Hi Reader,

Navigating Sri Lanka can be a challenge, right? Well, not really!

Some trains and buses can take you nearly anywhere in the country, or you could hire a driver.

We’ve travelled by public transport and hired a driver on multiple occasions. But by far the easiest and most convenient way to get around is with your own driver and vehicle.

It’s not because public transport is bad in Sri Lanka, quite the opposite, it’s the most affordable way to get around.

But public transport at times is slow, especially taking the train from Colombo to Kandy, or from Kandy to Ella. It took us 8-10 hours by train from Nuwara Eliya to Colombo. And if you’re stuck in 3rd class with no seats, it can get very uncomfortable.

But this is where a driver can make things so much easier.

Instead of uncomfortable seating arrangements and stressing how to navigate from one destination to the next, you can leave all of that to the driver, who will handle all the logistics. Some of them can turn into tour guides that suggest stops along the way that you might otherwise miss.

So, if you are thinking about hiring a driver, there are some practical things that are helpful to know before you book.

1 – The driver is usually hired for multiple days

Most travellers will hire a driver for several days or even for the entire trip.

For example, travelling between places such as Sigiriya Rock, Kandy, Ella, Yala and the south coast often involves long journeys.

Having the same driver for the duration of your trip can make those travel days much smoother.

2 – The daily rate may include more than you expected

In some cases, the daily price will include fuel costs, tolls and drivers' accommodation, although you should always check what is and isn’t included in the price.

So, rather than paying for the individual journey, you’re paying for the flexibility to travel between destinations and making stops along the way.

We’ve often asked our driver to stop for lunch along the way or take a little detour, without problems.

3 – Your itinerary is still flexible

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a driver is how flexible you can be with your itinerary.

You can ask the driver to stop at a viewpoint, a tea plantation or a local restaurant along the way, and it’s very easy to do.

It also means you can adjust your plans if the weather changes, if you want to include an extra destination, or just take things slower.

You can be as flexible as you want to be.

4 – Travel times can still be longer than expected

Even with a driver, it is worth knowing that Sri Lankan roads can be slow, especially in the hill country, or traffic builds up in towns and villages.

You should allow for extra time between destinations, as this will make your itinerary feel much more relaxed.

Although you might be on the road for a couple of hours, it is far more comfortable than public transport.

5 – Comfort and a reassuring way to travel

For many, having a local driver who knows the country can add an extra layer of comfort and ease to your trip.

They will understand the road, the driving culture, and the best places to stop.

For those who are travelling to Sri Lanka for the first time, or as a female traveller, it can make travelling around the island more comfortable and safer.

Our honest view

Hiring a driver works particularly well if you’re planning to visit several parts of Sri Lanka in one trip and want to keep your itinerary flexible without worrying too much about the logistics.

But trains and buses can still be a great option too if you prefer a slower travel style.

However, hiring a driver is more expensive than public transport.

You should weigh up whether saving money is more important than experience and comfort.

If we are taking a long journey with multiple stops, then we’ll hire a driver. For shorter journeys, we’ll take public transport.

Over to you.

Are you thinking about hiring a driver for your trip to Sri Lanka, or planning to rely on trains and buses instead?

Hit reply and let us know. We’d love to hear how you're planning your route around the island.

Happy travelling

Bev & Shams

Email: bev@bevandshams.com

Website: www.bevandshams.com​

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