Quick answer
A private Sri Lanka tour costs from about $599 per person for 7 nights with hotels, a private driver and transfers. Because the driver is priced per vehicle (from $45 a day), the transport cost per person drops sharply as the group grows: about $22.50 a day each for two people and around $11 for six. Coastline Lanka Travels quotes every private tour as one all-inclusive price.
In this guide
How does group size change the cost?
| Group | Vehicle (per day) | Transport per person per day | 7 days transport per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Car $45 | $45 | $315 |
| 2 | Car $45 | $22.50 | $158 |
| 4 | Van $65 | $16.25 | $114 |
| 6 | Van $65 | $10.83 | $76 |
| 10 | Coaster $95 | $9.50 | $67 |
Rates include fuel, tolls and the driver's accommodation. Hotel rooms are usually shared by two, so the per-person hotel cost also falls for couples and families.
What does a full private tour cost?
| Package (per person, 2 sharing) | 7 nights | 10 nights | 14 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday package | From $599 | From $899 | From $1,599 |
These include hotels, a private driver, curated experiences and transfers. Entrance fees, most meals and tips are usually extra.
What else should you budget for?
- Entrance fees: Sigiriya $35, Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura $30 each, Yala $25 plus jeep. See our entrance fee guide.
- Meals: local rice and curry costs a few dollars; hotel restaurants cost more.
- Tips: many travellers give their driver around $5–10 a day.
- Visa: the 30-day ETA is free for 40 countries since 25 May 2026.
Worked example: two people, 7 nights
- Classic 7-night package: 2 × $599 = $1,198
- Entrance fees (Sigiriya, Temple of the Tooth, one safari): roughly $250–300 for two
- Lunches and dinners: roughly $20–50 a day for two
Total: roughly $1,600–1,850 for two, excluding flights. Prefer a fully custom budget? Try a tailor-made tour.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a private tour of Sri Lanka per person?
From about $599 per person for 7 nights with hotels, a private driver and transfers, sharing a room. Entrance fees and most meals are extra.
Is a private tour cheaper for families?
Per person, yes. A family van costs from $65 a day for up to 7 people, so the transport cost per person is low.
Does a private tour include entrance fees?
Usually not. Ask your agency. Fees can add $150 or more per adult on a Cultural Triangle route.
How much does a private driver cost per day?
From about $45 a day for a car (1–3 people), $65 for a van (4–7) and $95 for a coaster (8–12).
Is a solo private tour expensive?
It costs more per person because you don't share the car or room, but a driver from $45 a day still makes it affordable.