South coast to Kandy private driver — what are people paying right now?
Need to get from Unawatuna area to Kandy in a couple of days. What's a reasonable price?
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2 Answers from travellers
Most people are paying around $90-130 USD depending on the vehicle, driver experience, and whether stops are included. The journey takes 4.5-6 hours with traffic. Some drivers quote lower but may not be as reliable or comfortable. Booking through your hotel or a reputable agency usually gives you a fair price with a decent driver and vehicle. It's worth paying a bit more for someone who drives safely and has a comfortable car, especially for a longer journey. Many drivers are open to negotiation if you're booking directly, but very low prices often mean corners are being cut somewhere.
Around $90-130 USD is common right now. Pay a bit more for a good driver and comfortable vehicle. Hotel bookings are usually reliable.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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