Car rental in Wattala puts you on the A3 Negombo Road, about 10km north of Colombo Fort and 22km south of Bandaranaike International Airport. Muthurajawela wetland starts on the town’s western edge, and Kelaniya temple is 6km away across the Kelani River.
Rentrals has 39 cars here from $17 a day, all with city delivery and no credit card needed. 14 are SUVs and 7 are new.
The cheapest car, the Datsun redi GO at $17 a day, has a manual gearbox. Sri Lanka drives on the left, so if you want an automatic, book the Suzuki Wagon R at $18 instead. The other 38 cars are automatic.
39 cars from $17/day
City delivery on every car
No credit card required
2 cars with unlimited mileage
What you get with Rentrals in Wattala
Why rent a car in Wattala?
Wattala sits between Colombo and the airport, so it’s a practical first or last stop on a Sri Lanka trip. Hotels here are cheaper than in central Colombo, and the airport is 25 to 40 minutes away.
No bus goes to the Muthurajawela boat jetty, and taking a tuk tuk to Kelaniya, Colombo and the airport on separate days adds up. With your own car, you can do all three on your own schedule.
When you rent a car in Wattala, every car comes with city delivery and needs no credit card. The Datsun redi GO is the only manual car; the other 38 are automatic .
Muthurajawela: a coastal wetland on Wattala’s doorstep
Muthurajawela covers about 3,068 hectares of marsh, mangrove and reed swamp between the Kelani River and Negombo Lagoon. The name is usually translated as “swamp of royal treasure”. It’s Sri Lanka’s largest saline coastal peat bog.
The northern 1,777 hectares became a wetland sanctuary in 1996. Birdwatchers have recorded around 100 species here, including kingfishers, herons and purple swamphens. The slender loris lives in the scrub, and crocodiles and water monitors are common along the banks.
Boat safaris leave from the visitor centre at Bopitiya, near Pamunugama, and take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Go at 7am for birds, or after 4pm when it’s cooler. Car rental from Wattala to Muthurajawela takes about 25 minutes; it’s around 12km.
Hamilton Canal: a British waterway from 1804
The Hamilton Canal runs about 14.5km north from the Kelani River mouth at Hekitta, beside Wattala, to Negombo Lagoon at Pamunugama. It sits between the sea and the Muthurajawela marsh.
The British dug it between 1802 and 1804 and named it after Gavin Hamilton, the official who backed the plan. The aim was to drain the marsh and carry goods by boat. Tides pushed seawater in, and the marsh became saltier.
The Dutch had already built a network of canals along this coast in the 1600s and 1700s, so locals still call it the Dutch Canal. Barges stopped using it after the railway reached the area.
The Pamunugama road follows the canal for several kilometres. With car hire from Wattala, you can drive alongside it on the way to the Muthurajawela boats.
Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya: 6km from Wattala
Kelaniya temple stands on the bank of the Kelani River, about 6km southeast of Wattala. Buddhist tradition holds that the Buddha came here on his third visit to Sri Lanka, invited by the Naga king Maniakkhika, about 8 years after his enlightenment.
The Portuguese destroyed much of the temple in the 16th century. It was rebuilt in the 18th century under the Kandyan king Kirti Sri Rajasinha.
The image house walls carry murals by Solias Mendis, painted in the mid 1900s. They show the Buddha’s life and scenes from Sri Lankan history.
The Duruthu Perahera procession fills the roads around the temple every January, on the full moon. Car rental from Wattala to Kelaniya temple takes about 15 minutes. Wear white or light clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
Colombo Airport from Wattala on the E03 expressway
The E03 Colombo Katunayake Expressway opened on 27 October 2013. It runs 25.8km from Peliyagoda to the airport, with an interchange at Kerawalapitiya on the edge of Wattala.
From Wattala, Bandaranaike International Airport is about 22km. Allow 25 minutes on the expressway or up to 45 minutes on the A3 at busy times. The expressway is a toll road.
City delivery means the car is waiting at your Wattala hotel when you arrive, with no trip to a rental office. Katunayake, Seeduwa and Negombo are further up the same road.
Colombo day trips from Wattala
Colombo Fort is about 10km south over the New Kelani Bridge. Allow 20 minutes early in the day and 40 minutes or more at rush hour.
Pettah’s market streets are next to the Fort, and Galle Face Green runs along the sea just south of it. The National Museum, opened in 1877 under Governor William Gregory, holds royal regalia from the Kandyan kingdom. Independence Memorial Hall is nearby in Cinnamon Gardens.
Park in a paid car park in the Fort or at the museum and walk between sites. Most cars include 1,400km per rental, which covers Colombo, Kelaniya and Muthurajawela many times over.
Choosing the right car in Wattala
Suzuki Wagon R
The cheapest automatic, with a low deposit. Easy to park in Colombo and Pettah.
Nissan March
Automatic with unlimited mileage and free cancellation. Good for longer trips out of Colombo.
Honda Fit
More room than a Wagon R, with unlimited mileage and free cancellation.
Suzuki Every
A small van with space for airport luggage.
Honda Vezel
A compact SUV from 14 in the fleet, with room for families and suitcases.
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 Wattala: 39 cars from $17, 38 automatic
38 of the 39 cars in Wattala are automatic. The exception is the Datsun redi GO at $17 a day, which is manual; the cheapest automatic is the Suzuki Wagon R at $18. Every car comes with city delivery and needs no credit card. 28 have a low deposit, 24 have free cancellation, 20 have full insurance, 14 are SUVs and 7 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 | $17.00 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Cheapest automatic, low deposit | $18.00 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Low deposit | $19.00 to $24.00 |
| Nissan March | Automatic | Unlimited mileage, free cancellation | $20.00 |
| Suzuki Every | Automatic | Van body, low deposit | $23.00 |
| Honda Fit | Automatic | Unlimited mileage, free cancellation | $24.00 |
| Suzuki Wagon R | Automatic | Free cancellation, low deposit | $24.00 to $25.43 |
| Suzuki Alto | Automatic | Free cancellation, low deposit | $25.43 |
| Toyota Aqua (hybrid) | Automatic | Low deposit, low fuel use | $29.00 |
| Toyota Axio | Automatic | Saloon, low deposit | $34.43 |
| Honda Vezel (SUV) | Automatic | Low deposit | $40.43 |
| Toyota Yaris (new) | Automatic | New car, low deposit | $40.43 |
| Toyota Premio | Automatic | Saloon, low deposit | $42.43 |
| Toyota Raize (SUV) | Automatic | Compact SUV | $45.00 |
| All other 38 cars automatic | |||
The Datsun redi GO at $17 a day is the only manual car in the Wattala fleet. For an automatic on the busy A3, the cheapest is the Suzuki Wagon R at $18. All other 38 cars are automatic. The Nissan March ($20.00) and Honda Fit ($24.00) come with unlimited mileage. Every other car includes 1,400km per rental.Cheap car rental in Wattala starts at $18 for an automatic. Prices change with the season and update daily, so check the booking widget for your dates.
Driving from Wattala: distances to Colombo, Kelaniya, the airport and Negombo
Times below are typical outside rush hour. The A3 and the New Kelani Bridge slow down badly from 7am to 9:30am and 4:30pm to 7pm.
| Destination | Distance | Drive time | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hekitta, Hamilton Canal | about 3km | 10 min | Southern end of the 1804 canal |
| Kelaniya temple | about 6km | 15 min | Solias Mendis murals, Duruthu Perahera |
| Kiribathgoda | about 7km | 15 min | Shops and the Kandy Road |
| Colombo Fort | about 10km | 20 to 40 min | Pettah, Galle Face, museum |
| Muthurajawela boats | about 12km | 25 min | Wetland boat safari |
| Gampaha | about 20km | 40 min | Henarathgoda Botanical Garden |
| Colombo Airport | about 22km | 25 to 45 min | Via the E03 expressway or A3 |
| Negombo | about 27km | 35 min to 1h | Lagoon, fish market, Dutch fort |
South of Colombo, Galle Road continues to Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia and Moratuwa. East of Kelaniya is Kaduwela.
Driving tips for Wattala and the A3
- Sri Lanka drives on the left. 38 of the 39 Rentrals cars in Wattala are automatic .
- The only manual car is the Datsun redi GO at $17. Avoid it unless you drive a manual on the left with confidence.
- The A3 has heavy bus traffic. Buses stop suddenly, so leave plenty of space.
- Use the Kerawalapitiya interchange to join the E03 for the airport. Carry rupees for the toll.
- Expressway toll rates and rules are posted at the booths. Tuk tuks and motorbikes aren’t allowed on it.
- For a morning flight, leave at least 2 hours before check in closes in case of traffic.
- Speed limits for cars are generally 50km/h in towns, 70km/h on open roads and 100km/h on expressways.
- The blood alcohol limit is 0.08%, and the minimum driving age is 18.
What you need to rent a car in Wattala
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 Wattala with no credit card. Pay 15 to 20% at booking and the balance at pickup. 28 cars have a deposit under $300.
Cover and cancellation
20 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 39 cars by price, deposit, mileage and transmission.
Reserve
Pay 15 to 20% online. Booking is instant, with no credit card required.
Delivery
The car comes to your hotel or home in Wattala.
Handover
Check the car face to face with the supplier, pay the balance and drive away. No hidden fees.
A day around Wattala
A plan for your first full day after landing.
Best time to visit Wattala
December to March
Driest months on the west coast, and the best time for birds at Muthurajawela, including winter visitors.
January
Duruthu Perahera at Kelaniya on the full moon. Expect road closures near the temple.
May to September
Southwest monsoon. Heavy showers and some flooding on low roads.
October and November
Inter monsoon rain, usually in the afternoon. Plan boat trips for the morning.
What to keep in the car
- Insect repellent and a hat for the Muthurajawela boats
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- White or light clothes that cover shoulders and knees for Kelaniya
- Rupee notes for tolls, parking and boat tickets
- A phone charger and offline maps for the airport run
- Water, since traffic on the A3 can hold you up
Suggestions from Rentrals
Check the gearbox before you pay
The $17 Datsun redi GO is manual. For $1 more, the Suzuki Wagon R at $18 is automatic.
Book delivery for your arrival time
Ask for the car at your Wattala hotel on the morning after you land, once you’ve slept.
Use the E03 for flights
The expressway is the most reliable route to the airport at rush hour.
Book a free cancellation car
24 cars have free cancellation. Useful if your flight changes.
Go to Muthurajawela early
The first boats go out around 7am, when birds are most active and it’s cooler.
Check the Kelaniya calendar
Poya full moon days and the January perahera bring big crowds and road closures.
Pick unlimited mileage for longer trips
The Nissan March and Honda Fit have no distance limit if you plan to tour the island from here.
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 Wattala: frequently asked questions
How much does car rental in Wattala cost?
Car rental in Wattala starts at $17 a day for the Datsun redi GO, which is manual. The cheapest automatic is the Suzuki Wagon R at $18. SUVs such as the Honda Vezel and Toyota Raize run from $40.43 to $45. The fleet has 39 cars, with no credit card needed and city delivery on every car. Prices update daily.
Are the rental cars in Wattala automatic or manual?
38 of the 39 cars are automatic. The exception is the Datsun redi GO at $17 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 $18. Check the transmission badge on each listing before you book.
How far is Wattala from Colombo Airport?
Bandaranaike International Airport is about 22km north. Allow about 25 minutes on the E03 expressway, which you join at Kerawalapitiya, or up to 45 minutes on the A3 at busy times. The expressway is a toll road.
How do I get to Muthurajawela from Wattala?
Drive about 12km, roughly 25 minutes, to the visitor centre at Bopitiya near Pamunugama. Boat safaris take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Go at 7am for the best birdwatching, or after 4pm when it’s cooler.
What is the Hamilton Canal?
A waterway of about 14.5km, dug by the British between 1802 and 1804. It runs from the Kelani River mouth at Hekitta, beside Wattala, to Negombo Lagoon at Pamunugama. Locals often call it the Dutch Canal. The Pamunugama road runs beside it.
Is city delivery available for car hire in Wattala?
Yes, every car includes city delivery. The car can be brought to your hotel or home in Wattala. Add the address and time when you book. The damage inspection takes place face to face at handover.
How far is Kelaniya temple from Wattala?
About 6km, roughly 15 minutes by car. Buddhist tradition holds that the Buddha visited Kelaniya on his third visit to Sri Lanka. The temple has murals by Solias Mendis and hosts the Duruthu Perahera every January.
What is the mileage allowance for car rental in Wattala?
Most cars include 1,400km per rental. The Nissan March ($20) and Honda Fit ($24) come with unlimited mileage. A return trip to the airport is about 44km, so the standard allowance covers plenty of day trips.
How long does it take to drive from Wattala to Colombo?
Colombo Fort is about 10km south over the New Kelani Bridge. It takes about 20 minutes early in the day and 40 minutes or more at rush hour. Use paid car parks in the Fort or at the National Museum.
Are there SUVs for car rental in Wattala?
Yes. 14 of the 39 cars are SUVs, including the Honda Vezel at $40.43 and the Toyota Raize at $45. Use the SUV filter on the booking page to see them all.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Wattala?
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 Wattala?
Yes. Rentrals lists self drive and with driver options. A driver suits airport runs after a long flight, or trips into central Colombo. Availability and price depend on the car and your dates.
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Book your car in Wattala
39 cars from $17 a day, 38 of them automatic, with no credit card and city delivery on every car. Compare the fleet above and pick the car that fits your trip.
Wattala car rental guide