Sri Lanka Destination Guide
Rent a Car in Unawatuna: Self-Drive or With a Driver
The bay, Jungle Beach, the Peace Pagoda and Galle Fort
Rent a car for Unawatuna: the essentials
You can rent a car for Unawatuna with H.B.S. Rent a Car from Rs. 12,000 a day. Unawatuna is about 155 km from Colombo airport, a drive of about 2 hours 15 minutes, and Galle Fort is a short drive from the beach. 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 Unawatuna?
- ✔A base beside Galle: Galle Fort is 153 km from Colombo airport and Unawatuna Beach is 155 km, so the fort is a short drive from the bay.
- ✔Sights on the hill: Jungle Beach, the Japanese Peace Pagoda and Rumassala Sanctuary are in the same area, 158 km from the airport, and a car joins them in one outing.
- ✔A small car fits: a small car or a hybrid sedan is easier to park near the beach than a van.
- ✔Onward along the coast: Mirissa is on the same coast road, and Galle is about an hour from Mirissa, so you can carry on east without changing cars.
Car rental rates for Unawatuna
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 Unawatuna
Beaches
- Unawatuna Beach
- Jungle Beach
Hill and fort
- Japanese Peace Pagoda
- Rumassala Sanctuary
- Galle Fort
Vehicle Recommendations for Unawatuna
| Vehicle Category | Best Suited For | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Small car or hybrid sedan | Short drives between the bay and Galle | Low fuel use, easy to park near the beach |
| Crossover (Vezel / C-HR) | Couples with more luggage | Higher seating, more boot space |
| 7-seat van (Suzuki Every) | A family or a small group | Room for bags |
Travel Tips for Driving to Unawatuna
- Join Unawatuna with Galle Fort in one day. The fort is free to enter and a short drive from the bay.
- Do the hill sights together: Jungle Beach, the Japanese Peace Pagoda and Rumassala Sanctuary are all about 158 km from the airport.
- 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 Unawatuna by car
Each guide gives the distance from the airport, the entry fee and what to know before you go.
- Unawatuna Beach: the bay itself.
- Jungle Beach
- Japanese Peace Pagoda: a white pagoda on the hill.
- Rumassala Sanctuary: the forested hill beside the bay.
- Galle Fort
Driving times to Unawatuna
Approximate times in normal traffic, measured from Colombo airport. Galle Fort and Unawatuna are close together.
| From Colombo airport to | Approx. distance | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|
| Galle Fort | 153 km | About 2 hours via the Southern Expressway |
| Unawatuna Beach | 155 km | About 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Jungle Beach | 158 km | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Japanese Peace Pagoda | 158 km | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Rumassala Sanctuary | 158 km | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
Choosing a car
A small car or a hybrid sedan is enough for the bay and the trips to Galle. A crossover gives you higher seating, and a Suzuki Every van suits a family. See the rate of every car, or read about car rental at Colombo airport if you are landing in Colombo.
Driving around Unawatuna
- Use the Southern Expressway to reach Galle, then the local roads to the bay. The local roads are slower, with tuk-tuks and people on foot.
- Drive slowly near the beach and park where your hotel or the sign allows.
- Lock the car and take your bag with you when you walk to the beach or the pagoda.
- Expressway tolls and parking charges are paid by the hirer; see the terms and conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Unawatuna from Colombo airport?
About 155 km. The drive takes about 2 hours 15 minutes.
How much does it cost to rent a car for Unawatuna?
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 Unawatuna?
Yes. A one-way rental between Colombo, Unawatuna 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 Unawatuna?
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.
Do I pay to enter Unawatuna Beach?
No. Unawatuna Beach, Jungle Beach and Rumassala Sanctuary are free to enter, and so is the Japanese Peace Pagoda, where donations are appreciated.
How far is Unawatuna from Galle Fort?
A short drive. Galle Fort is 153 km from Colombo airport and Unawatuna Beach is 155 km, so the two are close together.
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 Unawatuna?
Book your self-drive vehicle or chauffeur driven car today with HBS Rent a Car Sri Lanka.
Book Your Trip to Unawatuna
📍
Pickup & HandoverIslandwide / BIA Airport
🛡️
Insurance Coverage100% Commercial Cover
⏱️
Support Guarantee24/7 Breakdown Assistance
Quick WhatsApp Quote