Sri Lanka Destination Guide
Rent a Car in Polonnaruwa: Self-Drive or With a Driver
The ancient city, Gal Vihara and the Minneriya elephants
Rent a car for Polonnaruwa: the essentials
You can rent a car for Polonnaruwa with H.B.S. Rent a Car from Rs. 12,000 a day. The ancient city is about 210 km from Colombo airport, a drive of 4.5 to 5 hours, and it fits easily into a trip with Sigiriya and Dambulla. Drive yourself or take an English-speaking driver, and use a one-way rental if you want to leave the car in another city. The table below shows the lowest rate for each type of car.
Why Rent a Car for Polonnaruwa?
- ✔A loop with Sigiriya: going from Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa and back takes about 2 hours in total, so the two fit into one trip.
- ✔A site you explore slowly: many visitors cycle round the ancient city, and the car gives you somewhere to leave your things.
- ✔Elephants at Minneriya: the national park near Sigiriya is a common afternoon stop on the same day.
- ✔Part of the Cultural Triangle: Anuradhapura, Dambulla and Sigiriya are close enough to plan as one route.
Car rental rates for Polonnaruwa
The lowest daily rate of each type of car, in Sri Lankan rupees. The rate per day falls for rentals of two weeks or a month. Every car and its rate is on the rates page.
| Car | Per day | Per day, 2 weeks | Per day, 1 month | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small car (Honda Fit Shuttle, Suzuki Wagon R, Honda N Box) | Rs. 12,000 | Rs. 11,500 | Rs. 10,000 | Couples, 1-3 bags, city and expressway |
| 7-seat van (Suzuki Every, Mazda Scrum) | Rs. 14,000 | Rs. 12,500 | Rs. 9,500 | Families and groups with luggage |
| Hybrid sedan (Toyota Prius, Allion) | Rs. 16,500 | Rs. 14,500 | Rs. 12,000 | Long drives, lowest fuel use |
| Toyota Axio | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 18,500 | Rs. 15,000 | Comfortable sedan for 3-4 people |
| Honda Vezel, Toyota C-HR | Rs. 22,000 | Rs. 20,000 | Rs. 16,000 | Higher seating for the hill country |
| Toyota Hiace KDH van (10 to 14 seats) | Rs. 25,000 | Rs. 23,500 | Rs. 17,500 | Groups of 8 or more |
| Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar XF | Rs. 30,000 | Rs. 28,000 | Rs. 24,000 | Business and VIP arrivals |
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (7 seats) | Rs. 44,500 | Rs. 42,500 | Rs. 38,500 | 5 to 7 people, rough or hilly roads |
Top Attractions & Highlights in Polonnaruwa
The ancient city
- Gal Vihara
- Vatadage
- Royal Palace
- Polonnaruwa Museum
Around the city
- Parakrama Samudraya (the large lake)
- Rankot Vihara
Vehicle Recommendations for Polonnaruwa
| Vehicle Category | Best Suited For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Axio / Allion) | A couple or a small family | Air-conditioned, comfortable on long drives |
| Crossover (Vezel / C-HR) | Rural roads and the park roads | Higher seating |
| Toyota KDH van | Groups of 8 or more | 10 to 14 seats |
Travel Tips for Driving to Polonnaruwa
- Start early. The site is open air and the middle of the day is hot.
- Wear light clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes at the shrines.
- Foreign visitors need a valid licence from their home country and either an International Driving Permit or a temporary endorsement from the Automobile Association of Ceylon.
Places to visit in Polonnaruwa by car
Each guide gives the distance from the airport, the entry fee and what to know before you go.
- Gal Vihara: the rock temple with the large carved Buddha figures.
- Vatadage
- Polonnaruwa Royal Palace
- Polonnaruwa Museum
- Rankot Vihara
- Parakrama Samudraya: the large lake.
Driving times to Polonnaruwa
Approximate times in normal traffic, measured from Colombo airport. From Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa is about 1 hour.
| From Colombo airport to | Approx. distance | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Polonnaruwa Museum | 208 km | About 4.5 hours |
| Parakrama Samudraya | 210 km | About 4.5 hours |
| Royal Palace | 210 km | About 4.5 hours |
| Vatadage | 212 km | 4.5-5 hours |
| Rankot Vihara | 214 km | 4.5-5 hours |
| Gal Vihara | 215 km | 4.5-5 hours |
Choosing a car
A sedan or a crossover is enough for the roads of the Cultural Triangle. A Toyota KDH van suits a group travelling together. See the rate of every car, or read about car rental at Colombo airport if you are landing in Colombo.
Driving in and around Polonnaruwa
- The roads are flat and quiet, but animals can be on them at dusk. Drive slowly and do not stop close to elephants.
- Leave the car in the marked parking and keep valuables out of sight.
- Water and shade are scarce at the site, so carry water.
- Expressway tolls and parking charges are paid by the hirer; see the terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Polonnaruwa from Colombo airport?
About 210 km. The drive takes 4.5 to 5 hours.
How much does it cost to rent a car for Polonnaruwa?
Cars start from Rs. 12,000 a day. The price depends on the car and on how long you keep it, and the rate per day falls for rentals of two weeks or a month. The table on this page lists the lowest rate for each type of car.
Can I rent a car in Colombo and return it in Polonnaruwa?
Yes. A one-way rental between Colombo, Polonnaruwa and the other main cities can be arranged when you book. Tell us the pick-up and drop-off places.
Can I hire a car with a driver for Polonnaruwa?
Yes. An English-speaking driver can take you for a day or for the whole trip. Ask for a quote on WhatsApp at +94 777425008.
How far is Polonnaruwa from Sigiriya?
About 1 hour each way, so a day trip from Sigiriya fits in about 2 hours of driving in total.
Can I see Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa on one trip?
Yes. Both are in the Cultural Triangle, and most visitors add Sigiriya and Dambulla. A car or a car with a driver lets you plan the order.
Plan your hire
- Car rental prices in Sri Lanka: the daily rate of every car
- Car rental at Colombo airport: self-drive or with a driver
- Self-drive rental and chauffeur-driven tours
- Self-drive road rules and routes
Ready to explore Polonnaruwa?
Book your self-drive vehicle or chauffeur driven car today with HBS Rent a Car Sri Lanka.
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