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One driver quoted USD 120/day, another USD 45 - who is lying?

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F
Florian Steiger•349 rep•1

Couple, one suitcase each, CMB 23 Aug to east coast to Ella to Kandy to back. SLTDA-looking driver wants USD 120. Hostel WhatsApp group says USD 55. Fuel is a thing this year right? What should "all in" actually include?

3
kandyellabeachestransportationaccommodation

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

2026 ballpark from a lot of operator write-ups: USD 50-70/day sedan (1-3 pax) including car, fuel for a normal day, driver wages. Van/SUV more like 70-100. Luxury 100+. Tip USD 5-10/day at the end is customary, not usually in the quote. Tickets extra. Confirm km cap, tolls, and whether driver quarters are on you if a hotel has none (some add USD 10-15/night only then).

11
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Buddhika Senanayake•2030 rep•1

USD 45 can be real for a short coastal day in a small car. USD 120 for a sedan on a normal loop is high unless it is a van, luxury, or a huge one-way deadhead. Get fuel, expressway tolls, night stops in writing.

7
Q
Quentin Brasseur•171 rep•2

After Ditwah the hill roads can still be slower, slides, half-lane. Budget time, not just money.

5
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Lasith Amarasinghe•1575 rep•1

Asking the 55 guy to write fuel + tolls + nights. 120 is out.

2
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Florian Steiger•349 rep•1

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