Matale Car Rentals

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What you need to know for your Matale car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Matale

Renting a car in Matale, Sri Lanka, is an excellent choice for those looking to explore the area with freedom and flexibility. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions such as the Aluvihare Rock Temple, known for its cultural significance, and the Surathura Spice Garden, perfect for eco-friendly experiences. Having your own vehicle allows you to manage your luggage easily and create flexible travel plans that suit your schedule.

Additionally, a rental car makes it convenient to explore nearby cities like Thotagamuwa and Madawala. In Thotagamuwa, you can see Ibbagamuwa Central College and Ridi Vihara, while Madawala offers the famous Dambulla Cave Temple and Nalanda Gedige. With a car, you can seamlessly travel between Matale and its surroundings, ensuring you don’t miss out on any attractions. This option is particularly appealing for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in diverse experiences. Overall, renting a car is a practical and enjoyable way to discover the beauty of Matale and its attractions at your own pace.

Where to stay in Matale

  • Thotagamuwa: This vibrant city is known for its rich cultural experiences. Travelers can explore the historic Ibbagamuwa Central College, and immerse themselves in the serenity of the Aluvihare Rock Temple and Ridi Vihara, both of which are significant cultural sites. Staying in Thotagamuwa allows easy access to these attractions, making it ideal for those seeking a culturally themed vacation.
  • Madawala: A charming village that offers a glimpse into Sri Lanka's historical roots. Visitors can explore the renowned Dambulla Cave Temple and Ibbagamuwa Central College, as well as the historic Nalanda Gedige. Madawala is perfect for travelers interested in culture-themed experiences and provides a tranquil setting to relax while being close to significant cultural landmarks.
  • Matale: Known for its scenic views and outdoor adventures, Matale is a city that invites exploration. Key attractions include the Royal Palace of Kandy, rich in history, and the nature-filled Udawatta Kele Sanctuary. The Aluvihare Rock Temple also lies within reach, combining culture and adventure. Matale is an excellent choice for those wanting to experience the outdoor beauty and adventure of Sri Lanka.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Matale

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you're looking for an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summertime fun, or an economy car to save money, utilize filters on Expedia to find the best option for your trip.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well ahead of your travel date. Booking in advance is likely to yield lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Generally, smaller cars are more affordable to rent and easier to park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
  4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and some vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify age requirements before making a reservation.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate under a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you need to return the car with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which can also be acceptable. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but it may be worth it for the convenience it offers.
  7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unforeseen costs and provides peace of mind in case something unexpected occurs during your trip. Adding car rental insurance when booking with Expedia is a simple process.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to avoid additional charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Find Matale Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Matale car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Matale, bringing you discount car rental rates and a wide variety of car rental classes including economy, compact, midsize, full-size, convertible, van, luxury and SUV rentals. Our partner car rental companies in Matale offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Matale car rental, follow the links on this page to view more information and details on your next short or long term car rental.

Expedia.com offers a wide selection of rental cars in Matale to meet nearly every need. If you need any special equipment, like a child seat or ski rack, let us know and we will forward your request on to the rental car company. And what's more, when you choose to rent a car from one of our Matale airport car rental partners you'll be dealing with a rental car company that has made a special commitment to provide Expedia customers with great customer service, a wide choice of top quality cars, and competitive total pricing.

Expedia.com offers many Matale rental cars pick up locations

Find the best place to get your Matale airport rental cars by searching tons of pickup locations with Expedia.com

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in Matale?
You can find cheap car rentals in Matale from $19 a day with U-Save Car Rental's economy 2/4 door. Car rentals for exploring Matale are picked up at the region's main gateway, Katunayake (CMB). From there it's an easy drive to towns like Matale and Thotagamuwa. Suppliers such as U-Save Car Rental, Greenmotion, and ACE Rent A Car operate across the region. Rates shift by vehicle type and dates, so compare a few pickup points and dates on Expedia to find a rate that suits your trip. For more options, explore Economy Car Rentals in Matale.
What are the best car rentals in Matale?
Car rentals across Matale offer a full range of vehicle types from providers like U-Save Car Rental, Europcar, and Greenmotion, broadly available in the region's main cities — Matale and Thotagamuwa. The most common car classes include:
  • Economy 2 or 4 door
  • Mini passenger van
  • Mini 4-5 door
  • Economy 4-5 door
  • Mini 2-3 door
Choose based on passenger count, luggage, and whether you're driving in the city or exploring the wider region. For more options, explore Minivan Car Rentals in Matale.

What are the best car rental companies in Matale?
For car rentals across Matale, well-rated providers like U-Save Car Rental, Europcar, Greenmotion, and ACE Rent A Car offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities — Matale and Thotagamuwa. Compare suppliers and pickup points on Expedia to find a great rate and the right vehicle for your trip.
Can I rent a car from Katunayake (CMB) for exploring Matale?
Yes — you can pick up a rental car right at Katunayake (CMB) for exploring Matale. Providers including U-Save Car Rental, Europcar, and Greenmotion operate at the airport, with rates from around $19 a day. CMB is the region's main gateway and a convenient base for reaching cities across the area, from Matale to Thotagamuwa.
Can I rent a car one-way in Matale?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across Matale — pick up in one city, such as Matale, and drop-off in another, like Thotagamuwa, which is ideal for regional road trips. Providers like U-Save Car Rental and Europcar offer flexible one-way options. A one-way drop-off fee may apply, so confirm it when booking on Expedia.
Are there electric or hybrid car rental companies in Matale?
Electric and hybrid car rentals are available across Matale, including in Matale and Thotagamuwa. U-Save Car Rental, Europcar, and Greenmotion all offer hybrid options from $40 a day. Hybrid vehicles help keep fuel costs low, and planning charging stops for longer regional drives is advisable. Book a few weeks ahead as demand for these vehicles can be high.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in Matale?
For luxury car rentals across Matale, Greenmotion offers premium SUV cars from $194 a day, while Europcar provides fullsize SUV options from $169 a day. These high-end vehicles offer extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like Matale and Thotagamuwa. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Matale.
What are the best car rentals in Matale for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring Matale, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage — available across the region's cities, from Matale to Thotagamuwa:
  • U-Save Car Rental: mini passenger van from $27 a day — seats up to 8 with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Europcar: fullsize passenger van from $98 a day — seats up to 10 with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Greenmotion: fullsize SUV from $198 a day — seats up to 6 with room for 3 large or 5 medium suitcases
These keep everyone comfortable for both city driving and longer trips into the surrounding area. Book a few weeks ahead, as the larger vehicles can have lower availability during busy periods. For more options, explore SUV Car Rentals in Matale.

What are the best car rentals in Matale for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Matale for solo travelers are economy and compact classes — small, easy to park, and cheap to run for one person exploring the region at their own pace, available across cities like Matale and Thotagamuwa:
  • Economy car, from $19 a day — fits up to 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets
  • Compact car, from $48 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a little more room for luggage
Both comfortably fit a solo traveler plus a bag or two. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Compact Car Rentals in Matale.

What are the best car rentals in Matale for couples?
The best car rentals in Matale for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like Matale and Thotagamuwa:
  • Midsize car, from $44 a day — fits up to 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact SUV, from $72 a day — fits up to 3 medium suitcases with a higher ride for regional day trips
Both give a couple comfortable seating and trunk space without being hard to park. Compare suppliers on Expedia to find the right car for getting around the region. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Matale.

What are the closest airports to Matale for car rental pick-up?
The primary airport offering car rental pick-up for exploring the Matale region is Katunayake (CMB). This main international gateway provides convenient options for travelers arriving in Sri Lanka, giving you flexible arrival options close to where you need to be in the region. Compare rental rates at Katunayake (CMB) on Expedia to find a rate that fits your trip.
What are the best road trip destinations from Matale by rental car?
From Matale, a rental car opens up plenty of nearby sights and road trips. Easy drives from the Matale hub include:
  • Kandy Lake, approximately 1 mile away
  • Galle Face Beach, approximately 2 miles away
  • Negombo Beach, approximately 66 miles away
  • Udawalawe National Park, approximately 72 miles away
Consider adding activities such as a Kandy Private City Tour by Tuk - Tuk with Local Experience or a Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla Cave Temple Adventure. With cities like Thotagamuwa also within reach, having your own car makes exploring the wider region simple and flexible. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Matale.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Matale?
In Matale, you drive on the left-hand side of the road. Keep to local speed limits and traffic laws for a safe, easy drive while exploring the region's cities and the roads between them. If you're used to driving on the other side, give yourself a little time to adjust — take extra care at intersections and roundabouts, which flow in the opposite direction.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car on Expedia?
Expedia aims to show the key price and important rental details clearly during booking, so you know what to expect before you reserve. In some cases, car rental companies may apply additional charges at pick-up or during the rental, such as security deposits, tolls, fuel charges, extra driver fees, or local requirements, so it's worth checking the supplier's rental terms before you book.
Are there any long-term car rentals in Matale?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Matale. Whether you're planning an extended holiday with the family, relocating temporarily, or simply need a vehicle for several weeks or months, many car rental providers offer flexible long-term rental plans tailored to your needs. Click on our long-term car rental deals page, enter your trip information and then book a ride that suits.
Do you need insurance to rent a car in Matale?
No, you don't need personal auto insurance to rent a car in most cases. You will, however, be required to purchase some insurance to cover the duration of the rental. Rental companies will offer this insurance when you rent the car. Certain personal car insurance policies can also be applied to rental cars, and travelers can even use non-owner car insurance if they rent cars often but don't have a car of their own. Additionally, some car rentals simply include rental car insurance within the price of the rental.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Matale?
Budget car rental in Matale can be easy to find, with prices based on rates seen within the past seven days . To find some of the cheapest options, sort your search results by price and use filters to match your budget and travel needs. For added flexibility, it's also worth exploring one-way car rentals.
What are the top car rental deals in Matale?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Matale. The easiest way to get a good deal on a rental car is to use our filters. At the top of the filter list, you'll find a section featuring our best car rental offers. Check the filter for "Great Deal," and your search results will be filled with specials. Compare offers from trusted rental providers, choose the option that fits your trip, and book with confidence. For even more value, bundle your Matale car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Matale?
To rent a car in Matale, a current driver's license and a credit card in the same name are essential. If you're opting out of the company's insurance plan, then you may also need proof of other coverage. Rules may differ between rental companies, so read through your policy.
What happens if I need to cancel my Matale car rental?
If you need to cancel your Matale car rental, read over the policy to be sure, but almost all prepaid rentals are eligible for a complete refund if you notify us at least six hours prior to the pickup time, though there may be some exclusions so check your itinerary for more information, or just click through to our Customer Service Portal.

Car Rental Information

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