Step 1: Tell us your trip
The process starts with a short enquiry form on the book page. You tell us your arrival date, departure date, the approximate places you want to visit, and how many people are travelling. You don't need a fixed itinerary at this point — a rough outline is enough. If you know your flight details and airport, include those too: they let us confirm the meet-and-greet timing. Use the trip cost calculator if you want an estimate before you submit the form, and the routes page to check driving times between your planned destinations.
Step 2: Receive your plan and price
Within a few hours (usually within the same working day) you receive a proposed day-by-day itinerary with a fixed all-inclusive quote. This includes the driver, vehicle, fuel, tolls and the driver's own costs. The quote is itemised so you can see the per-day rate and the total, and it will specify which driver category and vehicle type the quote is based on. You can accept the plan as proposed, ask for changes to the route or vehicle, or request an alternative budget. There's no obligation at this stage — the quote and plan are free.
Step 3: Accept, pay your deposit and get confirmed
Once you're happy with the plan and price, you accept the quote and pay a deposit by card via Stripe. The deposit secures your booking and your driver for the dates agreed. You receive a booking confirmation with your driver's name, mobile number and vehicle details. From this point your trip is confirmed, and your driver begins any pre-trip preparation — checking road conditions, booking ferry crossings if your route requires one, and so on.
Step 4: Meet your driver at the airport
On your arrival day, your driver is at the airport arrivals hall with a name board showing your name. They track your flight number so they are there waiting even if your flight is delayed. They help load your bags, brief you on the plan for the day, and you're off. The first drive is usually the transfer from the airport to your first night's hotel — a chance to settle in and start to see the island from the window.
Step 5: Explore your way
For the rest of the trip, your driver is with you every day. If you want to spend longer somewhere, move on earlier, add an unplanned stop or change a destination, simply tell your driver and they will adjust. The flexible model means you are never locked into a group-tour timetable. Your driver knows the roads, the local restaurants, the best times to arrive at busy sites and the shortcuts through market traffic — that local knowledge is a significant part of what you are paying for.
Step 6: Review after your trip
After your trip ends and you return home, you will receive an invitation to leave a review for your driver. Reviews are verified against confirmed bookings, so every rating on a driver's profile is from a real traveller who completed a real trip. Your honest feedback helps future travellers choose the right driver and gives good drivers the recognition they deserve. The review system also incentivises drivers to maintain the quality and professionalism that makes Sri Lanka private driver hire work so well.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book?
For popular times — December to March and July to August — we recommend booking at least four to six weeks in advance. Outside peak season, two weeks is usually sufficient. That said, if your dates are flexible, it is always worth enquiring at short notice as last-minute availability does come up.
Can I make changes to my itinerary after I book?
Yes, and that flexibility is one of the main advantages of a private driver over a group tour. Minor route changes can be made with your driver directly during the trip. Significant changes — adding extra days, changing destinations — should be discussed with us before the trip starts so we can adjust the quote if needed.
What if my flight is delayed?
Your driver tracks your flight number and adjusts their arrival time accordingly. There is no penalty for a delayed flight — your driver waits for you.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellation terms vary by booking, but as a general rule deposits are refundable if you cancel more than a set number of days before the trip starts and non-refundable inside that window. The exact terms are shown in your booking confirmation.
Ready to book your driver?
Tell us your dates and where you want to go — we'll match you with the right driver and send a fixed all-inclusive quote.
Plan my trip