Sri Lanka is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. It should be at the top of your travel list. In this travel cost guide, we'll break down everything you need to plan your trip's budget. From accommodation to food to sightseeing and transportation, we'll give you the details you need to enjoy every moment of your trip without overspending.
How much does it cost to travel to Sri Lanka?
You should plan to spend around $63 (LKR18,464) per day on your vacation in Sri Lanka. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $27 (LKR8,050) on meals
- $5.15 (LKR1,515) on local transportation
- $50 (LKR14,771) on hotels
A one week trip to Sri Lanka for two people costs, on average, $879 (LKR258,496). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$439
LKR129,248
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$879
LKR258,496
-
One Month
Per person
$1,883
LKR553,920
-
One Week
For a couple
$879
LKR258,496
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,757
LKR516,992
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,766
LKR1,107,840
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Sri Lanka cost?
A one week trip to Sri Lanka usually costs around $439 (LKR129,248) for one person and $879 (LKR258,496) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Sri Lanka on average costs around $879 (LKR258,496) for one person and $1,757 (LKR516,992) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Sri Lanka will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Sri Lanka on average costs around $1,883 (LKR553,920) for one person and $3,766 (LKR1,107,840) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Independent Travel
Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.
All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.
Is Sri Lanka expensive to visit?
Sri Lanka is a reasonably affordable destination to visit. It is in the top 25% of countries in the world for its affordability. If you're traveling on a budget, then this is a good destination with affordable accommodation, food, and transportation.
Within Asia, Sri Lanka is reasonably affordable compared to the other countries. It is in the top 25% of countries in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable countries such as Uzbekistan, but there are also more expensive countries, such as Maldives.
No matter your travel style or budget, Sri Lanka has plenty of sights, activities, and places to stay that will meet your needs. Budget-conscious travelers will find affordable hotels, but there are also luxury hotels for those seeking more opulence, as well as mid-range hotels for families or couples.
Sri Lanka offers a luxury experience, but you can still keep your spending in check with strategies like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities.
On average, budget travelers spend $23 (LKR6,729) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $63 (LKR18,464) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $188 (LKR54,942) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sri Lanka.
For more details, see Is Sri Lanka Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Sri Lanka?
The average Sri Lanka trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sri Lanka travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sri Lanka cost?
Sri Lanka on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$8.77
(LKR2,579)
|
$25
(LKR7,386)
|
$80
(LKR23,617)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$1.85
(LKR544)
|
$5.15
(LKR1,515)
|
$16
(LKR4,629)
|
|
Food 2
|
$10
(LKR3,053)
|
$27
(LKR8,050)
|
$75
(LKR22,212)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$3.11
(LKR916)
|
$8.55
(LKR2,517)
|
$26
(LKR7,508)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$1-3
(LKR341-1,023)
|
$3-8
(LKR821-2,464)
|
$6-19
(LKR1,838-5,513)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to manage your expectations when it comes to your travel budget. While many people like to see themselves as "budget" travelers on a shoestring budget, most find this type of travel uncomfortable. Think about what you enjoy and how you've traveled previously. Are you drawn to resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or do you prefer hostels, instead? How important is eating out to you? And what type of transportation do you prefer? Your answers to these questions will greatly affect your overall travel budget.
Who are Budget Travelers?
It's common to hear that a visit to Sri Lanka can cost just $23 a day, but unless you're willing to forgo many comforts, expect to spend significantly more.
Backpackers often find ways to stick to this tight budget, but it generally means staying in hostel dorms, grabbing meals at the cheapest spots or fast food places, relying on public transport or walking, and visiting only free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
For families and couples traveling for fun, staying in a mid-range hotel, eating at popular restaurants, and visiting famous museums and attractions with entry fees is typical. You'll want to visit the major attractions, sights, and landmarks. As you can expect, most of these experiences come at a price, so it's safer to plan for a trip budget around $63 per person each day.
With so many hotels and vacation rentals in Sri Lanka, you'll have no trouble finding a place that suits your needs. If you're splitting the cost with a partner, friend, or kids, you'll be able to reduce the daily per-person costs, too. You'll find plenty of family-friendly areas like Tangalle and Galle where hotels and restaurants cater to little ones. Consider staying at Buckingham Place in Tangalle or Niyagama House in Galle for a kid-friendly experience. Find more hotel options for families and couples in our hotel costs guide for Sri Lanka here.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
For a lavish experience with the highest level of comfort and service, expect a price tag around $188. Booking five-star hotels, dining at top restaurants, splurging on once-in-a-lifetime excursions, and hiring private drivers will put you in the luxury travel tier. You'll be enjoying the good life in places like the major cities and resort areas. Also, make the most of your time by booking a high-end multi-day tour such as PEARL OF SRI LANKA: DISCOVERY TOUR THROUGH TROPICAL ISLAND - offered by Tweet World Travel.
Accommodation Budget in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a surprising range of hotel prices. During peak season, everything gets more expensive, so visit in the off-season for better deals. There's also a big gap between budget and luxury options, but booking early helps keep costs down.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sri Lanka for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $50 (LKR14,771). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $25 (LKR7,386) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sri Lanka? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in Sri Lanka
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.15 (LKR1,515) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sri Lanka. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sri Lanka is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.15
LKR1,515
Food Budget in Sri Lanka
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Sri Lanka can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sri Lanka is $27 (LKR8,050) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$27
LKR8,050
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sri Lanka is about $28 (LKR8050) per person. Previous travelers have typically spent from $10 to $76 per day. Generally, breakfast and lunch will cost less than dinner, but that will vary based on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Sri Lanka are as follows:
- Breakfast: $5 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $14
- Dinner: $10 to $22
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Sri Lankan food is very similar to South Indian Cuisine. Many of the restaurants often advertise that they serve both Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine. The food is often made with rice and curry and can be very spicy. There are local restaurants that serve up cheap eats for under a dollar, but there are also more touristy places where you might pay upwards of ten U.S. dollars.
Below are some common dishes. Or, check out this comprehensive guide to Sri Lankan food with some great photos and descriptions.
Kottu Roti: This is a uniquely Sri Lankan dish that is made from a mixture of roti (bread), vegetables and meat. It's delicious when it comes from street vendors but do make sure that the quality is high and the ingredients are fresh.
Coconut Sambol: This is a popular side dish that is made from ground coconut, chilies, fish and lime juice. It's often served with curry and can be quite spicy.
Lamprais: This dish is made from rice that is cooked in a curry sauce and served with meatballs. It is often wrapped in a banana leaf before it is cooked. You can get either vegetarian or meat based versions.
If you're eating out with children, seek out restaurants that provide a kids menu. This can significantly reduce your dining expenses, as those options are generally lower priced. Some places may not showcase their kids' meals, so it's always smart to ask the waiter before ordering.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Keep a water bottle with you instead of constantly buying drinks. It's a good way to help the environment as well.
When preparing for a tour, make sure you know in advance what meals are included. You might be responsible for paying for some food, which can raise your costs.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Sri Lanka. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Market Tour and Hands-On Cooking Class Colombo for $70 details
- Cooking With Village Family by AGS for $25 details
- Galle Fort cooking class for $37 details
- Galle Unawatuna Cooking Class for $35 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sri Lanka
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sri Lanka typically cost an average of $8.55 (LKR2,517) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$8.55
LKR2,517
A nice way to explore destinations in Sri Lanka is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private City Day Tour in Anuradhapura for $20 details
- Udawalawe National Park | 4 Hours Private Safari Tour for $27 details
- Chauffeur guide and Tour organizer for $25 details
- All Inclusive Sigiriya & Dambulla Day Tour from Colombo for $190 details
Nightlife Budget in Sri Lanka
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $5.58 (LKR1,643) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sri Lanka per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$5.58
LKR1,643
Cutting back on drinks while enjoying the nightlife can really help you save money on your trip.
Travel Costs Last Updated: Feb 6, 2024
Traveling in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an interesting island country that is located to the south of India in the Indian Ocean. It is a tropical island with a diversity of culture and people. There are two official languages, Sinhala, which is spoken by the majority population of Sinhalese, and Tamil, spoken by the minority Tamil and Muslim groups. In most large cities you can find people who speak English but it is more challenging when you're in the smaller towns and rural areas.
The island is divided into several different provinces. The most popular areas for tourists are found in the North Central Province, the Southern Province, and the Western Province. In the Western Province you'll find the country's capital city of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte as well as some popular beach resorts. The Southern Province is well known for the historic city of Galle, but there are also several national parks worth visiting nearby. In the North Central Province you'll find a rich culture and history which is fascinating to experience.
Traveling around Sri Lanka is a fun experience. The most common form of transportation is the tri-shaw, or three wheeler. This vehicle is comparable to a tuk tuk in most nearby countries. While they're fun to ride in, there are some safety concerns. Many visitors choose to rent cars during their time in Sri Lanka. These cars often come with a driver so you are free to enjoy the scenery and don't have to worry about the crazy traffic that is ubiquitous in most cities around Sri Lanka. If you're on a particularly tight budget then you can travel around Sri Lanka in a public bus. These buses go almost anywhere around the island. They're quite uncomfortable but they're very cheap. For about twice the price you can buy a ticket for a bus that has air conditioning and a guaranteed seat. A seat reservation is very appealing because many of the buses can become very crowded. Train travel is another popular option. It's more comfortable than buses, but it's also slower. There are observation cars available for tourists who are hoping to enjoy the scenery during the trip.
The island has two major monsoon seasons. You should take these into consideration when you're planning your trip as they can dramatically effect travel times. Roads are difficult to navigate and flooding can be a major hazard during the monsoon seasons. The first season runs from October to January and the second from May to July.
At A Glance
- There are many interesting historical sights and national parks around Sri Lanka. In order to see it all, check out this itinerary for Sri Lanka. While the prices remain quite low, don't be surprised if you're charged substantially more as a foreigner. Sometimes the prices are upwards of ten times as much. This is par for the course so it's best not to get too frustrated by the experience. It's beneficial to the local population that they can afford to visit local attractions at a reasonable price for their budgets.
- Tap water in Sri Lanka is not potable so you will find yourself drinking a lot of bottled water. Whenever you purchase bottled water make sure it has the Sri Lanka Standard Institute (SLS) label present. This ensures that you are buying the highest quality of water.
- Thambili is a popular local drink that you can buy off the streets around Sri Lanka. It's made from fresh coconut water and is very refreshing. It's also a cheaper option than bottled water.
- If you're interested in hiring a guide, consider renting a car (see car rental prices here). Or, you can hire a car with a driver instead of driving it yourself. The driver is often quite knowledgeable on the area's history and culture. The automobile is often free and you pay for the service of the driver. Make sure you meet the driver in advance so that you know his area of expertise and are familiar with how well he speaks English.
- Because Sri Lanka is an island the weather can vary dramatically throughout the country. Make sure you're visiting during the best time of year for your set destinations. It is best to avoid the monsoon season as well.
Related
Sri Lanka has so much to offer. So, if you're not sure where to go or what to see, check out
this great 10-day itinerary for Sri Lanka.
Looking for a hostel in Delhi or Goa? Heading to Kathmandu or want a party in Tel Aviv?
Top Tourist Attractions
Arugam Bay: This is a city that has a nice strip of beach that is attractive to many tourists. It's located on Sri Lanka's east coast and the area is very traveler friendly. It's a popular place for surfing or relaxing, but it was hit hard by the tsunami in 2004.
Ella: This is a small town that is located high in the Sri Lankan highlands. It offers an incredible view through Ella Gap. There are some great hiking opportunities nearby and it's a comfortable climate where you can relax for a few days. One of the best things to do here is to hike up Little Adam's Peak.
Nuwara Eliya: This small town sits at a higher elevation right in the middle of the country. As a base for exploration, you can visit nearby tea plantations, wilderness areas, and waterfalls. It's also suggested to go rafting on the nearby river. For more information, check out this guide to Nuwara Eliya and Yala National Park.
Yala National Park: This national park is a great place to go if you're hoping to do a safari in Sri Lanka. It's the most visited national park in the country and is the second largest. It is possible to see elephants, leopards, and reptiles of all kinds.
One of the easiest ways to get to Sri Lanka is with Tripadeal. Check this out for more information and a review of Tripadeal.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.