By the H.B.S. Rent a Car team · Published · Updated
H.B.S. Rent a Car Sri Lanka (Pvt) Ltd is a government-registered car rental agency based in Dambulla, serving the whole island. This page is the short map of what we hire out, which option fits which kind of trip, and how a booking works from first message to car return. Each section links to a longer guide when you want the detail.
Four ways to hire a car
Most customers choose one of four arrangements. They differ in who drives, how long you keep the car and how much you plan in advance. You can mix them: many visitors take a chauffeur-driven car for the first days after a long flight, then switch to self-drive once they are rested and used to driving on the left.
| Option | Who drives | Best for | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-drive | You | Independent travellers, residents, families who want to set their own pace | Self-drive rental |
| Chauffeur-driven | Our English-speaking driver | First-time visitors, long road days, hill-country routes, groups | Chauffeur-driven tours |
| Airport transfer | Our driver | Arrivals and departures at Colombo airport (BIA) at any hour | Airport pickup and drop |
| Long-term and corporate | You or a dedicated driver | Stays of a month or more, business use, project teams | Long-term rental |
Which vehicle suits which trip
The fleet on the car list is updated from our booking system, so the models you see there are the ones we can offer. In broad terms the vehicles fall into the groups below. Seat counts are those shown against each vehicle on the site; luggage space depends on the model, so tell us how many suitcases you carry.
| Group | Examples in the fleet | Seats | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small cars | Suzuki Wagon R, Honda Fit Shuttle, Honda N Box | 4-5 | City driving, short trips, one or two people with light luggage |
| Hybrid sedans | Toyota Prius, Toyota Axio, Toyota Allion | 4-5 | Long drives where fuel economy matters, couples and small families |
| Crossovers | Honda Vezel, Toyota C-HR | 5 | Hill-country roads and mixed surfaces with more ground clearance than a sedan |
| SUVs | Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | 6-7 | Mountain and safari-approach roads, larger families, heavy luggage |
| Vans | Toyota Hiace KDH, Suzuki Every, Mazda Scrum | 7-14 | Groups, family reunions, airport transfers with many bags |
| Executive and European | Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar XF, Audi A3 | 5 | Business travel, events, guests who want a premium car |
How a booking works
Booking is done by message or phone, so you can settle the details with a person before anything is paid. Our reservations desk answers on WhatsApp and by phone at +94 777425008 at all hours.
- Tell us your dates, pickup place (airport, hotel, or our Dambulla office), drop-off place, number of passengers and the rough route.
- We suggest suitable vehicles and confirm that they are free for your dates. Each vehicle can only be booked once for a given period, so a confirmed booking means the car is reserved for you.
- Foreign visitors who plan to drive themselves send a copy of their licence and International Driving Permit (IDP), or ask us about the local endorsement from the Automobile Association of Ceylon (AAC).
- At handover we complete the rental agreement and inspect the car with you, note any marks on the form, and take the security deposit described in the agreement.
- On return we inspect the car again, check the fuel level and mileage, and return the deposit if everything is in order.
What every rental includes
These points are the same for every vehicle and are also set out in our terms and conditions.
- Genuine commercial rent-a-car insurance. A standard insurance excess applies and is stated in your agreement.
- 24/7 breakdown support across the island. If a roadside repair cannot be completed quickly, an equivalent replacement vehicle is provided, subject to location and availability.
- A refundable security deposit, returned after the return inspection.
- A daily distance allowance in the standard rate (100 km per day under our terms). Kilometres beyond it are billed at the excess rate. Some vehicles offer an unlimited-kilometre add-on, priced per vehicle; ask when you book.
- A full-to-full or same-level fuel policy.
Before you drive yourself
Drivers must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driving licence with one to two years of experience. Foreign nationals need a valid International Driving Permit or a temporary endorsement from the AAC. The rules for foreign drivers have been updated more than once in recent years, so confirm the current steps with the AAC or the Department of Motor Traffic before you fly; we are happy to point you the right way. Our guide to driving licence rules for tourists explains the options.
Sri Lanka drives on the left. Roads are busy, with buses, three-wheelers, motorbikes, cyclists and the occasional animal sharing the carriageway. If you are unsure, start with a chauffeur-driven day or two, or read our complete guide to renting a car in Sri Lanka.
Where we work
Our head office is in Dambulla, in the Cultural Triangle, which makes Sigiriya, Kandy, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa easy to reach. Vehicles are delivered to Colombo airport, hotels and addresses across the island. We have local pages for the main destinations: Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Yala and Bentota.
Frequently asked questions
Is H.B.S. Rent a Car a registered company?
Can I rent a car in Sri Lanka and drive myself?
Can I hire a car with a driver instead?
How do I get a price?
Can you deliver the car to the airport or my hotel?
Related pages
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