Car Rental in Thailand

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500+ Trusted Suppliers:

Cheapest Car Rental Rates

Bangkok Don Mueang
Mini
Nissan March or similar
Nissan March
  • 4
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Drive Car Rental
$14.11 / per day
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Economy Elite
Nissan Almera or similar
Nissan Almera
  • 5
  • 1
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Keddy
$19.26 / per day
Phuket Int. Airport
Compact
Toyota Yaris or similar
Toyota Yaris
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Luv Drive Car Rent
$20.71 / per day
Samui International Airport
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
Toyota Yaris
  • 5
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Asap Car Rental
$21.06 / per day

Most Popular Car Rental Deals

Chiang Mai Int. Airport
Intermediate
Honda Civic Aut. or similar
Honda Civic Aut.
  • 4
  • 2
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
SIXT
$30.32 / per day
Chiang Mai Int. Airport
Standard SUV
Nissan X-Trail or similar
Nissan X-Trail
  • 7
  • 3
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
Europcar
$53.43 / per day
Chiang Mai Int. Airport
Full-size SUV
Toyota Fortuner or similar
Toyota Fortuner
  • 7
  • 2
  • 5
  • A/C
  • Auto.
yesaway
$56.31 / per day
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
Luxury Elite Van
Hyundai Grand Starex or similar
Hyundai Grand Starex
  • 7
  • 3
  • 4
  • A/C
  • Auto.
8mile Rent a car
$133.15 / per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 01:26 on 2024-03-27. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.

Travel Information

Languages
Thai
Currency
THB
Drive on
Left-hand side
Country code
+66
Average car rental price
$44 per day
Average car rental length
8 days
Speed limit within town
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of town
90 - 110 km/h or 56 - 68 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Rating
9.4 / 10
Average gasoline price
$1.14 per liter or $4.32 / 1 gallon
Lowest gasoline price
$0.96 per liter or $3.64 / 1 gallon
Highest gasoline price
$1.31 per liter or $4.95 / 1 gallon

Why rent a car in Thailand?

A great place to explore, Thailand is Southeast Asia’s most popular travel destination for a reason. From a long, stunning seacoast, tropical islands, and vast national parks to ancient temples and multicultural history, it has something to quench every curious traveler’s thirst.

Thailand

Top ways to enter Thailand

  • Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport: Bangkok’s main airport is among the 20 busiest in the world. The word “suvarnabhumi” means Land of Gold in Sanskrit. 
  • Phuket International Airport: Located in the country’s south, Phuket Airport serves flights to and from many destinations in both Asia and Europe.
  • Bangkok Don Mueang Airport: Bangkok’s second airport is served by more than 10 different airlines. If you are arriving on a domestic flight or on a budget airline like Air Asia, you most likely will find yourself arriving at DMK.

Top cities and places to visit

  • Bangkok. The most visited city in not just South East Asia, but the whole world, Bangkok is a very special destination. Many visitors are attracted to its huge backpacker scene and energetic nightlife, but, while it’s certainly there for you to enjoy, you should also not miss out on the city’s multiple historical landmarks, or numerous nearby places to take day trips that include scenic areas and religious sites.
  • Phuket. Located in the far south of the country, Phuket is probably the most famous of Thailand’s many beach destinations. In addition to the idyllic Andaman coastline, Phuket is also home to a surprising cultural diversity and Phra Thaeo National Park. A number of smaller islands, like the scuba diving paradise of Ko Racha Yai, are just off the coast of the main island.
  • Chiang Mai. Located in the comparatively less explored northern part of the country near the borders of Myanmar and Laos, Chiang Mai is one of the country’s most interesting destinations. Surrounded by impressive peaks and boasting ancient temples, interesting museums, and a distinct local culture, it has all the right ingredients for a memorable travel experience.
  • Golden Triangle. The mountainous region where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet is in the northern tip of Thailand. Once a place where Opium was grown, it is now advertised heavily to tourists. You can learn about the history of opium cultivation in a great museum there. You can also take a trip across the river to the island of Don Sao, which belongs to Laos, though you don't need a Laos to visit. All in all, you may find that the drive there is the best part of visiting.

Most popular rental car

The most popular rental car in Thailand is the Mitsubishi Mirage, followed by the Nissan Almera and the Toyota Fortuner.

Driver's license requirements

  • Thailand recognizes valid foreign driver’s licenses from around the world if they are printed in a Latin or Thai alphabet and if you’re visiting on a short trip. If you’re residing in Thailand permanently, you need to obtain a local driver’s license instead.
  • If your driver’s license is printed in another alphabet (Cyrillic, Arabic, etc.), you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Similarly, if your driver’s license doesn’t show your photograph, you might be required to have an IDP.
  • Even if you have an IDP, you need to also carry your original driver’s license as you might be asked to show both.
  • You must carry your driver’s license, not a copy, with you at all times. 
  • You need to have had your driver’s license for at least two years.
  • Some rental car providers charge a young driver fee for drivers between the ages of 22 and 25 and a senior driver fee for drivers over the age of 65.
  • There may be additional requirements depending on the car provider and car category, so make sure to check the rental conditions before booking.

Crossing Borders

There are very few car rental companies that permit cross-border travels between Thailand and any of its neighbors (depending on the season, you might find a few for trips between Thailand and Malaysia). Of course, it is always possible to drop off one rental car in Thailand, travel by public transportation, and then pick up a new rental car at your next destination.

Thailand has land borders with four other countries, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. Each of the countries has its own, unique visa policy, so, depending on your citizenship, you may or may not need a visa to visit either of them. Do consult your Ministry of Foreign Affairs in advance if you plan to visit any of them. Many governments advise against any non-essential travel to Myanmar due to the ongoing violent clashes in the country.

Most popular types of rental car

The most popular rental car type in Thailand is a fullsize, although economy and compact are also often picked, especially by travelers who tend to stay in the cities.

Top driving routes

  • Ayutthaya. One of those great Bangkok day trips mentioned above, the former capital city of Ayutthaya is a history lover’s dream. Located on an island at the confluence of two rivers, it is known for its stunning ruins, many of which can be found in the Ayutthaya Historical Park, as well as other landmarks left by an array of former rulers and religions. Also known as Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, the city is about a 90-minute drive north of Bangkok.
  • Isaan. Something of a mystery to most foreign visitors, this eastern region is full of ancient sites, hospitable locals, and interesting influences from its next-door neighbors, Cambodia and Laos. Attractions include the vineyards of Loei, Khmer temples of Phanom Rung, and the stunning Buddha statue of Roi Et.
  • Khao Sok National Park. Located in the south of the country, it is no exaggeration when travel brochures mention Khao Sok among the most beautiful places in Thailand. Home to one of the most diverse rainforests on the planet, this large tropical area is home to a stunning variety of wildlife — Malayan tapirs, mouse deer, Asian elephants, and Indian bison all live in the park. 

Car Rental Prices

  • Station wagons - from $56 per day
  • Large cars - from $19 per day
  • Medium cars - from $16 per day
  • Vans - from $28 per day
  • Premium cars - from $68 per day
  • Small cars - from $14 per day
  • SUVs - from $30 per day

How can I save money on my rental car?

You can do a number of things to get a good car rental deal in Thailand:

  • Compare rates of different rental car providers
  • Book your rental car well in advance
  • Plan your route before you go
  • Know your fuel and mileage requirements
  • Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Thailand is the cheapest in May when renting a car is about 33% cheaper than the yearly average and a whopping 62% cheaper than renting a car in November.
This information was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our content creators.

Learn more about our Editorial Policy.
Fact checked by
Hannah Lukaszewicz
Edited by Hannah Lukaszewicz, a US citizen who runs the international travel blog Getting Stamped. Hannah and her family have traveled to over 85 countries with a never-ending bucket list! Her travel blog hopes to inspire you to travel the world and help you plan your trip too. She has rented cars all over the world and has driven in over 30 countries. She believes that renting a car gives you such freedom and is the best way to experience a destination.

Map of Car Rental Locations

What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Thailand?

The cost of renting a car in Thailand varies by season. This graph compares prices from month to month in order to help you find the best time of year.
Average rental costs per day in Thailand
$34.99
January
$35.06
February
$30.88
March
$39.78
April
$30.45
May
$31.98
June
$36.59
July
$38.04
August
$27.71
September
$27.66
October
$31.76
November
$43.38
December
The cheapest month of the year to rent a car in Thailand is October — when rental costs average $27.66 per day. This is 19% cheaper than the yearly average and 36% cheaper than renting a car in December (when prices average $43.38 per day).

This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.

What’s the average rental length in Thailand?

How long renters typically keep their vehicle sometimes varies depending on the time of year. Travelers tend to keep their rental cars longer in July — an average of 9 days. They tend to keep them for a shorter time in March — an average of 7 days.
Average number of rental days in Thailand
8
January
8
February
7
March
8
April
8
May
8
June
9
July
8
August
9
September
8
October
9
November
8
December

What's the most popular month to rent a car in Thailand?

Based on how many customers search for a car in Thailand, the most popular month is December, while the least popular is September.
Monthly searches in Thailand by pick-up date relative to the average
113%
January
125%
February
106%
March
95%
April
92%
May
92%
June
91%
July
87%
August
69%
September
84%
October
119%
November
127%
December

Car Rental Information

Car rental locations 33
Airport locations 21
Popular suppliers Drive Car Rental, Keddy, yesaway, SIXT, Europcar
Popular car categories Small cars, SUVs, Medium cars, Large cars
Lowest price $14 per day
Cheapest supplier Drive Car Rental

Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers

Rental Supplier Model Doors Luggage Type
Drive Car Rental Nissan Almera 4 2 Small cars
Keddy Nissan Almera 5 1 Small cars
yesaway Nissan Almera 4 2 Small cars
Keddy Mitsubishi Mirage 4 1 Small cars
Keddy Toyota Yaris 4 1 Small cars
Drive Car Rental Toyota Fortuner 4 2 SUVs
Drive Car Rental Nissan Kicks 5 2 Medium cars
SIXT Toyota Yaris 4 0 Small cars
SIXT Honda City Aut. 4 1 Small cars
Drive Car Rental Nissan March 4 2 Small cars

Our Customers' Reviews

Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.

United States of America (USA)
Nissan Almera
February 26, 2024
I drove to Chiang Rai to visit with friends and preach the good of the Kingdom to Lahu people. Great restaurants and good times!
Norway
Nissan Almera
January 20, 2024
Renting a car was an amazing way to explore the northern parts of Thailand. Traffic is hectic but after a few hours you get the grip of it. Have a safe trip
Greece
Nissan Almera
November 23, 2023
I went to pattaya for the world championship for my sport and it was amazing!!!
Singapore
Nissan Sylphy
November 21, 2023
Enjoy the Northern Thai food, tea plantations & golden triangle.
Australia
Toyota Yaris
November 6, 2023
Viewed much architecture and Temples
South Africa
Toyota Yaris
October 14, 2023
Amazing food and hotel
Australia
Honda City Aut.
September 20, 2023
We drove the entire island of Phuket and the Honda was just perfect in size and very efficient the entire trip . Excellent value and Phuket is so beautiful from the Big Buddha all the way to any beach you would like to drive too.
Singapore
Toyota Yaris
June 28, 2023
A good family road trip sight-seeing at the East Coast(Gulf of Thailand). People in Thailand are very friendly, even when most don't understand English they are very helpful. Food and accommodation are not expensive, we had good seafood on the beaches and stayed at bungalows(motel) in front of the beaches.
India
Nissan March
May 15, 2023
Best Service!
Philippines
Mitsubishi Mirage
April 30, 2023
Car is okay only thing no phone holder for GPS no Bluetooth for music as we don't understand thai in the radio.
Hong Kong
Toyota Fortuner Aut.
March 3, 2023
We drove around the area we live and got many new discoveries on eating and shoppping. That is the most important thing of renting a car. The car condition is execellent and very comfortable.
United States of America (USA)
Nissan Almera
November 27, 2022
Easy to find, good customer service
Thailand
Nissan Almera
November 20, 2022
We went to the Khao Yai Nationalpark and as well as a small island called "Koh Koot" near the border to Cambodia. It was very nice there. It was full of nature and we had delicious food always. We also got fresh fishes and fresh seafood with the little prices everyday.
Netherlands
Nissan Almera
November 3, 2022
I will
Australia
Nissan Sylphy
October 23, 2022
We had awesome holiday mostly spending time with the family.
South Africa
Nissan March
August 9, 2022
Resort with sea & good food
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Vios
August 9, 2022
Great food, beautiful temples and scenery.
United Kingdom
Toyota Yaris
September 14, 2020
Khon Kaen Is a large city that has very few Foreign Nationals living there but there are a few bars an restaurant, in the city centre to cater for them. The area is renowned for its Dinosaurs skeletons. The surrounding provinces have some great places to visit that are not on the main western tourist trial. Such as the Red Lotus Flower lake in Udon Thani during winter, the Mekong river road from NongKhai to ChaingKhan, where the new Skywalk is open above the Mekong. The cliffs and mountains tops of Loei down to the Tulip fields of Chiayaphum, not forgetting the numerous waterfalls everywhere and the natural wonder of hundreds of thousands of bats flying out of caves near Chum Phae at dusk to feed on insects that would destroy the rice crops nearby. All well worth the drive to see.
United Kingdom
Toyota Yaris 5d
March 15, 2020
we went to khao Lak. So easy to drive in Thailand especially with todays sat navs. We used WAZE. Much cheaper to hire a car than pay for transport and the petrol is cheap and at the petrol stations they fill it up for you.
United Kingdom
Toyota Yaris
January 4, 2020
there lots of place and things to do in Chiang Mai is very big area a drive to pia is recommended it about 2-3 hour drive over the mountains with very beautiful view
Hong Kong
Toyota Fortuner
July 4, 2019
If device stand can provide is much better and convenience for GPS viewing.
United Kingdom
Nissan Almera
March 21, 2019
You will need Sat nav the road signs are not good
United States of America (USA)
Toyota Yaris
July 29, 2018
Driving around Thailand was fun and easy. Do not attempt to drive in Bangkok city due to bad traffic, narrow roads, motorcycles comes from all directions

Car Rental Statistics

Highest rated company
Drive Car Rental
8.8 / 10
)
Lowest rated company
8mile Rent a car
7.5 / 10
)
Total number of reviews
37
Total rental companies
12
Average daily price
$43.54
Lowest daily price
$14.11
Total cars available
437

Top 12 Suppliers in Thailand in 2024

Drive Car Rental
Drive Car Rental
Very good 8.8 / 354 reviews
19 locations
$14 - $97
Thai Rent A Car
Thai Rent A Car
Very good 8.6 / 220 reviews
21 locations
yesaway
yesaway
Very good 8.6 / 169 reviews
5 locations
$26 - $81
SIXT
SIXT
Very good 8.4 / 81 reviews
14 locations
$21 - $271
Keddy
Keddy
Good 7.7 / 261 reviews
4 locations
$19 - $20
Hertz
Hertz
Good 7.7
13 locations
Europcar
Europcar
Good 7.6 / 46 reviews
5 locations
$22 - $67
Samui All Way
Samui All Way
Good 7.6 / 1 review
1 location
$26 - $68
Asap Car Rental
Asap Car Rental
Good 7.6
13 locations
$21 - $56
CARIFY
CARIFY
Good 7.6
3 locations
$30 - $89
Luv Drive Car Rent
Luv Drive Car Rent
Good 7.6
3 locations
$21 - $74
8mile Rent a car
8mile Rent a car
Good 7.5 / 4 reviews
2 locations
$36 - $136
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