What’s the difference between a taxi and a private driver in Sri Lanka?

A taxi gives basic point-to-point rides when you need them, but a private driver is engaged for continuous use, with itinerary help and personalised backup the whole time.

Taxis, often arranged through apps like PickMe or Uber, work well for short city trips, and they bill you by the kilometre. A private driver travels with you for days or even weeks, waits around while you do activities, handles luggage and plays a bit of an informal local go-between throughout the entire trip.