What does a trip to Sri Lanka cost?
Our trip prices, plus realistic costs for entrance fees, safaris, food and tips.
Updated: 17 October 2026, 2 min read
Sri Lanka is not as cheap as it was, but it is still good value, especially if you travel with a private driver instead of renting a car. Here is what to budget, based on our own prices and current fees.
Our round trip prices
Our private round trips cost from US$100 per person per day, so for example:
| Length | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 7 days | from US$700 (about €630) |
| 10 days | from US$1,000 (about €890) |
| 12 days | from US$1,200 (about €1,070) |
| 14 days | from US$1,400 (about €1,250) |
| 21 days | from US$2,100 (about €1,870) |
These prices are per person for two people sharing a room. They include a private car with driver, fuel, tolls and your driver’s costs, good 3-star hotels with breakfast, and airport transfers. Prices depend on the season, the hotels and the size of your group; your quote is final. 4-star and 5-star hotels cost more.
Entrance fees
Entrance fees for foreign visitors are high compared with other costs, so plan them in. Official prices as of October 2026:
| Sight | Price per adult |
|---|---|
| Sigiriya Rock | US$35 |
| Polonnaruwa ancient city | US$30 |
| Anuradhapura sacred city | US$30 |
| Temple of the Tooth, Kandy | LKR 3,000 (about US$9) |
| Dambulla cave temple | about LKR 3,000 |
| Galle Fort | free (museums extra) |
Sources: Central Cultural Fund and the Temple of the Tooth. Fees change; we confirm them in your quote.
Safaris and activities
- National park safari: the park fee for foreigners is about US$15 to 25 per person plus tax and service charges, and a half-day jeep costs roughly US$30 to 80 per jeep, depending on the park and the season.
- Whale watching from Mirissa: roughly LKR 8,000 to 15,000 per person (about US$25 to 45).
- Surf lesson, rafting, guided hikes: usually between US$20 and 60 per person.
Food
Rough prices in 2026:
- Rice and curry in a local restaurant: LKR 800 to 1,500.
- A meal in a tourist restaurant: LKR 2,500 to 5,000.
- Dinner in a good hotel: from about US$20 per person.
Breakfast is included in our trips. Many travellers have a light lunch on the road and dinner at the hotel.
Tips
Tips are not included and are up to you, but they are usual. A common guideline:
- Driver or chauffeur guide: about LKR 3,500 to 4,500 per day for your group.
- Site guides: about LKR 1,000 to 1,500 per hour.
- Jeep drivers and boat crews: a few hundred to one thousand rupees.
Example budget: 14 days for two
| Per person | |
|---|---|
| Round trip with car, driver and 3-star hotels | from US$1,400 |
| Entrance fees (Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, temples) | about US$90 |
| Two safaris and one whale-watching trip | about US$100 to 180 |
| Lunch and dinner | about US$15 to 30 per day |
| Tips for the driver | about US$70 to 100 |
Flights from Europe are extra.
Want to see this yourself?
Tell us your dates and what you like. Ravindu or one of our team will send you a personal route and price, usually within 24 hours.
Private round trips from US$700 per person for 7 days