Taxi bookings tend to concentrate during major holiday periods in Japan, Western countries, and Sri Lanka.
For customers considering chartering a taxi during these periods, it is advisable to plan ahead and make a provisional booking as early as possible (ideally about one month in advance) to ensure availability.
Especially during August, when holidays in all regions overlap, and during Christmas and the New Year period, popular plans such as Japanese-speaking guide-drivers tend to get fully booked about a month in advance. Some guides may even be reserved by specific requests, so booking early is highly recommended.
Additionally, during the Sri Lankan New Year in April, the number of available taxis decreases, leading to earlier full bookings.
Sri Lanka’s major holidays include the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in mid-April, which is well-known. During this time, Thailand also celebrates its traditional New Year, Songkran, so there is an increase in bookings from travelers in the region.
Shortly after this New Year period, Vesak, a significant Buddhist holiday, takes place. This often coincides with Japan’s Golden Week, making it a challenging time to coordinate drivers and guides due to their days off. After Vesak, the general atmosphere becomes busy again as the New Year holidays conclude.
However, for tourist taxi companies, this is when they can finally relax a bit, as the rainy season begins and things slow down.
In August, during Japan’s Obon holiday and the summer holidays in Western countries, Sri Lanka also hosts the important Kandy Esala Perahera festival, leading to a peak in congestion. Taxi bookings often require last-minute adjustments, and the pressure to avoid scheduling mistakes makes this a mentally and physically demanding period.
Similarly, from December 20 to the end of the year, holidays in both domestic and international markets align, causing vehicles to be fully booked well in advance.
After the New Year, around late January, the prominent Chinese New Year holiday begins. Not only in China but also in countries with significant Chinese cultural influence, such as Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia, many tourists visit as companies take time off. In 2025, the Chinese New Year holiday is expected to run from January 28 to February 4.
This period is ideal for activities like safaris in Yala National Park and whale watching in Mirissa, as the weather is dry and favorable.
If you can use paid leave to plan your trip outside these peak periods, there’s no need to worry, and last-minute arrangements (even the day before) are usually possible.
By keeping in mind the seasonal booking trends for tourist taxis in Sri Lanka and planning your schedule accordingly, you can ensure a smoother travel experience.
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