Sri Lanka Travel Cost: Prices + Daily Budget

Sri Lanka is a wonderful country to travel around. The distances between attractions are relatively short, but the country is incredibly diverse. You can spot wildlife on safari, hike through the mountains, surf, visit tea plantations, and enjoy delicious food. What makes it even better is that prices in Sri Lanka are low. The food is cheap, the hotels and hostels are affordable, and for most attractions, you only pay a few dollars.

In this article, we give you a complete overview of the costs you can expect during your trip through Sri Lanka. Whether you're backpacking on a budget or opting for a more luxurious trip, everything is possible in this beautiful country. We discuss the costs for flights, food and drinks, accommodation, tours and attractions, transportation, and finally provide an average daily budget. For convenience, we mention everything in dollars, but in Sri Lanka, you'll pay with Sri Lankan rupees. $1.00 USD is currently approximately 300 Sri Lankan rupees.

Kosten voor vliegtickets naar Sri Lanka

The cost of flights to Sri Lanka depends on various factors. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from most locations in North America or Europe to Sri Lanka, so you will need to make one or more layovers. The travel time to Sri Lanka typically ranges from a minimum of 13 hours, depending on your layovers and the flight route.

For travelers from North America, most flights have stopovers in the Middle East, often in cities like Qatar (Doha), Abu Dhabi, or Dubai. From there, you will connect to a flight heading to Colombo, Sri Lanka. The flight duration from major cities such as New York or Los Angeles can range from 20 to 25 hours, including layovers.

For travelers from Europe, the most common layover cities are the same, with major European hubs like London, Frankfurt, or Paris offering connections to Sri Lanka. Flights from European cities like Amsterdam, London, or Frankfurt generally take around 12 to 15 hours, depending on the stopovers.

The cost for a round-trip flight from North America or Europe to Sri Lanka typically range from $600 to $1500, but prices can vary based on the time of booking, the season, and the airline. Traveling during off-peak seasons or booking in advance can help you secure better rates.

Costs before traveling to Sri Lanka

For departure to Sri Lanka, there are several costs to consider. Citizens from most countries require a visa to enter Sri Lanka, but the process is relatively straightforward. You can apply for a visa online through the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system. The ETA allows a stay of up to 30 days, with the option to enter and exit the country twice within a 90-day period.

While there are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Sri Lanka, it’s recommended to consult healthcare organizations in your home country for vaccination advice. The recommended vaccines for Sri Lanka are often advisable for many other tropical destinations. Additionally, it’s important to have travel insurance and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.

Costs for food and drinks in Sri Lanka

Food in Sri Lanka is very affordable, especially at local restaurants. Often, you can enjoy a dish for just a few dollars, allowing you to try a variety of local dishes without spending much. Western food is more expensive, typically starting around $6, but it can be significantly more expensive depending on the location. In touristy areas, such as Ella and along the coast, many trendy spots have prices that are noticeably higher. Coffee and juices generally range between $1 and $2.

Accommodation costs in Sri Lanka

Accommodation costs in Sri Lanka vary widely, with many options depending on your budget. Hotels tend to be more expensive than hostels. If you're looking to sleep as cheaply as possible, booking a bed in a dormitory is the best option. The more luxurious the room, the higher the price. For a simple double room with air conditioning, expect to pay around $20 per night. A room in a mid-range hotel typically costs between $20 and $40. Staying in a hostel can often cost as little as $5 to $10. If you're a solo traveler, we recommend opting for a cozy hostel and not cutting too many corners, as hostels are the best place to meet new people. Luxury stays are also relatively affordable in Sri Lanka. For $50 to $100, you can find real gems, staying in beautifully decorated boutique hotels or charming little bungalows.

Costs for tours and attractions in Sri Lanka

Entrance fees for popular attractions in Sri Lanka are often low. The beautiful Buddhist temples can usually be visited for a small fee or even for free. However, you'll often be asked to leave your shoes at the entrance, and a small donation is typically expected after your visit. Other activities, such as visiting waterfalls, touring a tea plantation, or spending an entire day with a tuk-tuk, are also affordable. For national parks, however, you’ll pay a bit more, as is common worldwide.

In Sri Lanka, you can usually arrange tours and tickets on-site, which is often the cheapest option. If you want to ensure you can book an activity or read the information in your own language, we recommend booking a tour through GetYourGuide. Many tours also include hotel or hostel pick-up, which is very convenient!

Transportation costs in Sri Lanka

Public transportation in Sri Lanka is well-organized and incredibly cheap. Sri Lanka is not very large, so the distance between popular destinations is relatively short. The train network in Sri Lanka is extensive, with many trains running to and from various locations. There is also a railway that runs along the coast, offering scenic views during the journey. You can check train routes on this website.

Buses are another great way to travel around Sri Lanka. You can often pay just $1 or $2, even for a 4-6 hour bus ride. The bus connections are excellent, and you can use Google Maps to find out which bus to take and where the buses stop. If you're unsure, you can ask your accommodation for advice. They often know which bus is best for your route. You may need to transfer once or twice during your journey.

Average daily budget for Sri Lanka

The daily budget for a trip to Sri Lanka depends largely on your choices.

If you're traveling on a tight budget, staying in hostels and eating locally most of the time, you can expect to spend around $30 per day. If you want to do and see more, stay in better hostels or hotels, and occasionally eat more luxuriously or Western-style, your daily expenses will likely range from $30 to $55. Of course, you can make your trip as luxurious as you like. Especially along the coast, you'll find plenty of luxury hotels, expensive restaurants, and trendy bars.

Ready to plan your trip to Sri Lanka? Check out our perfect travel itinerary for Sri Lanka.