Is there Uber in Sri Lanka in 2024? A Complete Guide

Wondering if there’s Uber in Sri Lanka? My handy guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting around the island

I’ve recently returned from a 3 week trip travelling around Sri Lanka, where I used Uber regularly.

But whilst there is Uber in Sri Lanka, there’s some things that are worth taking into consideration before you use it.

I’ll cover those in this guide, as well as a few top tips for making the most out of your trip.

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Is there Uber in Sri Lanka?

Yes, there is Uber in Sri Lanka, making it really easy to get around the island.

Where is Uber available in Sri Lanka?

Although a lot of guides say that Uber is only available in the larger cities in Sri Lanka, that isn’t actually the case.

We spent 3 weeks travelling around Sri Lanka in January this year and Uber was available in most of the places we visited.

Uber alternatives in Sri Lanka

Although Uber is available across Sri Lanka, we mostly used PickMe, which is a popular alternative.

It works in the exact same way as Uber, but you can book Tuk Tuks through the app as well as cars.

We found PickMe to be more affordable than Uber in Sri Lanka, so I’d recommend checking both apps to find the cheapest price for your trip.

Types of Uber you can take in Sri Lanka

Zip – A standard Uber for up to 4 people

Uber Premier – More comfortable cars with top rated drivers (4 people)

Uber Moto – Affordable motorcycle rides

XL Intercity – Spacious SUVs to take you between cities

Zip Intercity – Affordable, compact cars to take you between cities

Sedan Intercity – Comfortable sedans to take you between cities

Is Uber safe in Sri Lanka?

Yes, it’s safe to use Uber in Sri Lanka. I’m a bit of an over thinker, so I’m always extra cautious, especially if I’m travelling alone.

Here are a few things I’d recommend doing to help you feel safer:

1. Check the number plate matches the one on the app. I once ordered an Uber in Barcelona and the car showed up with different number plates. He said he’d “just got new plates” but I felt really uncomfortable and ordered a new Uber.
   
   
2. Send your location to a friend. I always send my live location to a friend whenever I’m in an Uber. That way, I know someone else can track where I’m going.
   
   
3. Follow the journey on your Google Maps. If I’m travelling alone, I always follow the route to make sure we’re going the right way. You can report anything that feels suspicious to Uber within the app.
   
   
4. Check the Uber drivers rating. You’ll only see this after the Uber has been confirmed, but I never like to travel with a driver who has a low rating. The app doesn’t tell you the reason which is frustrating, but I don’t like to take the risk. You might get charged a small amount if you cancel, but it’s better to be safe.

Don’t feel bad about refusing to get in the car if you feel uncomfortable. Even if you do have to pay a cancellation fee, your safety is more important.

What is the best way to get around in Sri Lanka?

1. Buses

Buses are the most affordable way of travelling around in Sri Lanka. The bus network in Sri Lanka is extensive, and you can reach almost any destination by bus, although the frequency of the service may vary depending on the route and region.

There are government-owned (red) and privately owned (blue) buses in Sri Lanka. The red, government-owned buses are more affordable, and have services running across the country.

The privately owned blue buses mostly connect larger cities and towns, and tend to be slightly more expensive.

Tickets are purchased from the conductor on the bus – you’ll need cash, and I’d recommend having smaller notes and coins as they won’t always have change.

2. Train

Sri Lanka’s railway network connects major cities like Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Jaffna, as well as smaller towns and villages, and it’s one of the most beautiful ways to travel around.

With routes hugging the coast and meandering through the scenic hill country, you’ll get breathtaking views of landscapes, tea plantations, and the ocean.

Train tickets can be purchased at the station or online, but if you’re planning on taking the train from Kandy to Ella (which you definitely should), make sure you book your tickets well in advance as it’s a very popular route.

3. Tuk Tuk

Named after the sound their two-cycle engines make, Tuk-Tuks are one of the most popular methods of transport in Sri Lanka, used by both tourists and locals.

Unlike taxis with meters, Tuk-Tuk fares are negotiated with the driver before the journey begins. As you use them more frequently you’ll develop a good understanding of how much you should be paying in the area.

We found Tuk-Tuks brilliant for shorter trips around towns, but as we had a lot of luggage, we didn’t use them for longer journeys.

4. Motorbike

Renting a motorbike gives you the flexibility to explore Sri Lanka at your own pace and visit places that are harder to reach with public transport.

Traffic in Sri Lanka can be chaotic though, particularly in busier towns, and whilst the major roads are well maintained, the rural roads can be narrow and windy. I’d only advise renting a motorbike if you’re a confident driver.

Travel tip: You’ll need a motorcycle license to ride a motorbike in Sri Lanka, which you can get by taking your driving license and a photo of yourself into a post office before your trip (it takes around 15 minutes and costs £5.50),

5. Private driver

If you prefer the comfort of a private driver who can take you wherever you want to go, I’d recommend getting in touch with Arosh on +94 76 170 0066.

He was recommended to us by a friend and we used him and his team for a few days of our trip.

His drivers are so kind, stopping as many times as we needed to, treating us to local snacks and fruits for us to try, and telling us stories about their lives and families.

There were a few days of our trips where we had to take very long journeys, and having a driver to rely on was so helpful.

Do you need a car in Sri Lanka?

You definitely don’t need to hire a car in Sri Lanka as the public transport is easy to use and affordable.

I’d really only recommend getting your own car if you’re a very confident driver and you’re familiar with the traffic laws (or lack of) in Sri Lanka.

It can be stressful just being a passenger, let alone driving yourself.

But, if you do want to hire a car, I’d recommend using Discover Car. They compare lots of different providers to find you the best price.

I use them whenever I rent a car abroad, and I’ve never had any bad experiences where they won’t give you your money back at the end like you sometimes hear about with dodgy car hire companies. The process is always really simple and stress-free.

Uber in Sri Lanka FAQs

Is there Uber in Sri Lanka?

Yes, there is Uber in Sri Lanka, and it covers the majority of the island. There’s various ride options ranging from compact, affordable cars to more spacious SUVs. You can even book motorbikes with the Uber app in Sri Lanka.

What is the Uber equivalent in Sri Lanka?

PickMe is the Uber equivalent in Sri Lanka, offering a range of transportation options, including cars, Tuk-Tuks, and vans. It typically has better availability than Uber and is often more affordable, making it a more convenient option for your journeys.

How do I pay Uber in Sri Lanka?

You can choose how you pay for Uber in Sri Lanka on the app. You can use various payment methods, including debit cards, cash payments to the driver, or through digital wallets like PayPal. I’d recommend always carrying cash with you as it’s the most popular method of payment.

Is PickMe or Uber better in Sri Lanka?

During our trip to Sri Lanka, we found PickMe to be better than Uber. You can book Tuk-Tuks as well as cars, there’s better coverage across the country, and the trips tend to be more affordable. I’d recommend comparing both options before you book a trip.

What’s the cheapest way to travel in Sri Lanka?

The cheapest way to travel in Sri Lanka is by bus, particularly the government-operated (red) buses, which offer affordable fares around the island. Tuk-Tuks can also be cost-effective for short trips within cities, especially if you negotiate the fare beforehand.

Is there Uber in Sri Lanka? The Wrap Up

As you’ve gathered from this article, there is Uber in Sri Lanka, and it covers most towns and cities across the island.

However, we preferred using PickMe during our stay, as it allows you to order both Tuk-Tuks and cars, had better availability, and was often cheaper.

Enjoy your trip!