Lanka and the best time to visit Sri Lanka.
Frequently asked questions
Is a private driver worth it in Sri Lanka?
For most visitors, yes. The roads are busy and slow, and a driver lets you see more with less stress. You also keep your luggage in the vehicle and travel at your own pace.
Does the driver speak English?
Yes. Our tours include an English-speaking tourist driver for the whole trip.
How many people can travel in one vehicle?
We have vehicles for different group sizes, up to 9 passengers. Tell us who is travelling and we will arrange a suitable vehicle.
Can we change the route during the trip?
Yes, where possible. Your plan can be adjusted around the weather and your interests, so tell your driver what you would like to change.
Are child seats available?
Yes, child seats can be arranged on request. Please tell us your children’s ages when you book.
Is it safe to travel with a private driver?
Most visitors have a trouble-free trip. A driver who knows the roads and plans sensible daily distances is the simplest way to travel. See our guide on is Sri Lanka safe for more.
How do I book a private driver?
Send us an inquiry with your dates, group size and any special wishes. We will reply with a plan and a price, and you can change it until you are happy.
Plan Your Private Driver Tour
Send us your dates and group size, and we will plan a route and a price around you.
