If you’re planning a trip to Sri Lanka, but not sure how much you’ll need to budget, then you’re not alone.
One of the biggest issues many travellers face, is that big question of how much does it cost to visit Sri Lanka?
The truth is, it really depends on your travel style.
Are you someone who likes the finer things in life? Or maybe you could travel on as little money as possible?
Whatever your style, we will break it down, so you no longer have a vague guess of what your budget might be. But instead have a practical insight into what your budget will consist of and so you can plan with confidence, without spending all your savings on just one trip.
We’ve been visiting Sri Lanka on and off for the last 15 years and have experienced it all. From travelling on a shoestring budget trying to spend as little money as possible, while other times indulging in boutique hotels and private drivers.
The mix of experiences means we’ve seen both sides of what it really costs to explore the island, and we know exactly where the money goes.
Whatever your travel style, Sri Lanka is fit for your budget.
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Average cost to visit Sri Lanka
The good news is Sri Lanka is definitely an affordable country to visit and suitable for any budget style. Whether you’re a backpacker on a tight budget or looking for something more luxurious.
We’ve got a rough estimate on Sri Lanka’s daily budget:
- Budget traveller: £20–30 / $25–35 / €23–32 per day
This budget will cover basic dorm rooms or simple guesthouses, local meals, and public transport. This is ideal if you are looking to spend as little money as possible but travelling on a very basic comfort.
- Mid-range – £40–70 / $50–85 / €46–65 per day
This is ideal for couples and travellers who want a little more comfort, while keeping costs down. Think double rooms in a small 2-3 star hotel, guesthouses or Airbnb, a mix of local and western-style meals and the occasional private driver.
- Luxury – £100+ / $120+ / €110+ per day
Money is no object. You have the choice of staying in luxury hotels, resorts, boutique hotels, while dining in high-end restaurants, travelling with a private driver and enjoying activities like hot air ballon rides, private safaris and whale watching, while not having to worry about your expenses.
What we love about Sri Lanka, is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to still experience the wonders that it offers. Even on a shoestring budget, you’ll still experience the incredible food, world-class beaches, experience the must-see sights and plenty more.
The difference is, it will depend on your comfort level and how much you are prepared to spend per day.
Cost of flights to Sri Lanka
This is likely to be one of the biggest expenses you’ll need to factor into your budget. There’s also so many variables. Which many travellers neglect to consider.
Many focus on how affordable food, accommodation, transport and activities will cost but often underestimate how much flights eat into the overall cost.
The cost of flights also depend on the airline you use, what time of year you travel, how many layovers you have and your country of origin.
Here is an estimated cost for a return flight to Colombo, the main international airport in Sri Lanka.
- From the UK & Europe: £800-£1200 per person for a return ticket, depending on season. Sri Lankan Airlines is the national carrier with direct flights from London Heathrow and other large cities. To find cheaper alternatives, use other airlines with a layover. We have used Qatar and Emirates, both offering affordable flights and short to long layovers in either Doha or Dubai.
- From the US: $900-$1400 return per person. Flights usually include at least one layover in the Middle East, such as Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi. Depending on your departure airport, and airline, you may have a layover in London.
- From Australia: AUD$700-$1200 return per person, with layovers in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok.
Pro tip: Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport, is the main hub in and out of the country. There is a much smaller airport in Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It has very limited flights in and out of the airport, so unless it gives you the option to use that airport and is far cheaper, then Bandaranaike is your better option.
How to save on flights to Sri Lanka
- Book flights in advance – To find the cheapest flights, you should book around 4-6 months or more in advance. Especially during peak travel periods of December-March and July-August. Christmas and summer holidays are the most expensive. We spent over £2k one year on flights for the both of us to fly out just before Christmas and return on New Years Eve.
- Fly off season – this covers the above point, but travelling during the off-peak season of May, June or September, often means lower airfares and fewer crowds.
- Check nearby airport hubs – If you can be flexible with your departure airport, you could see significant savings. Can you fly out of Manchester vs London, or New York vs Newark vs Washington DC. In some cases, a short domestic hop can save you hundreds on a long-haul flight. When we book our flights to Sri Lanka, we’ll often fly in and out of London Gatwick over London Heathrow, due to discounts in prices.
- Utilise layovers – Consider alternative airlines rather than the national carrier. Airlines such as Qatar, Emirates and Singapore Airlines often offer affordable long-haul options with a layover included. If you have time, it gives you the option to see an extra city.
At the end of the day, while the Sri Lanka flight cost can feel expensive compared to daily expenses, once you’re there, if you book with smart decisions, you can free up more of your budget for experiences on the ground.
Accommodation prices in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers some incredible accommodation options, from staying in a hostel, hotel, Airbnb, to sleeping in a unique pod or treehouse. All offering a variety of options for different budget styles.
Here’s an estimated breakdown of what to expect to pay depending on your accommodation preference:
Hostels and guesthouses
The cost of a hostel is from £5–10 ($6–12 / €6–11) per night.
The facilities are usually basic but clean, with the option of either a dorm room with a shared bathroom, to a private room with private bathroom. The latter is more expensive.
I have stayed in several hostels on my gap year in Australia, and in my experience, not only are they affordable, but a great way to meet likeminded travellers. If you are a solo female, you can choose an all-female dorm room.
Guesthouses on the other hand are an authentic and affordable experience. Many owners will offer homecooked meals, provide local tips and it’s a great opportunity to connect with local families.
We would recommend booking your hostel with Hostel World. They offer listings for most of the country, with full reviews of each property and rating, so you can make the most informed decision on which is the best place to stay on your travels.
Mid-range hotels
The price for a mid-range hotel is between £20-£50 ($25–50 / €23–46) per night.
Mid-range accommodation offers comfortable double rooms, many with air conditioning or fans, Wi-Fi and sometimes breakfast.
These are perfect for couples or travellers that want a little more comfort but without the hefty price tag.
It offers you the right balance of convenience, location and value for money.
We’d recommend checking booking.com for all your mid-range accommodation bookings. They are well known within the travel industry, offer a variety of options for affordable to luxury all on one platform.
Luxury hotels, resorts and boutique hotels
A luxury accommodation is priced at anything above £100+ ($100+ / €92+) per night — with 5-star resorts easily running into several hundred pounds.
The options are endless, with infinity pools, beachfront villas, spas, fine dining, gym, personalised services the works.
Many high-end hotels and resorts offer private drivers or activities as part of the package or at least offer these at an additional price.
A luxury option is for anyone who likes to indulge on their trip and honeymooners.
We’ve stayed in some beautiful spots in Sri Lanka and while they are expensive, surprisingly it isn’t as expensive as you might expect.
Do you need recommendations on where to stay in Sri Lanka, then check out booking.com to find the right option for you.
Food and Drink costs
Sri Lankan cuisine is like no other. It is packed with depth and flavour, that every mouth of food will be a party in your mouth. Which is one of the best parts of visiting the country and the second-best part is how affordable it is.
If you are wondering if food is expensive in Sri Lanka? Then the answer is no. It’s so easy to find affordable places to eat. The exception is eating in restaurants in large luxury hotels and resorts, where you’ll find international dishes, with a hefty price packet.
So, what could you expect to pay for meals and drinks in Sri Lanka?
Street food and local restaurants
Dishes are very cheap; you should be able to pick up a good size rice and several curries for £1-5 ($1.20–7.00 / €1.10–6.00) per meal.
You should expect a good portion of rice and curry, kottu roti, which is a must try, hoppers and fresh fruit juices. Meals are filling, packed with flavour and budget friendly.
Mid-range
A meal at a restaurant or cafe will be between £5-£10 ($6–12 / €5.50–9) per meal.
This will consist of a mix of Sri Lankan, Western and international style dishes, you’ll find these in large tourist destinations.
Fine dining experience
You could be paying anything upwards of £15+ ($18+ / €17+) per meal.
The best place to find fine dining and international menus is at high-end hotels, or beachside restaurants.
These will be cheaper than back home, but a lot more expensive compared to local options.
Alcohol costs
If you are purchasing the local beer such as Lion Lager, then you should expect to pay between £1.50–2 ($2–2.50 / €1.80–2.30). Cocktails will cost between £4–6 ($5–7 / €4.50–6).
Any overseas drinks will cost anything between £6-15+ ($12–18+ / €11–16+).
Alcohol is more expensive than a meal in Sri Lanka, so if you are on a tight budget, you may wish to either avoid alcohol or have just a couple of drinks during the trip.
Don’t forget to always drink responsibly, especially if you a solo female traveller. As you may become more vulnerable after a couple of drinks.
Food safety considerations
One of your common concerns you might have over Sri Lankan cuisine is the food hygiene and the fear of getting Delhi belly.
In truth, Sri Lankan food is generally safe to eat, even street food. But there are some simple rules you should stick to, to help prevent sickness while travelling.
- Choose busy stalls, restaurants and cafes with a high turnover, not only does this support that the food is good to eat as its popular.
- Choose dishes that are cooked and served hot, rather than food that’s been sitting out for a while
- Don’t eat food that has been washed in tap water. For example, don’t order salads, or fruit that has been washed with tap water. If you are unsure, ask how the food has been prepared or don’t order it. Also watch out for ice in your drinks, especially any that has been used with tap water.
The bottom line is the cost of food in Sri Lanka is incredibly cheap compared to most countries. And by making smart choices on where you eat, you’ll be able to spend your money on other experiences, while still having a good hearty meal.
Transportation costs in Sri Lanka
Public transport might be chaotic in Sri Lanka, but it’s not only a great way to experience the local life but is very affordable.
Buses are fast, uncomfortable but cheap, trains offer some of the most scenic views you could ever dream of and tuk-tuks are perfectly doable for short distances.
While on the other end of the scale, you can either hire a driver to take you around or drive yourself if you are confident enough.
Either option will get you from point A to point B with ease.
But what would you expect to pay depending on the mode of transport?
Trains
Depending on the route and class you choose, you could pay anything between £1-10 ($1.20–$15 / €1.10–€14).
The train routes we would recommend are from Colombo to Kandy, which will take around 3+ hours. The Kandy to Ella (which is the most popular route) should take around 6-7 hours and then the Colombo to Galle will take around 2-3 hours.
Trains are an excellent way to get around Sri Lanka and very affordable, although they are crowded and tickets sell out in peak season.
Book reserved seats early if you want comfort, or risk standing for the entire journey.
Buses
Buses are the most affordable travel option in Sri Lanka. A ticket on a long-distance route starts at as little as 50p ($0.60–2.50 / €0.55–2.30).
The main advantage of travelling by bus is that they are incredibly cheap, frequent and they go almost everywhere.
If you are on a shoestring budget, then buses will be the most cost-effective way to cover ground in Sri Lanka.
Although, we have found that buses are very chaotic and crowded and vary in comfort level depending on the bus type.
You can either travel by government buses or private buses.
You’ll expect loud music, consistent bus horns, plenty of stops and the occasional hair-raising driving style.
Pro tip – Unsure on where to get on or off, just ask, locals are almost always happy to help and point you in the right direction.
Tuk-tuks
Prices range between 50p-£5 ($0.60–7.00 / €0.55–6.00) depending on the distance.
Tuk-tuks are a fun and flexible way to get around and ideal for short distances or exploring local neighbourhoods only.
They’re perfect if you want to quickly hop between attractions or a more personalised sightseeing experience.
You can either hail a tuk-tuk from the side of the road or use an app to book a ride. If you do, always check the meter is working or agree on a price before starting the journey.
The PickMe app and Uber is the ideal companion for ride hailing, you can choose between a tuk-tuk or a vehicle. The price will be shown prior to booking the cab, so you know what you’ll be paying up front.
What we love about tuk-tuks, is how cheap and convenient they are and gives you a good taste into Sri Lankan city and town life. BUT they are not ideal for long distances, especially with heavy luggage.
Private driver & Taxis
The price will range between £40-£80 ($50–110 / €45–93) per day for a car with a driver.
This is a popular option with couples, families or anyone that’s looking to explore Sri Lanka comfortably and efficiently.
The advantages of hiring a vehicle and driver, is that you can cover longer distances without worrying about schedules, crowded buses, or heavy luggage.
AND many drivers can act as informal travel guides, offering tips on best stops, restaurants and scenic viewpoints along the way.
Plus, you can ask to stop at any point along the way for a rest stop or for sightseeing.
Although it is more expensive, it is by far a more comfortable journey than on a bus or a train and gives you complete flexibility.
It’s perfect for those who want to make the most of their time without the stress.
We’ve travelled by all methods of transport, from tuk-tuk and bus to taking some of the best scenic train routes in Sri Lanka and hiring a driver.
We would recommend public transport if you’re on a tight budget, as buses and trains are unbeatable for cost.
Tuk-tuks are the smart option for short hops or local exploration.
But for comfort, flexibility and time constraints, a private driver is the way to go, especially for longer routes like Colombo > Kandy > Ella > Galle and Yala National Park.
Activities and entrance fees
On my very first visit to Sri Lanka, many top tourist destinations were either free for tourists or priced affordably.
Fast forward 15 years and attraction prices have inflated considerably.
So, depending on the activity you have plans for in Sri Lanka, the price will not only vary, but also vary from the tourist price and the local’s price.
Here is a breakdown of some of the top must-see things to do in Sri Lanka and how much each cost:
Sigiriya Rock
This is probably one of my favourite spots in Sri Lanka and an iconic destination. We’ve climbed Sigiriya Rock twice and would love to do it again.
You’ll expect to climb over 1200 steps, but once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views.
Climb during sunset or sunrise and watch the colours dance across the landscape.
Now the cost per adult to climb Sigiriya Rock is $35 per adult (£26 – €30)
Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
This sacred Buddhist temple is central to Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage. It is said to hold one of Buddha’s teeth.
During Puja, pilgrims flock along with tourists for a glimpse of the small golden casket in which the tooth is contained in.
Ticket prices cost Rs2000 per adult (£5 – $7 – €6).
Yala National Park
This is a thrilling way to see wildlife such as elephants, birdlife and the leopard with a safari.
Prices will vary depending on whether you hire a private jeep or a group safari. You can either book independently or with a tour operator.
Your accommodation provider or travel agent may be able to book your jeep tickets on your behalf.
Prices start at £30 per adult ($25/€32).
Other popular activities include
- Whale watching in Mirissa: £20–30 ($25–35 / €23–32) per person
- Surf lessons in Arugam Bay or Hikkaduwa: £15–25 ($18–30 / €17–28) per session
- Cultural shows (dance, music, local performances): £5–10 ($6–12 / €5.50–9)
Sample travel budget (backpacker vs mid-range vs luxury)
One of the biggest challenges that travellers face is understanding how much it will cost to visit Sri Lanka. To then be able to set a realistic budget.
To set a realistic budget you need to breakdown each individual expense, such as cost of flights, accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Here is a snapshot of an estimated Sri Lankan travel budget depending on your travel style.
Backpacker budget
In our experience, taking a 2-week trip to Sri Lanka, offers you the ability to see most of the top attractions and activities. In our opinion anything less, isn’t really worth it, as you’ll be rushing around and spending more time on the road.
With that in mind, our estimates will be based on a 2-week trip.
Estimated cost: $500-$700 per person
This will include dorm rooms in a hostel or basic guesthouses, you’ll eat in local street food stalls or small cafes and restaurants, and you’ll travel by public transport.
This is ideal for budget-conscious travellers, who want to stretch their money while still experiencing the highlights of Sri Lanka.
Mid-range budget
Based on the ideal duration of 2 weeks in Sri Lanka.
Estimated cost: $800-$1000
Sri Lanka is an affordable country to visit, with accommodation prices far cheaper than what you might expect to pay in the UK, Europe or US.
This means, your money might stretch to boutique hotels, or mid-range hotels and guesthouses. You’ll have more choice between local eateries and Western meals. And you can mix between private vehicles and public transport.
Ideal for couples or solo travellers who are prepared to spend a little more money on the experiences.
Luxury traveller
Based on a 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary.
Estimated budget: $1000+ per person.
The options are endless, with stays in luxury 5* hotels and resorts, eat in fine dining and Western-style restaurants, book private vehicle and driver, book on premium experiences and so much more.
This is ideal for honeymooners and luxury travellers.
Tips on saving money in Sri Lanka
Although Sri Lanka is an affordable country to visit, if you don’t keep an eye on your expenses, costs can add up quickly if you’re not careful.
But there is good news. There are plenty of cheap ways to travel to Sri Lanka without missing out on the experiences that make the country so special.
Here are some simple tips to help you keep to your Sri Lanka travel budget:
Use local transport
Public transport is incredibly cheap and also part of the Sri Lanka experience.
Buses not only cover most routes but only cost as little as a pound for a journey. While the epic train ride through the lush tea regions of Ella, Nuwara Eliya and Kandy are not to be missed.
If you’re on a shoestring budget, then taking the bus or train with the occasional tuk-tuk ride is a must.
Eat at family run cafe’s, restaurants and guesthouses
An authentic Sri Lanka restaurant or guesthouse will often serve up homemade and generous portions of rice and curry at a far cheaper price than at a tourist restaurant.
Choose places to you eat wisely, and you could pay a couple of pounds for an authentic meal.
Plus, it supports the local economy and the family.
Travel outside peak season
The peak season in Sri Lanka is between December and April, which in turn brings higher prices and larger crowds.
If you can, book your trip between the shoulder months of May-June and September-November. You might experience small, short-lived downpours, but you’ll find cheaper accommodation, quieter attractions and you can still enjoy the island without getting too wet.
Choose activities wisely
While you might want to pack as many activities into your itinerary as possible, such as going on safari, whale watching and guided tours. But these do add up.
Priorities what matters the most to you, and balance paid attractions with cheap or free ones, like hiking in Ella, swimming, or exploring temples that don’t charge and entrance fee.
Adopting some simple strategies, will help you to stretch your money further, making it possible to visit Sri Lanka on any budget.
Conclusion
So, Sri Lanka still remains an affordable country to visit, but your total trip costs will depend on your travel style.
As a backpacker you could live on a budget of £20-£50 per day and still enjoy street food, hostels or cheap hotels and travel predominantly by public transport.
While mid-range travellers will find great value in hotels, boutique hotels and guesthouses, a few longer routes with a private driver and a mix of local and Western meals with a daily budget of around £60-£100 a day.
At the upper end of the scale, is the luxury travellers, that don’t mind splurging on hotel resorts, private safari, fine dining and private drivers for the entire trip. A daily budget could be anything upwards of £100+ per day.
But what it also depends on, is how frugal you are with your money and how much you are prepared to cut back to stay on budget, as costs can quite easily spiral if not monitored.
Whatever you budget style, Sri Lanka has an option for you.
But this is just the start, knowing your budget is just step one, but how you spend it, will shape the memories you’ll make.
Continue your travel planning, with these useful posts:
- Is Sri Lanka safe for female travellers?
- Best time to visit Sri Lanka
- Tips on taking the scenic train from Kandy to Ella
- How to get around Sri Lanka
- A day trip to Polonnaruwa
- A day trip to Anuradhapura
- How to climb Sigiriya Rock
- Common Sri Lanka travel mistakes and how to avoid them
- How to climb Pidurangala Rock
- Sri Lanka travel guide
