Nuwara Eliya Car Rentals

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Top destinations to rent a car in Nuwara Eliya

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What you need to know for your Nuwara Eliya car rental

Reasons to book a car rental in Nuwara Eliya

Renting a car in Nuwara Eliya offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this picturesque region at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily manage your luggage while visiting key attractions like Lake Gregory, which is perfect for outdoor and romantic experiences. Additionally, Lover's Leap Waterfall provides an adventurous setting, while Pidurutalagala mountain invites you to enjoy stunning scenery.

Having a car allows you to conveniently travel to nearby cities such as Kandapola, Ambewella, and Shanthipura, all featuring attractions like Horton Plains National Park and the beautiful Lake Gregory. This flexibility appeals to families, couples, and adventure seekers alike, as you can create your own itinerary without the constraints of public transportation. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventures or simply want to take in the breathtaking views, a rental car makes it easy to discover the hidden gems of Nuwara Eliya and surrounding areas. With the ability to stop wherever you wish, your journey through this beautiful subProvince can be tailored to your interests and schedule.

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya

  • Kandapola: Located in the Nuwara Eliya area, Kandapola offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and stunning scenery. This city is known for its accessibility to attractions like Horton Plains National Park, which is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, and the picturesque Lake Gregory, great for romantic getaways. You can also visit Lover's Leap Waterfall, which provides an adventurous backdrop. With nearby shopping centers and dining options, Kandapola serves as a convenient base for your explorations.
  • Ambewella: This charming village in Nuwara Eliya is perfect for travelers seeking outdoor activities and scenic views. Ambewella is close to Horton Plains National Park and Lake Gregory, both of which offer opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Additionally, you can explore Lover's Leap Waterfall for a unique experience. The village features a golf course and shopping centers, providing both leisure and convenience for your stay.
  • Hawa Eliya: Hawa Eliya is another appealing village in the Nuwara Eliya region, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautiful scenery. It is near Lake Gregory, a lovely spot for relaxation and outdoor activities, as well as Horton Plains National Park and Lover's Leap Waterfall for those seeking adventure. Enjoy local shopping centers and dining options, making Hawa Eliya an ideal location for families and nature lovers alike.

10 tips to save on your car rental in Nuwara Eliya

  1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for extra space, a convertible for summer fun, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to help you find the perfect match for your trip.
  2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it’s wise to make your reservation well before your trip. By booking in advance, you’re likely to secure lower rates and enjoy better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
  3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller cars are typically 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 surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
  5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges. This is typically the best option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling options, which are acceptable as well. Just be sure to return the car empty in that case.
  6. Save on city and airport pickups: You may often incur a surcharge for picking up your rental car at airports, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
  7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
  8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected costs and provides peace of mind if something unforeseen happens during your trip. It’s easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
  9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning long road trips, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to steer clear of extra charges.
  10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Find Nuwara Eliya Car Rentals

Expedia.com makes it easy for you to book your next Nuwara Eliya car rental. We work with the best car rental companies in Nuwara Eliya, 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 Nuwara Eliya offer different pick-up and drop-off options. If you are ready to book your Nuwara Eliya 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 Nuwara Eliya 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 Nuwara Eliya 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 Nuwara Eliya rental cars pick up locations

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

Frequently asked questions

What are the cheapest car rentals in Nuwara Eliya?
You can find cheap car rentals in Nuwara Eliya from $19 a day with U-Save Car Rental's economy 2/4 door. Car rentals for exploring Nuwara Eliya are picked up at the region's main gateway, Katunayake (CMB). From there it's an easy drive to towns like Nuwara Eliya, where rates also start from $19 a day, and Hawa Eliya. Suppliers such as U-Save Car Rental, Europcar, and Greenmotion 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 Nuwara Eliya.
What are the best car rentals in Nuwara Eliya?
Car rentals across Nuwara Eliya 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 - Nuwara Eliya, Hawa Eliya, and Seetha Eliya. 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 Nuwara Eliya.

What are the best car rental companies in Nuwara Eliya?
For car rentals across Nuwara Eliya, well-rated providers like U-Save Car Rental, Europcar, and Greenmotion offer a strong mix of vehicles and competitive rates, with wide availability in the region's main cities - Nuwara Eliya, Hawa Eliya, and Seetha Eliya. 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 Nuwara Eliya?
Yes - you can pick up a rental car right at Katunayake (CMB) for exploring Nuwara Eliya. Providers including U-Save Car Rental, Europcar, and Greenmotion operate at the airport, with rates from around $19 a day. Katunayake (CMB) is the region's main gateway and a convenient base for reaching cities across the area, from Nuwara Eliya to Hawa Eliya.
Can I rent a car one-way in Nuwara Eliya?
Yes, one-way car rentals work well across Nuwara Eliya - pick up in one city, such as Nuwara Eliya, and drop-off in another, like Hawa Eliya, 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 Nuwara Eliya?
Electric and hybrid car rentals are available across Nuwara Eliya, including in Nuwara Eliya and Hawa Eliya. U-Save Car Rental, Europcar, and Greenmotion all offer hybrid options from $40 a day. Hybrid vehicles can help keep fuel costs low, and charging is becoming more available along major routes. It's wise to plan charging stops for longer regional drives.
What are the best luxury car rental companies in Nuwara Eliya?
For luxury car rentals across Nuwara Eliya, Greenmotion offers premium SUV cars from $194 a day, providing high-end vehicles with extra comfort and space for exploring the region in style. You'll find them in the region's main cities like Nuwara Eliya and Hawa Eliya. Use Expedia's car-class filters to browse premium options and compare rates before you book. For more options, explore Luxury Car Rentals in Nuwara Eliya.
What are the best car rentals in Nuwara Eliya for families or groups?
For families or groups exploring Nuwara Eliya, SUVs and minivans give you room for passengers, car seats, strollers, and luggage - available across the region's cities, from Nuwara Eliya to Hawa Eliya:
  • U-Save Car Rental: midsize SUV from $83 a day - seats up to 5 with room for 3 large suitcases
  • U-Save Car Rental: mini passenger van from $27 a day - seats up to 8 with room for 6 large suitcases
  • Europcar: fullsize SUV from $169 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 Nuwara Eliya.

What are the best car rentals in Nuwara Eliya for solo travelers?
The best car rentals in Nuwara Eliya 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 Nuwara Eliya and Hawa Eliya:
  • Economy car, from $19 a day - fits up to 5 people with room for 2 medium suitcases, nimble on tight city streets
  • Compact car, from $48 a day - fits up to 5 people with room for 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 Nuwara Eliya.

What are the best car rentals in Nuwara Eliya for couples?
The best car rentals in Nuwara Eliya for couples balance comfort and easy handling for two, available across the region's cities like Nuwara Eliya and Hawa Eliya:
  • Midsize car, from $44 a day - fits up to 5 people with room for 3 large suitcases with smooth cruising for two
  • Compact crossover, from $90 a day - fits up to 5 people with room for 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. For more options, explore Midsize Car Rentals in Nuwara Eliya.

What are the best road trip destinations from Nuwara Eliya by rental car?
From Nuwara Eliya, a rental car opens up plenty of nearby sights and road trips. Easy drives from the Nuwara Eliya hub include:
  • Kandy Lake, Kandy, approximately 1 mile away
  • Negombo Beach, Negombo, approximately 66 miles away
  • Udawalawe National Park, approximately 72 miles away
You could also add activities such as Kandy Private City Tour by Tuk - Tuk with Local Experience. With cities like Hawa Eliya also within reach, having your own car makes exploring the wider region simple and flexible. For more options, explore Fullsize Car Rentals in Nuwara Eliya.

Which side of the road do you drive on in Nuwara Eliya?
In Nuwara Eliya, 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 Nuwara Eliya?
Yes, there are several long-term car rental options available in Nuwara Eliya. 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 Nuwara Eliya?
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 Nuwara Eliya?
Budget car rental in Nuwara Eliya 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 Nuwara Eliya?
No matter what kind of vehicle you're looking for, Expedia makes it easy to find a great car rental deal in Nuwara Eliya. 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 Nuwara Eliya car rental with a hotel or flight to unlock additional savings.
What do I need to rent a car in Nuwara Eliya?
To rent a car in Nuwara Eliya, 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 Nuwara Eliya car rental?
If you need to cancel your Nuwara Eliya 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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