Car rental in Unawatuna gets you a car in the Galle District beach village whose sheltered bay sits under Rumassala Hill, 5km from the UNESCO listed Galle Fort. From here the A2 runs west to Hikkaduwa and east to Weligama, Mirissa and Matara, and the Southern Expressway reaches Colombo in under 2 hours.
Rentrals has 49 cars here from $27.72 a day, with city delivery and no credit card needed: 18 are SUVs, 6 are new and 24 have free cancellation.
The cheapest car here, the Datsun redi GO at $27.72 a day, has a manual gearbox. Sri Lanka drives on the left, so if you want an automatic, book the Suzuki Wagon R at $28.72 instead. It costs $1 a day more, and the other 48 cars are automatic.
49 cars from $27.72/day
City delivery on every car
No credit card required
18 SUVs
What you get with Rentrals in Unawatuna
Why rent a car in Unawatuna?
Galle Fort is 5km away, but the rest of the south coast is spread along the A2. Hikkaduwa’s reef is 24km west, Mirissa’s whale boats leave 29km east at 6:30am, and Yatagala temple sits inland with no regular bus.
A tuk tuk for each of those trips adds up quickly. With your own car, you can see Galle Fort in the morning, swim at Unawatuna at lunch and reach Mirissa for sunset.
When you rent a car in Unawatuna, every car comes with city delivery and needs no credit card. The Datsun redi GO is the only manual car; the other 48 are automatic .
Galle Fort: UNESCO walls 5km from Unawatuna
The Portuguese built the first fort here in 1588. The Dutch took Galle in 1640, rebuilt the walls from 1649 and gave the fort the shape it has today, with 14 bastions around about 52 hectares. UNESCO listed it in 1988.
Walk the ramparts from the Clock Tower to the lighthouse. The Old Gate carries the date 1669 and the Dutch East India Company crest. The Dutch Reformed Church dates from 1755, on the site of an earlier church, and the Meeran Jumma Mosque was built in 1904. The Old Dutch Hospital now holds cafes and shops, and Amangalla occupies a building from the late 1600s.
The British took control in 1796. In 2004, the fort walls held back the tsunami that flooded the town outside them. With car rental from Unawatuna to Galle Fort, park outside the main gate and walk in; it’s about 10 minutes by car.
Rumassala Hill: the Ramayana legend and the Peace Pagoda
Rumassala is the wooded headland at the western end of Unawatuna bay. In the Ramayana, Hanuman carried a Himalayan mountain to Lanka to find a healing herb for Lakshmana, and pieces of it fell in several places on the island. Rumassala is one of the best known.
The hill’s mix of medicinal plants is unusual for the coast, which locals link to the legend. Colonial maps called it Buona Vista. A white Japanese Peace Pagoda, built by the Nipponzan Myohoji order, stands on the slope facing the sea, and paths lead down to Jungle Beach on the far side.
Purple faced langurs, an endangered monkey found only in Sri Lanka, live in the forest here. Car hire in Unawatuna gets you to the pagoda road in 10 minutes; the last stretch is narrow, so park where the lane widens.
Yatagala Raja Maha Viharaya: a rock temple 6km inland
Yatagala temple sits among huge granite boulders about 6km inland from Unawatuna. Temple tradition dates it to the 3rd century BC and the reign of King Devanampiya Tissa, which would make it about 2,300 years old.
Stone steps climb between the rocks to a shrine with a reclining Buddha about 9m long, under a natural overhang. The walls are painted in the Kandyan style, and a small meditation hall sits higher up. From the top you look out over paddy fields towards the sea.
It’s quiet, with few tour groups, and no regular bus goes there. Car rental to Yatagala temple takes about 15 minutes; cover your shoulders and knees, and leave shoes at the bottom of the steps.
Snorkelling, diving and sea turtles at Unawatuna
The western end of the bay has a shallow reef you can snorkel straight from the beach, usually from November to April when the sea is calm. Green and hawksbill turtles feed along the reef, along with parrotfish, butterflyfish and rays.
Dive centres in Unawatuna run boat trips to deeper reefs and several wrecks off the coast between Unawatuna and Galle. Ask a dive centre which sites suit your level, since depths and conditions vary.
The turtle hatchery at Habaraduwa, about 10km east towards Koggala, keeps nests safe until the hatchlings are released. With your own car, you can combine it with a morning at Koggala.
Driving the south coast from Unawatuna
Unawatuna sits in the middle of the busiest stretch of the south coast. Galle is 5km west, and Hikkaduwa, with its coral sanctuary and surf, is about 24km beyond it.
East along the A2, Koggala is about 10km, Weligama about 22km and Mirissa about 29km. Whale watching boats leave Mirissa from November to April. Matara, with its Dutch forts and the Polhena turtle reef, is about 38km.
The A2 is slow, with buses stopping often, so allow about 1 hour for Matara. The 1,400km included with every car covers the whole circuit many times over.
Choosing the right car in Unawatuna
Suzuki Wagon R
The cheapest automatic, with a low deposit. Easy to park near Galle Fort and on the narrow beach lanes.
Suzuki Alto
A small automatic with free cancellation.
Suzuki Every
A small van with room for dive gear and surfboards.
Toyota Aqua or Prius
Hybrids with low fuel use for long days along the coast.
Honda Vezel
A compact SUV from 18 in the fleet, with more room for families.
Datsun redi GO (manual)
The cheapest car, and the only manual. Book it only if you drive a manual confidently on the left.
Car rental prices in Unawatuna: 49 cars from $27.72, 48 automatic
48 of the 49 cars in Unawatuna are automatic. The exception is the Datsun redi GO at $27.72 a day, which is manual; the cheapest automatic is the Suzuki Wagon R at $28.72. Every car comes with city delivery and needs no credit card. 32 have a low deposit, 3 have no deposit, 24 have free cancellation, 15 have full insurance, 18 are SUVs and 6 are new. These are the main models; the full list is on the booking widget.
| Car | Transmission | Key detail | Price/day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Datsun redi GO | Manual | Cheapest overall, low deposit | $27.72 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Cheapest automatic, low deposit | $28.72 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Free cancellation | $29.72 |
| Suzuki Alto | Automatic | Free cancellation | $30.15 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Low deposit | $30.72 |
| Suzuki Every | Automatic | Van body, low deposit | $31.58 to $33.72 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Low deposit | $34.72 |
| Toyota Aqua (hybrid) | Automatic | Low deposit, low fuel use | $35.58 |
| Toyota Vitz | Automatic | Low deposit | $38.72 |
| Toyota Axio | Automatic | Saloon, free cancellation | $39.15 |
| Honda Vezel (SUV) | Automatic | Low deposit | $39.58 |
| Toyota Prius (hybrid) | Automatic | Low deposit | $39.58 |
| Toyota Raize (new SUV) | Automatic | New car, low deposit | $43.58 |
| Toyota Yaris | Automatic | Low deposit | $45.15 |
| Toyota CHR (SUV) | Automatic | Low deposit | $45.58 |
| All other 48 cars automatic | |||
The Datsun redi GO at $27.72 a day is the only manual car in the Unawatuna fleet. If you want an automatic on the busy A2, the cheapest is the Suzuki Wagon R at $28.72. All other 48 cars are automatic.Cheap car rental in Unawatuna starts at $28.72 for an automatic. Prices change with the season and update daily, so check the booking widget for your dates.
Driving from Unawatuna: distances to Galle Fort, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Colombo
Unawatuna sits on the A2, with the Southern Expressway inland. Times below are typical outside rush hour.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galle Fort | about 5km | 10 min | UNESCO fort, ramparts, lighthouse |
| Yatagala temple | about 6km | 15 min | Rock temple among granite boulders |
| Habaraduwa turtle hatchery | about 10km | 20 min | Nest protection and releases |
| Koggala | about 10km | 20 min | Lake islands, stilt fishermen |
| Weligama | about 22km | 35 min | Beginner surf bay |
| Hikkaduwa | about 24km | 40 min | Coral sanctuary and surf |
| Mirissa | about 29km | 45 min | Whale watching November to April |
| Matara | about 38km | 1h | Dutch forts, Polhena reef |
| Colombo | about 125km | 1h 45min | Via the Southern Expressway |
North of Hikkaduwa, the coast road passes Ambalangoda and Bentota. East of Matara are Dickwella and Tangalle.
Parking and driving tips for Galle and Unawatuna
- Sri Lanka drives on the left. 48 of the 49 Rentrals cars in Unawatuna are automatic .
- The only manual car is the Datsun redi GO at $27.72. Avoid it unless you drive a manual on the left with confidence.
- Park outside Galle Fort’s main gate. Lanes inside the walls are narrow and parking is tight.
- The lanes down to Unawatuna beach are single track in places. Ask your guesthouse where to park.
- The A2 is slow from about 7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm. Buses stop without warning.
- The Southern Expressway is a toll road. Carry rupees for the booths.
- Speed limits for cars are generally 50km/h in towns, 70km/h on open roads and 100km/h on the expressway.
- The blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and the minimum driving age is 18.
What you need to rent a car in Unawatuna
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
Car rental in Unawatuna with no credit card. Pay 15 to 20% at booking and the balance at pickup. 3 cars need no security deposit.
Cover and cancellation
15 cars have full insurance, with tiers shown at booking. 24 cars have free cancellation. Confirm the gearbox before you pay.
How booking works
Compare
Pick your dates and compare the 49 cars by price, deposit and transmission.
Reserve
Pay 15 to 20% online. Booking is instant, with no credit card required.
Delivery
The car comes to your hotel or guesthouse in Unawatuna.
Handover
Check the car face to face with the supplier, pay the balance and drive away. No hidden fees.
A south coast day from Unawatuna
A plan for the dry season, from November to April.
Best time to visit Unawatuna
November to April
South coast dry season. Calm sea, good snorkelling and whale trips from Mirissa.
December to March
The busiest months. Book your car and room early.
May to September
Southwest monsoon. Rough sea and rain, though Galle Fort and temples still work.
October
Shoulder month with afternoon showers and lower prices.
What to keep in the car
- A mask, snorkel and reef safe sun cream
- Seasickness tablets for the Mirissa whale boats
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for Yatagala
- Towels and a mat for wet, sandy seats
- Plenty of water and a hat for the ramparts
- Rupee notes for parking, tolls and entry tickets
Suggestions from Rentrals
Check the gearbox before you pay
The $27.72 Datsun redi GO is manual. For $1 more, the Suzuki Wagon R at $28.72 is automatic.
Park outside Galle Fort
Leave the car by the main gate and walk. The lanes inside are tight.
Book a free cancellation car
24 cars have free cancellation. Useful if the sea is too rough for your boat day.
Leave early for Mirissa
Whale boats leave around 6:30am. Allow 45 minutes on the A2.
Choose a van for gear
The Suzuki Every from $31.58 fits dive bags and surfboards.
Use the expressway for Colombo
It’s much faster than the A2, which stops in every town.
Visit Yatagala in the morning
The rock steps get hot by midday, and the light is better early.
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.
Car rental in Unawatuna: frequently asked questions
How much does car rental in Unawatuna cost?
Car rental in Unawatuna starts at $27.72 a day for the Datsun redi GO, which is manual. The cheapest automatic is the Suzuki Wagon R at $28.72. SUVs such as the Toyota Raize and CHR run from $43.58 to $45.58. The fleet has 49 cars, with no credit card needed and city delivery on every car. Prices update daily.
Are the rental cars in Unawatuna automatic or manual?
48 of the 49 cars are automatic. The exception is the Datsun redi GO at $27.72 a day, which is manual. If you’re not used to driving on the left, choose an automatic; the cheapest is the Suzuki Wagon R at $28.72. Check the transmission badge on each listing before you book.
How far is Galle Fort from Unawatuna?
About 5km, roughly 10 minutes by car. Galle Fort became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The Portuguese built the first fort in 1588, the Dutch rebuilt it from 1649 with 14 bastions, and the British took over in 1796. Park outside the main gate and walk in.
What is the Ramayana connection to Rumassala Hill?
In the Ramayana, Hanuman carried a Himalayan mountain to Lanka to find a healing herb, and pieces fell in several places on the island. Rumassala, at the western end of Unawatuna bay, is one of the best known. A Japanese Peace Pagoda now stands on its slope.
Can I drive to Mirissa from Unawatuna for whale watching?
Yes. Mirissa is about 29km east, roughly 45 minutes on the A2. Boats usually leave between 6am and 7am, from November to April, so set off before 6am. Blue whales, sperm whales and spinner dolphins are the main sightings.
Is city delivery available for car hire in Unawatuna?
Yes, every car includes city delivery. The car can be brought to your hotel or guesthouse in Unawatuna. Add the address and time when you book. The damage inspection takes place face to face at handover.
What is the mileage allowance for car rental in Unawatuna?
Every car includes 1,400km per rental. A day trip from Unawatuna to Matara and back is about 76km, and Hikkaduwa and back is about 48km, so the allowance covers the whole south coast with plenty to spare.
How far is Unawatuna from Colombo?
About 125km, usually 1h 45min via the Southern Expressway. The A2 coast road takes much longer because it passes through every town. The expressway is a toll road, so carry rupees.
What is Yatagala temple?
A rock temple about 6km inland from Unawatuna, built among large granite boulders. Temple tradition dates it to the 3rd century BC. It has a reclining Buddha about 9m long and Kandyan style murals. No regular bus goes there, so a car is the easiest way.
Are there SUVs for car rental in Unawatuna?
Yes. 18 of the 49 cars are SUVs, including the Honda Vezel from $39.58, the new Toyota Raize at $43.58 and the Toyota CHR at $45.58. Use the SUV filter on the booking page to see them all.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Unawatuna?
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. The minimum driving age is 18.
Can I book a car with a driver in Unawatuna?
Yes. Rentrals lists self drive and with driver options. A driver suits early whale watching runs 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
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South coast
Colombo and west
Cultural triangle
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Book your car in Unawatuna
49 cars from $27.72 a day, 48 of them automatic, with no credit card and city delivery on every car. Compare the fleet above and pick the car that fits your south coast trip.
Unawatuna car rental guide