Rent a car in Thailand

An economy car costs around $21–27 per day, depending on the season. Crossovers and seven-seat cars start at about $57 in the low season and $71 in the high season. Rentals of one month or more can be 30–40% cheaper per day. The period from 25 December to 25 January is the most expensive, so book one to two months ahead.

For travel from November to February, book one to two months in advance. For the busiest period from 25 December to 25 January, book even earlier, as cars may sell out before 20 December. From May to October, you can usually book closer to the travel date and prices are around 30–40% lower.

The deposit is usually $85–145, depending on the supplier and car category. You can generally pay it in cash in Thai baht or US dollars, or provide an international card for a temporary hold. Some partners waive the deposit if you buy Full Coverage.

You will need your passport, national driving licence, and a card or cash for the deposit. Bring an International Driving Permit as well, as it may be required by the police even if the rental supplier accepts a national licence written in the Latin alphabet.

Bring an International Driving Permit together with your national licence. Some rental partners may accept a national licence written in the Latin alphabet when handing over the car, but the police or insurer may still require an IDP. Arrange it in the country that issued your licence before travelling.

Compulsory third-party liability insurance with basic medical cover is included by law. Full Coverage, sometimes called Super CDW, is optional and costs around $3–17 per day. It may reduce your excess to zero and provide broader cover, but exclusions still apply, so read the policy terms before booking.

Do not move the car. Call the police on 191 and contact the rental partner using its 24-hour emergency number. Wait for the police and the insurers' representatives, and photograph the vehicles, damage and scene. If you have Full Coverage, the rental company will explain what costs, if any, remain your responsibility.

The left — like in the UK, Japan, and Australia. The wheel is on the right. It takes 1–2 days to adjust. For the first drives, pick quieter areas and avoid Bangkok rush hour. Experienced drivers usually adapt within a single evening.

Most of our partners in Thailand include unlimited mileage, particularly for airport and long-term rentals. This is useful for a multi-region road trip because you do not need to monitor every kilometre. A small number of budget local rates have a limit of 200 km per day, so check the listing before booking.

Yes, although a delivery or one-way fee may apply. Returning the car to another location in the same city, such as from a Bangkok airport to a hotel, is often free or costs $5–15. One-way rentals between cities are much more expensive; Bangkok to Phuket costs around $285. Most customers return the car to the original collection point.

No. Crossing an international border is forbidden under the contract with all our partners in Thailand. If your route includes another Southeast Asian country, drop the car at the border and arrange a new rental on the other side.

Our partners generally do not permit rental cars on ferries because the insurance does not cover the crossing. It is usually easier to arrange a separate rental after arriving on the island. On Koh Samui, cars can be delivered from Samui Airport.

A litre of 95-octane petrol costs around $1.50, or approximately 50–55 baht. Diesel is about $0.10 cheaper per litre. PTT, Bangchak, Shell and Esso stations are widely available, and attendants fill the car for you. Both cards and cash are accepted. Most suppliers use a full-to-full fuel policy.

Tourists can drive safely with appropriate care, but should adjust to left-hand traffic, a high number of motorbikes and sudden heavy rain. A car offers more protection than a motorbike. Drive defensively, allow extra time on your first day and avoid speeding or unfamiliar rural roads at night.

Yes. Our partners accept both credit and debit international cards, and most also accept cash for the deposit. That's a key difference from the big international chains, which usually only work with credit cards.