"All-inclusive" gets used loosely in Sri Lanka, and for UK travellers budgeting in pounds that's the biggest source of confusion when comparing driver quotes. So let's be precise: here's exactly what a private driver's daily rate covers, and what it doesn't — so you can budget accurately and spot a quote that only looks cheap.
For full daily rates in pounds, see the private driver cost guide. This post is about what's actually in the number.
What the daily rate includes
A genuine all-inclusive rate covers:
- The vehicle and the driver's time for the day.
- Fuel for your planned itinerary.
- Highway tolls and parking.
- The driver's own meals and accommodation — they arrange and pay for their own food and lodging on tour.
Once you've agreed the daily rate, the driving side of your trip is settled — no topping up for petrol, tolls or the driver's dinner along the way.
The rate is charged per vehicle, per day — never per person. Two of you or four of you pay the same daily rate for the same van, so a family or group splits the cost of the car between them.
What the rate does NOT include
Just as important — these are always yours to cover, with any driver or company:
- Your hotels and meals. You choose and pay for your own accommodation and food; the driver eats separately, on their own budget.
- Site entrance tickets and safari jeep fees. Sigiriya rock, the Temple of the Tooth, national-park entry and the safari jeep inside a park are paid at the gate.
- Tips. Optional and appreciated for good service — a common guide is around £3–£5 per day — but never built into the rate.
Budget for these on top of the daily rate and you'll have a realistic total in pounds.
Watch for this: if a quote asks you to also cover the driver's food or hotel room, it isn't genuinely all-inclusive — those costs have just been shifted off the headline price to make it look lower.
Typical daily rates (GBP)
As a guide, all-inclusive daily rates run from roughly:
| Vehicle | Best for | Per day (all-in) |
|---|---|---|
| Saloon car | 1–2 travellers with light luggage | £45–£55 |
| Estate / small SUV | 2–3 travellers, more boot space | £55–£65 |
| Minivan (KDH) | Families & groups of 4–6 | £65–£85 |
| Larger van / mini-coach | Groups of 7+ | from £90 |
Because it's per vehicle, the per-person cost drops fast with a group.
Want a driver for this trip?
Tell us your dates and route — we'll match you with a vetted private driver and send a fixed, all-inclusive quote in GBP.
Get a quoteIs there a mileage limit?
For a normal touring itinerary the rate covers the driving your route involves — you're not metered by the kilometre, and there's no watching an odometer. Genuinely long single-day hauls are simply reflected in the quote up front, so there are no surprises.
A worked example
Book a car for a 3-day trip and the driver side lands at roughly £135–£165 all-in (three days at the daily rate). On top, budget separately for your hotels and meals, any entry tickets (Sigiriya, Dambulla) and a safari jeep if you do one, plus an optional tip. That's the full picture — no hidden fuel or toll charges, and a clear line between what the driver covers and what you pay directly.
Put a number on your trip
- The full cost guide has daily rates and more detail in pounds.
- The itineraries hub helps you see how many touring days your route needs.
When you're ready, request an all-inclusive quote in GBP with everything spelled out.
Frequently asked questions
What's included in a private driver's daily rate in Sri Lanka?
The all-inclusive rate covers the vehicle and the driver's time for the day, fuel for your itinerary, highway tolls and parking, and the driver's own meals and accommodation. You don't pay those separately.
What's not included?
Your own hotels and meals, site entrance tickets and safari jeep fees, and any tip for your driver. Budget for these on top of the daily rate — they're yours to cover whoever you book with.
Do I pay for the driver's food and hotel?
No. A genuine all-inclusive rate already covers the driver's meals and lodging. If a quote asks you to also pay for the driver's food or room, it isn't truly all-inclusive.
How much is it per day in pounds?
From around £45–£70 a day for a car, all-inclusive of fuel, tolls and the driver's own costs, charged per vehicle rather than per person. Larger vehicles for families or groups cost more.
Should I tip the driver?
Tipping isn't compulsory but is appreciated for good service. A common guide is around £3–£5 per day, more for a long tour or exceptional service.