Thailand car rentals
Search hundreds of rental car sites at once for car rental deals in Thailand
Cheap car hire in Thailand
| Economy | $30/day |
| Compact | $31/day |
| Intermediate | $48/day |
| Standard | $49/day |
| People mover | $96/day |
| Full-size SUV | $60/day |
| Mini | $38/day |
| Passenger van | $134/day |
| Premium SUV | $88/day |
| Intermediate SUV | $82/day |
| Standard SUV | $176/day |
Top tips for hiring a car in Thailand
- Thai cities generally have extremely congested traffic but good public transportation, meaning that hiring a car is not recommended for travel in solely urban areas. However, renting a car in Thailand is a great way to enjoy more flexibility and get off the beaten track to explore other areas of the country. Popular self-drive destinations include islands like Phuket (where taxis are very expensive) and the north of the country around Chiang Mai.
- Toll roads are common in Thailand and usually charge about ฿40-50 ($1.25-1.60) per vehicle. Most are cash only, although the expressways around Bangkok require electronic payment. Be aware of blue-marked lanes, which are for vehicles with an easy-pay pass only. If the toll is not paid, the car rental agency will typically deduct the cost plus an administration fee from your credit card.
- Children under 12 may not sit in the front seat of a vehicle in Thailand and should also be restrained in an age-appropriate seat. These can be rented from most agencies for an additional fee, but to get the correct size and to guarantee availability, it is strongly recommended to book in advance. An international agency like Avis charges in the neighborhood of ฿200 ($6.40) a day for a child booster seat.
- Car agencies typically do not allow drivers to rent a car in Thailand and drive into neighboring countries like Cambodia or Malaysia. Many, such as Hertz and Avis, also prohibit their vehicles from being taken on car ferries to islands belonging to Thailand. If planning to make any border or sea crossings, whether international or domestic, always check with the rental agency in advance.
- 25% of our users found rental cars in Thailand for $38 or less
- Book your rental car in Thailand at least 2 days before your trip in order to get a below-average price
- Off-airport rental car locations in Thailand are around 8% more expensive than airport locations on average
- Economy rental cars in Thailand are around 37% cheaper than other car types, on average
FAQs about hiring a car in Thailand
How much does it cost to hire a car in Thailand?
On average a car hire in Thailand costs $52 per day.
What is the most popular car hire in Thailand?
Economy (Toyota Yaris or similar) is the most frequently booked car hire type in Thailand.
What is the cheapest car hire company in Thailand?
In the past 72 hours, the cheapest car hires were found at THAIRENTACAR ($30/day), Budget ($31/day) and Hertz ($38/day).
What is the best car hire company in Thailand?
Based on ratings and reviews from real users on KAYAK, the best car hire in Thailand is Budget (8.5, 65 reviews).
How can I find car hires near me in Thailand?
Take a look at our extensive car hire location map to find the best car hire deals near you.
Where should I hire a car in Thailand?
Based on car searches on KAYAK, the most popular cities to hire a car in Thailand are Bangkok (52% of total searches of users looking to hire a car in Thailand), Phuket City (21%) and Chiang Mai (11%).
How much does it cost to hire a car for a week in Thailand?
On average a car hire in Thailand costs $293 per week ($42 per day).
How much does it cost to hire a car long term for a month in Thailand?
On average a car hire in Thailand costs $1,256 per month ($42 per day).
What is driving like in Thailand?
Driving in Thailand is on the left-hand side and is not without its hazards. Watch out for congested and chaotic traffic in cities, while in rural areas, drivers need to be aware of potholes, street dogs, and people unexpectedly crossing the street. Monsoon rains can make road surfaces slippery. It is recommended to avoid driving at night, maintain a defensive attitude, and get accustomed to accepted local maneuvers like tailgating.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Thailand?
To rent a car in Thailand, drivers should usually be at least 21 years old, although some agencies like National will accept drivers from 20 years and up. An International Driver’s Permit (IDP) is always required, along with a valid domestic driver’s license.
How much does petrol cost in Thailand?
Petrol stations in Thailand can vary considerably in style depending on the location, from familiar-looking ones in urban areas and on highways to small roadside kiosks in rural areas. It is always advised to have cash on hand when paying for fuel. Prices are around ฿37 ($1.20) for a liter of petrol and ฿28 ($0.90) for a liter of diesel. By the gallon, that comes to $4.54 for petrol and $3.40 for diesel.
What are the speed limits in Thailand?
Although it may seem as though many drivers speed in Thailand, fines for traffic offenses can be high, and roadside police patrols are not uncommon. Always stick to the general speed limit or any roadside signs that state differently. Commonly, you will find a speed limit of 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90 km/h (55 mph) on open roads, and 120 km/h (74 mph) on highways.
Car rental directory
THAIRENTACAR car hire locations in Thailand
32 Locations
Avis car hire locations in Thailand
29 Locations
Drive Car Rental car hire locations in Thailand
29 Locations
Sunnycars car hire locations in Thailand
26 Locations
Budget car hire locations in Thailand
22 Locations
Sixt car hire locations in Thailand
22 Locations
Hertz car hire locations in Thailand
21 Locations
Thrifty car hire locations in Thailand
19 Locations
Chic Car Rent car hire locations in Thailand
18 Locations
Runway Car Rentals car hire locations in Thailand
18 Locations
Dollar car hire locations in Thailand
17 Locations
keddy by Europcar car hire locations in Thailand
16 Locations
Good to know
Most popular agency | keddy by Europcar |
|---|---|
Most popular car type | Economy |
Average price | $42/day |
Good deal | $38/day |