Car rental in Matara puts you in the south coast city with a star shaped Dutch fort from 1765, the lighthouse at Sri Lanka’s southernmost point 6km away, and a reef at Polhena where wild sea turtles feed in 1 to 3 metres of water. Mirissa’s whale watching boats leave 11km west, and Udawalawe’s elephant herds are a day trip inland.
Rentrals has 56 cars here from $24.29 a day, every one of them automatic, with no credit card needed and delivery to your hotel included: 26 have free cancellation, 47 have a low deposit, 22 are SUVs, 21 carry full insurance and 10 are new.
56 cars from $24.29/day
No credit card on all 56
City delivery on all 56
26 free cancellation
What you get with Rentrals in Matara
Why rent a car in Matara?
Whale watching boats at Mirissa leave between 6:30am and 7am, and tuk tuks are hard to find at 6am if you’re staying in Matara. Dondra lighthouse is 6km away, and Weherahena tunnel temple is outside town with few buses. Udawalawe and Yala are long day trips inland that only really work by car.
Going east, the A2 to Tangalle (36km) and Hambantota is fast and has far fewer tourists than the Galle side. When you rent a car in Matara, you get 56 cars to choose from, starting at $24.29 a day. All cars automatic , and every car includes city delivery and needs no credit card.
The Star Fort: Dutch engineering on the Nilwala River
The Dutch built the Star Fort in 1765, 3 years after the 1762 rebellion, when Kandyan backed forces briefly took the main Matara fort. Its 6 pointed shape let the guns on each point cover the walls of the next, leaving attackers no blind spot to approach from.
Look up as you go through the entrance. The arch carries the date 1765, the VOC monogram of the Dutch East India Company and the coat of arms of Governor Lubbert Jan van Eck. The dry moat and the ramparts are still largely intact, and the rooms inside hold a small museum run by the Department of Archaeology.
The main Matara fort, with its long rampart along the sea, is a few minutes away across the Nilwala bridge. Park once in town and walk both in a half day. For Matara Star Fort trips, any car in the fleet is fine; the drive is short and the parking is on the street.
Dondra Head lighthouse: 196 steps at the southernmost point
Dondra Head is the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, 6km southeast of Matara and about 10 to 12 minutes by car. The lighthouse was completed in 1889 to a design by Sir James Nicholas Douglass, with bricks and machinery shipped from England.
The white octagonal tower is 49 metres tall, with 7 floors, 196 spiral steps and 14 windows. Ships on the main sea route between Europe and East Asia pass offshore, which is why the light is still in use.
Because it’s an operational lighthouse, climbing the tower isn’t always possible and may need permission arranged in advance. You can walk the grounds and photograph the tower from outside without arranging anything. In Dondra town, the Devinuwara devale, dedicated to Vishnu, is one of the oldest and most visited shrines on the south coast. For car rental from Matara to Dondra lighthouse, go in the late afternoon for softer light on the tower.
Polhena reef: sea turtles at 1 to 3 metres depth
Polhena beach is a few minutes west of Matara town. An outer reef breaks the waves, so the lagoon behind it stays calm when other south coast beaches are rough.
Green sea turtles feed on the seagrass and rocks here, often in water only 1 to 3 metres deep. You can see them clearly from the surface with a mask and snorkel. These are wild turtles in their own habitat, and they are around through the year.
Snorkel hire and local guides are available on the beach. Keep a few metres from the turtles, don’t touch them, and skip anyone offering to feed them. Polhena is under 10 minutes from central Matara and about 16 minutes from Mirissa, so one car covers a whale boat in the morning and the reef in the afternoon.
Weherahena tunnel temple: 600 feet of Jataka murals
Weherahena temple is about 7km from Matara town, around 15 minutes by car. Its main draw is a tunnel dug under the temple grounds, around 600 feet (183 metres) long.
The tunnel walls are covered in painted scenes from the Jataka tales, the stories of the Buddha’s earlier lives. You walk them in order from one end to the other. Above ground, a very large seated Buddha statue of about 39 metres dominates the complex.
Few buses reach the temple, so car hire from Matara is the easy way. Cover your shoulders and knees, take off shoes and hats before going in, and allow about an hour.
East from Matara: Tangalle, Hambantota and the national parks by car
Most south coast road trips stop at Galle or Unawatuna. Matara is 45km further east, with 2 Dutch forts, the island’s southernmost point and access to 2 national parks.
From Matara, Tangalle is 36km east, about 40 minutes, with quiet beaches, turtle nesting nights at Rekawa and the Hummanaya blowhole near Dickwella. Hambantota is about 75km, roughly 1h 20min, and Bundala National Park, known for its wetland birds and seasonal flamingos, lies east of the town.
Udawalawe, the best park in Sri Lanka for seeing elephant herds, is about 100km, around 2 hours. Yala, famous for leopards, is reached via Tissamaharama, about 135km and 2h 30min. The A2 east of Matara is flat and fast with good tarmac.
Colombo is about 160km away, 2h 30min on the E01 Southern Expressway, which runs directly to Matara. For a south coast road trip, a car based in Matara covers the whole stretch from Galle to Yala without backtracking.
Choosing the right car in Matara
Suzuki Wagon R
Best value and the cheapest car in the fleet. Small, easy to park near the forts and fine for Mirissa, Polhena and Dondra.
Wagon R or Alto with free cancellation
Pay a little more for a car you can cancel. Useful if your whale watching date might move with the weather.
Toyota Prius or Aqua
Hybrids with the lowest fuel use. Worth it for the Colombo run, Udawalawe or Yala.
Toyota Raize (new)
Top pick. A new compact SUV with good clearance for park approach roads and longer drives east or to Ella.
Honda Vezel (SUV)
A roomy SUV for families, from 22 SUVs in the fleet. Good for a full day to Udawalawe or Yala.
Suzuki Every or Honda Fit Shuttle
A small van and an estate. Both fit 4 adults with luggage and snorkel gear.
All 56 cars are automatic , need no credit card and include city delivery.
Driving distances from Matara
Matara is on the A2 coast road and at the end of the E01 expressway from Colombo. Times below are typical outside rush hour and in dry weather.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polhena beach | about 3km | 8 min | Reef snorkelling with sea turtles |
| Dondra lighthouse | 6km | 10 to 12 min | Southernmost point of Sri Lanka |
| Weherahena temple | about 7km | 15 min | 600 foot tunnel of Jataka murals |
| Mirissa | 11km | 16 min | Whale watching boats, November to April |
| Weligama | about 20km | 25 min | Beginner surf bay |
| Tangalle | 36km | 40 min | Quiet beaches, turtle nesting, blowhole |
| Galle | 45km | 50 min | UNESCO Dutch fort, lighthouse |
| Hambantota | about 75km | 1h 20min | Bundala wetland birds |
| Udawalawe National Park | about 100km | 2h | Elephant herds on open grassland |
| Yala National Park via Tissamaharama | about 135km | 2h 30min | Leopard safari |
| Colombo | about 160km | 2h 30min | Via the E01 Southern Expressway |
| Ella | about 170km | 3h 30min | Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock |
Heading west, the A2 also passes Koggala and Aparekka is just outside town. Matara to Ella takes about 3h 30min via Hambantota and Wellawaya, so treat it as a one way transfer, not a day trip.
Car rental prices in Matara: 56 automatic cars from $24.29
Every car in the Matara fleet has an automatic gearbox. The fleet has 56 cars: 26 with free cancellation, 47 with a low deposit, 21 with full insurance, 10 new cars and 22 SUVs. All 56 need no credit card and include city delivery. These are the main models.
| Car | Transmission | Key detail | Price/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Cheapest, low deposit, no credit card | $24.29 |
| Suzuki Every | Automatic | Van body, low deposit, no credit card | $30.76 |
| Honda Fit Shuttle | Automatic | Estate body, low deposit, no credit card | $30.76 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Other versions, low deposit, no credit card | from $31.00 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Free cancellation, low deposit, no credit card | $31.58 |
| Suzuki Alto | Automatic | Free cancellation, low deposit, no credit card | $31.58 |
| Honda Fit | Automatic | Low deposit, no credit card | $32.60 |
| Toyota Prius (hybrid) | Automatic | Low deposit, best fuel economy | $32.60 |
| Toyota Aqua (hybrid) | Automatic | Low deposit, hybrid | $32.60 |
| Toyota Axio | Automatic | Low deposit, spacious saloon | $37.20 |
| Honda Vezel (SUV) | Automatic | Low deposit, SUV | $40.29 |
| Perodua Bezza | Automatic | Low deposit, small saloon | $40.72 |
| Toyota Raize (new) | Automatic | Top pick, new car, low deposit | $41.79 |
| All cars automatic | |||
Cheap car rental in Matara starts at $24.29 a day for the Suzuki Wagon R. For free cancellation, the Wagon R and Alto at $31.58 are the cheapest options. The Toyota Raize at $41.79 is the top pick for national park days and long drives. Prices change with the season and update daily, so check the booking widget for your dates.
Driving in Matara: what to know
- Sri Lanka drives on the left. All 56 Rentrals cars in Matara are automatic .
- The A2 between Galle and Matara is busy, with buses stopping often. East of Matara it’s quieter and faster.
- The E01 Southern Expressway runs from Colombo to Matara and beyond. It’s a toll road, so carry rupees for the exit booths.
- Speed limits for cars are generally 50km/h in towns, 70km/h on open roads and 100km/h on the expressway.
- Town centre parking near the forts is on the street. Use the marked bays and don’t block shop fronts.
- Watch for people and animals crossing on the A2 at dusk, especially near Dondra and Polhena.
- Fuel is easy to find in Matara and along the A2.
- The blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and the minimum driving age is 18.
What you need to rent a car in Matara
Documents
Passport, your home driving licence and an International Driving Permit. Sri Lanka asks foreign drivers to have the IDP endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon, or to hold a temporary local permit from the Department of Motor Traffic.
Age
Drivers must be 18 or older. Some suppliers set their own minimum age, which shows on the car listing.
Payment
Matara car rental with no credit card on all 56 cars. Pay 15 to 20% at booking and the balance at pickup, plus the supplier’s security deposit.
Cover and cancellation
21 cars have full insurance, with tiers shown at booking. 26 cars have free cancellation.
How booking works
Compare
Pick your dates and compare the 56 cars by price, deposit and cancellation terms.
Reserve
Pay 15 to 20% online. Booking is instant, with no credit card required.
Delivery
The car comes to your hotel or guesthouse in Matara.
Handover
Check the car face to face with the supplier, pay the balance and drive away. No hidden fees.
A whale, reef and lighthouse day from Matara
A plan for the season from November to April, using one car for the whole day.
More to see around Matara
Nilwala River crocodiles
Wild crocodiles live along the Nilwala, and local boat trips run from points near town. Ask the operator where to meet, and drive there yourself.
Paravi Duwa temple
A small temple on a rocky islet off Matara beach, reached by a footbridge. A short stop on the way to the forts.
Hummanaya blowhole
Near Dickwella, about 30 minutes east. Sea water shoots up through the rocks, highest when the swell is big.
Rekawa turtle beach
East of Tangalle. Nesting turtles come ashore at night; go only with the local conservation guides.
Best time to visit Matara
November to April
Dry season on the south coast. Whale boats run from Mirissa, and Polhena is at its calmest.
December to March
The best months for blue whales at Mirissa and the busiest for hotels. Book cars early.
May to September
Southwest monsoon. Rougher sea and more rain on the coast. Udawalawe and Ella are still good drives.
October
Inter monsoon showers, often in the afternoon. Quieter roads and lower prices.
What to keep in the car
- A light jacket and seasickness tablets for the early whale boat
- A mask, snorkel and reef shoes for Polhena
- Reef safe sun cream, a hat and plenty of water
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temple visits
- Towels and a bag for wet swimwear
- Small rupee notes for expressway tolls, parking and entry tickets
- A phone mount for navigation on the A2 and E01
Suggestions from Rentrals
Take the $24.29 Wagon R for local trips
For Mirissa, Polhena, Dondra and the forts, the cheapest car in the fleet is all you need.
Pay $31.58 for free cancellation
If your whale watching date depends on the weather, the Wagon R or Alto with free cancellation keeps your plans open.
Use the expressway from Colombo
The E01 runs straight to Matara in about 2h 30min. The A2 along the coast takes much longer.
Fill up the night before a whale boat
You’ll leave around 5:45am, when some fuel stations are still closed. Top up the evening before.
Pick the Raize for the parks
For Udawalawe or Yala, the Toyota Raize at $41.79 gives you more clearance and comfort on the approach roads.
Book safari jeeps ahead
Reserve a jeep and driver at Udawalawe or Yala for the gate opening time so you don’t wait after a long drive.
Photograph the car at handover
The inspection is face to face. Take photos of each side, the wheels and the fuel gauge before you set off.
Treat Ella as a transfer
At about 3h 30min each way, Ella is better as a one way drive with an overnight stay.
Car rental in Matara: frequently asked questions
How much does car rental in Matara cost?
Car rental in Matara starts at $24.29 a day for the Suzuki Wagon R, with a low deposit and no credit card needed. The Prius and Aqua hybrids cost $32.60, the Honda Vezel SUV is $40.29 and the new Toyota Raize is $41.79. The fleet has 56 cars, all automatic. Prices change with the season and update daily, so check the booking widget for your dates.
Are car rentals in Matara automatic or manual?
All 56 cars in the Matara fleet are automatic. There are no manual cars to pick by mistake. That makes it easy to book if you’ve never driven a manual on the left. Every car also includes city delivery and needs no credit card.
How do I get from Matara to Mirissa for whale watching?
Drive 11km west on the A2, about 16 minutes. Boats leave between 6:30am and 7am from November to April, so leave Matara by about 5:45am. Tuk tuks are hard to find that early, so a car is the easiest option. Trips usually last around 4 hours, and you’re back on land by late morning.
Is there parking near the Matara Star Fort?
Yes. There’s street parking in Matara town near the main fort. The Star Fort is a few minutes away across the Nilwala bridge. You can see both forts in one half day without moving the car. Use marked bays and avoid blocking shop entrances.
Do I need a credit card to rent a car in Matara?
No. All 56 cars in Matara can be booked without a credit card. You pay 15 to 20% of the price at booking and the rest at pickup. The supplier also holds a security deposit, and 47 cars have a deposit under $300.
Can I drive from Matara to Udawalawe National Park for a day trip?
Yes. Udawalawe is about 100km away, roughly 2 hours by car. The park is known for elephant herds on open grassland, and gates open at about 6am. You park at the gate and hire a jeep with a driver for the game drive. The Toyota Raize or an SUV is the more comfortable choice.
What is the best time to visit Matara by car?
November to April is the dry season on the south coast, with whale boats running and calm water at Polhena. December to March is best for blue whales. From May to September the southwest monsoon brings rain and rough sea, though inland drives to Udawalawe and Ella still work. On public holidays, use the E01 to avoid slow traffic on the A2.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Matara?
Yes, plan on it. Sri Lanka asks foreign drivers to carry an International Driving Permit endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon, or a temporary local permit from the Department of Motor Traffic. Bring your home licence and passport too. Check the requirement shown at booking before you travel. The minimum driving age is 18.
What is the driving time from Matara to Ella?
About 3h 30min for roughly 170km, via Hambantota and Wellawaya. The last section climbs into the hills with tight bends. It’s better as a one way transfer with a night in Ella than as a day trip. The Toyota Raize or a hybrid suits the drive.
Can I climb Dondra Head lighthouse?
Sometimes. It’s an operational lighthouse, so climbing the 196 steps may need permission arranged in advance. You can always walk the grounds and photograph the 49 metre tower from outside. It’s 6km from Matara, about 10 to 12 minutes by car.
Is city delivery available for car hire in Matara, Sri Lanka?
Yes, all 56 cars include city delivery. The car can be brought to your hotel or guesthouse in Matara. Add the address and time when you book. The damage inspection takes place face to face at handover.
Can I book a car with a driver in Matara?
Yes. Rentrals lists self drive and with driver options. A driver suits long days to Yala or Ella, or anyone who’d prefer not to drive on the left. Availability and price depend on the car and your dates.
Rent a car in other Sri Lanka destinations
Planning a longer route? Rentrals has cars in 64 more towns across Sri Lanka. Choose a region to see them.
South coast
Colombo and west
Cultural triangle
North and northwest
Book your car in Matara
56 automatic cars from $24.29 a day, with no credit card and city delivery on every car. Compare the fleet above, or read the full Sri Lanka guide before you plan your route.
Sri Lanka car rental guide