How to find a cheap car hire deal in Colombo Bandaranayake (CMB)
Turn the key on your trip with a cheap Colombo Bandaranayake rental car. With prices averaging £107 a day, it gives you freedom without the high price tag. From economy models to full-size family cars, we'll match you with the right ride at the right price.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at Colombo Bandaranayake is £21.
Staying a little longer? Grab a weekly rental from £102 and say yes to more adventures across Colombo.
Here's your inside scoop on when to book. Two weeks in advance is when you're most likely to find the best price on a CMB car hire.
Sr Rent A Car, Green Motion and Sixt are popular providers at Colombo Bandaranayake.
The coverage Sr Rent A Car or another supplier offers for your Colombo Bandaranayake car hire can vary, so always go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Consider getting a one-way rental. You might be able to score a bargain if the provider needs to move its fleet around. Find the best available rates for a car for hire in CMB by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your car hire in Colombo Bandaranayake with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. You'll also skip the costly refueling charges rental agencies tack on.
Pack more into your journey by booking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you want without extra charges.
Best value car hire options right now
Topping the list for value is this company, with average prices of £99 a day.
Sitting in second place is this provider, offering daily rates of around £91.
The third option also shows up on the list of top-value suppliers. Hop into one of their rentals for roughly £86 a day.
If you're not sure what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked car type at CMB.
Compare car hire types from Colombo Bandaranayake (CMB)
Small: Whether you're weaving through city traffic or taking a quick trip, this cheap Colombo Bandaranayake rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect easy handling and excellent fuel efficiency.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they work well for most plans.
Large: You've got the bags, the kids, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the capacity to carry it all without breaking a sweat. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this CMB car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When wanderlust strikes, an SUV goes wherever you do. It's your ultimate road trip companion, ready for country roads, highways, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Usually featuring commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Colombo Bandaranayake is built to handle heavier loads and bigger groups. They're roomy, reliable, and ready to take on any task.
Insurance and optional extras
Adding excess insurance to your CMB car hire can take the stress out of driving. It protects you from paying a hefty excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ from one provider to another, so check how each one stacks up.
Upgrade your ride with nifty extras like mobile Wi-Fi or a reverse camera. They can make your drive smoother and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Colombo Bandaranayake.
Good to know
Rental age requirements aren't the same everywhere. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could encounter extra costs or restrictions. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your rental in Sri Lanka.
Add a car seat to your CMB 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 age, weight and size is always the safest choice.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds to pay the security deposit. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
If it's your first time driving in Sri Lanka, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the left side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 45kph (30mph) in built-up areas and 95kph (60mph) or so along highways. Always go by the posted signs.
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.06% applies in Sri Lanka. The safest choice for staying legal to drive is to not drink at all.
You'll be using the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) here. In addition to your credit and debit cards, have some cash handy for smaller purchases.
Drive smarter from the start
Go from zero to adventure once you've collected the keys to your CMB car hire. You'll have the freedom to go wherever you want, but if you're headed to central Colombo, it'll take you around 40 minutes to drive the 32 kms (20 miles) or so south.
In peak hour, expect the drive from Colombo Bandaranayake to the centre to take up to 1 hour 20 minutes.
Try to travel outside high-traffic periods for a smoother run in general. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You can also get the keys to a car hire in Colombo. If you don't need a set of wheels as soon as you land, hold off until you're in the city and avoid paying for extra rental days.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Colombo Bandaranayake (CMB)
Begin with some of the leading attractions in Colombo, like Mount Lavinia Beach and Sri Gangaramaya. Whether you drive your rental or get there another way, you'll want to explore these highlights before moving on.
Around 48 kms (30 miles) south of CMB, Moratuwa should feature on your itinerary. Head to can't-miss sights like Holy Emmanuel Church and Dilmah Conservation One Earth Arboretum.
Or jump in your Colombo Bandaranayake car hire and head out to Negombo. Roughly 6 kms (4 miles) northwest of the airport, Negombo Beach and Ettukala Beach are big attractions that make the drive totally worth it.
Up for a bigger adventure? Galle is a fun road trip destination that's around 129 kms (80 miles) south of CMB. Unawatuna Beach and Galle Fort are ideal pit stops.
