When we did this, the driver's accommodation was included (usually the hotel you are staying in provides it), and petrol is included. The rate we got included a certain number of miles, and if we had him drive more miles, there was an extra charge. My memory is that it averaged out to about US$50 a day. This was 2007, so I'm sure the prices have gone up.

We hired our car and driver through the agency that booked all of our hotels, Boutique Sri Lanka.

I appreciated having the backing of an agency, as if there had been a problem with the car or the driver, they would have taken care of it.

Also, note that a driver is not a guide. You will still want to hire an official guide at the historic site (very inexpensive).

There are a good number of Sri Lanka trip reports here. Go to the drop-down menu at the top of the page and choose Sri Lanka.

Oh, you don't need a jeep or van, but don't choose the smallest car, either. We had a nice Nissan sedan.

Thanks for your quick response, Kathie. I had a figure of US$100 per day so I should be in the ballpark with inflation.

I've been a long-time lurker at the Fodors site, and have enjoyed your many trip reports as well as clear helpful responses.

I've also been reading the many other really informative (an entertaining) trip reports here which is helping us to firm up our itinerary.

In Feb 2011 we booked a tour (car, driver & hotels + a few entrance fees) through a tour operator and the total costs were £720 for accommodation (mid range), £540 for travel (car and driver) plus entrance/excursion fees of £150. (£1 = $1.60). We had the driver/car for 14 days so the daily transport rate was approx $78.

The daily rate included mileage of 100km per each "non transfer" day - 35 rupees per km for any excess. In reality we did more than this but were not charged and 100km should be enough for most.

I don't believe there was any cross subsidy involved but you could undoubtedly get a cheaper deal direct with a driver. However, I would heartily second Kathies comment re the "backing of an agency". We were there during the floods and our car did break down (the brakes failed) and the agency arranged a new car and driver the next day.

We had a mid sized Toyota which was fine on most occasions although on one or two occasions, when we want to go to one or two places a little off the beaten traqck our first driver refused and we had to walk (but he was not great - our second driver was much better. Travelling in the floods we could have done with a high clearance 4WD but those were exceptional times and a normal car should be fine.

For mor details of our expereinces click on my screen name for a trip report.

crellston - thanks for your reply. I have seen your excellent trip report as well.

I also noticed that the boutiquesrilanka.com website has a table of rates and other charges for private car hire.