Thoroughly examining the effectiveness of taxi charters for affordable and comfortable tours in Sri Lanka!
There are various options for travelling independently.
You might go on a guided tour, make use of local tours, or travel robustly as a backpacker.
This category covers options for independent travel in Sri Lanka.
I would like to share my experience regarding the effectiveness of the taxi charter service I utilised.
Comparing Taxi Charter with 'Sightseeing Tours' and 'Local Tours'
When travelling, 'sightseeing tours' or 'local tours' are the most practical options for ordinary trips.
Using a tour organised by a travel agency offers an advantage in terms of effort, as there is no need to prepare the itinerary yourself.
However, in the case of Sri Lanka, the price of package tours is extremely high at ¥220,000 to ¥240,000, and they offer little flexibility.
Furthermore, while local tours can be arranged on a pinpoint basis, they are extremely expensive, costing around ¥50,000 per day.
Furthermore, the round-trip distance is rather wasteful and not suited to efficient touring.
On the other hand, with regard to chartering a taxi, not only can you save approximately ¥70,000 per person compared to a tour, but also,
You can freely and comfortably plan your travel itinerary.
For foreign tourists, it is a realistic option, and European visitors also generally use chartered taxis.
| Package sightseeing tour |
Advantages | requires little effort |
| Disadvantages | 1. Low degree of freedom 2. The price is high 3. Social interaction is necessary |
|
| Local tour | Advantages | can partially reduce the effort required for preparation |
| Disadvantages | 1. The price is extremely high. 2. It may not necessarily be your preferred plan. 3. Wasted distance and time |
|
| taxi charter |
Advantages | 1. You can arrange your own itinerary 2. To ensure a comfortable journey 3. The role of a tourist guide can also be expected 4. The lowest price |
| Disadvantages | The necessity of booking flights and hotels |
Below is a detailed comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the three options, so please take a look for reference!
→ What are local tour companies in Sri Lanka? Plan your bespoke itinerary and enjoy to the fullest!
The appeal of chartering a taxi as a mode of transport!
Some of you may wish to travel around Sri Lanka independently, without using a tour.
Sri Lanka also offers domestic flights, trains, buses and other options.
We have compared each option and taxi charter from the perspectives of price, efficiency, and comfort.
| means of transport | Price | efficiency | Comfort level | |
| long-distance | air ticket | × | × | ◯ |
| train | ◎ | × | × | |
| bus | ◎ | △ | × | |
| Taxi charter | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ | |
| sprint | Three-wheeler | ◎ | ◯ | △ |
| Taxi charter | ◯ | ◎ | ◎ |
Public transport in Sri Lanka is underdeveloped, and there are also issues with comfort and efficiency.
For anyone not absolutely determined to embark on a backpacking trip, chartering a taxi is arguably the most practical option!
Standard rates for chartered taxis
The standard rates for chartering taxis in emerging economies are at levels unthinkable in developed nations.
Upon enquiring with several companies, including major ones, the market rates were as follows:
Off-peak period for 5 days or more: ¥10,000–11,000 per day per vehicle
Off-peak period, 1–2 days: ¥15,000–17,000 per day per vehicle
During peak season for 5 days or more: ¥12,000–¥14,000 per day per vehicle
Off-peak period, 1–2 days: ¥17,000–19,000 per day per vehicle
As this is per unit, the cost per person will be lower when there are two or three people, as the cost per head decreases accordingly.
Whilst there is little difference in charter rates, the following points also become important considerations.
- Is there a Japanese service?
- Can it also serve as a tourist guide?
- Are you punctual?
- Is the hospitality high?
The following information page also covers Sri Lanka's tipping culture, so please feel free to refer to it!
→ What is the going rate for chartering a taxi in Sri Lanka? Including tips, we share experiences!
The author used the Sri Lanka Taxi Service.
The author utilised 'Sri Lanka Taxi Service' during an eight-night, nine-day trip.
Below is Asanka, a driver with Sri Lanka Taxi Service.
Sri Lanka Taxi Service offered the most competitive rates in the country, provided tour guide services, and demonstrated outstanding hospitality.
Not only were they punctual, but they also accommodated sudden changes to our itinerary and made reservations for the spa and tea factory.
The overall hospitality was exceptionally high, allowing us to enjoy a thoroughly satisfying trip to Sri Lanka!
→ Official Homepage of Sri Lanka Taxi Service
The company can also assist with itinerary planning, so it would be advisable to consult them even if your itinerary is still undecided.
The following is an article based on the author's actual experience of making enquiries, planning the itinerary, and meeting the driver.
I hope you will find this useful.
Summary
When travelling in Sri Lanka, chartering a taxi proves to be a highly effective option from the perspectives of price, efficiency, and comfort.
To make the most of your time travelling in Sri Lanka, chartering a vehicle is likely the most practical option.
Having personally used the Sri Lankan taxi service, I can confidently recommend it as an experienced traveller, so feel free to enquire!