The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Sri Lanka by Driving Your Own Tuk-Tuk

Flo MBT
Apr 1
5 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Did you know you can rent a tuk-tuk and explore Sri Lanka on your own? We spent 26 days driving through Sri Lanka with our little tuk-tuk, 'Abu.' In this ultimate guide, we share everything you need to know—the good, the bad, and the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable adventure.

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Why Renting a Tuk-Tuk is the Best Way to Explore Sri Lanka

With nearly 1 million tuk-tuks on the roads, Sri Lanka’s most iconic mode of transport offers an unforgettable, immersive way to explore the country. As passionate road-trippers, renting a tuk-tuk was the perfect choice for us. We absolutely loved the freedom to go off the beaten path, change routes on a whim, and discover hidden gems based on local recommendations or chats with fellow travelers.

How to Rent a Tuk-Tuk in Sri Lanka

We booked our tuk-tuk rental through Tuktukrental.com, and the process was incredibly easy and seamless. The company not only organizes your Sri Lankan driving permit but also offers airport pickup if needed.

You can pick up your tuk-tuk from various locations across Sri Lanka for a small fee or collect it for free from their Negombo headquarters, conveniently located near the airport.

Before hitting the road, they provide a brief training session, including a 30-minute test drive and a rundown on basic maintenance, ensuring you're comfortable and ready for the adventure. Then—off you go!

Don't worry about missing the iconic Kandy to Ella train ride – Tuktukrental.com offers a convenient service to drive your tuktuk from the part of the train ride you want to experience. This way, you can still enjoy the scenic beauty of the route while having the flexibility to explore Sri Lanka at your own pace. Although we did both the ride and the tuktuk journey, see our article here for more details!

Are you ready for your tuktuk adventure?

GET 5% OFF YOUR TUKTUKRENTAL.COM BOOKING

The price will already be discounted by 5% through this link. We highly recommend them after our trip to Sri Lanka, and we’re already thinking about doing the same in Cambodia!

*Exploring Sri Lanka Driving Our Own Tuk-Tuk*

The Good & The Good to Know: What You Need to Know Before Driving a Tuk-Tuk

Exploring Sri Lanka by tuk-tuk is an adventure like no other, offering a unique and authentic way to experience the country. But, like any adventure, there are pros and cons to consider before hitting the road. Here’s a breakdown of what we loved about our tuk-tuk journey, as well as some things you should know before you go, so you can be fully prepared for an unforgettable ride!

The Good:

Freedom – Having your own tuk-tuk means you can explore Sri Lanka at your own pace, take detours to hidden gems, and stop whenever you want for photos, food, or spontaneous adventures.
A local experience – Driving a tuk-tuk puts you right in the heart of local life. You’ll interact with Sri Lankans in a way you wouldn’t from the backseat of a taxi or bus, and it often sparks friendly conversations with locals and fellow travelers.
Cost-effective – While renting a tuk-tuk isn’t the cheapest option upfront, it can save you money on private transport, taxis, and tours in the long run.
Scenic drives – Sri Lanka’s landscapes are breathtaking, from coastal roads to lush tea plantations. With a tuk-tuk, you get to enjoy the views without being stuck on a crowded bus.

The Good to Know:

Traffic – Sri Lankan roads can be intense, especially in cities. Expect honking, weaving motorcycles, and buses that drive like they own the road. It takes some getting used to - but overall the tuktuk is easy enough!
A little maintenance is required – You’ll need to refill oil, check tire pressure, and occasionally deal with minor fixes. The rental company will guide you through this, super easy!
Speed limitations – Tuk-tuks max out at around 40 km/h, meaning long distances take time. A journey that looks short on Google Maps might take much longer than expected.
Weather conditions – Sri Lanka’s tropical climate means sudden rain showers. While tuk-tuks have rain covers, driving in heavy rain can still be tricky and visibility is reduced.
Luggages – Since tuk-tuks are open on the sides, your luggage will be visible when traveling between accommodations. If you want to stop for a visit along the way, it can be tricky to leave your bags unattended. However, we almost always found a safe option, like asking a local shop or restaurant to watch over them. It’s not so much theft you need to worry about—but the cheeky monkeys! They have no shame in rummaging through your bags, looking for snacks.

How to Book Hotels or Guesthouses in Sri Lanka

As adventure lovers, we tend to book our accommodations last minute, allowing us to better understand the country, explore things to do, and chat with locals and fellow travelers. This approach worked perfectly for us in Sri Lanka, as we were able to book our next destination just 2-3 days in advance through booking.com. We mostly stayed in guesthouses, which not only offered great value but also gave us the chance to enjoy home-cooked meals prepared by local families – always delicious and an authentic part of the experience!