Car Rental in Bangkok

Why rent a car in Bangkok?

Bangkok is a great place for renting a car. Huge and very busy, it can feel hectic at first, but once you get used to it, you'll see why it’s one of the most vibrant, historically unique, and culturally developed cities of East Asia. From the capital, it’s easy to explore the rest of Thailand including its mountains, temples, and endless tropical beaches.

Top ways to enter Bangkok

• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport: The busiest in Thailand and among the largest in the region, this airport handles more than 63 million passengers every year. The airport serves countless flights to and from destinations in East and South Asia as well as in Oceania, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Located 32km (20 miles) east of Bangkok center, the airport can be reached in about 25 minutes. The word “Suvarnabhumi” means “Land of gold” in Sanskrit.
• Bangkok Don Mueang Airport: The other international airport in the Greater Bangkok area, Don Mueang Airport serves more than 40 million travelers every year. The airport is a hub for domestic flights but also serves flights to and from foreign countries like Indonesia, India, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia. Don Mueang Airport is located 26km (16 miles) north of Bangkok’s city center.
• U-Tapao Airport: Serving both Rayong and Pattaya, two large resort cities on Thailand’s east coast, U-Tapao Airport hosts flights by more than 15 different airlines. There are connections to Malaysia and China as well as Russia and the United Kingdom. U Tapao Airport is located 174km (108 miles) southeast of Bangkok and can be reached in about two hours.
• Chiang Mai Airport: The fourth-busiest in the country, Chiang Mai Airport is the largest in Northern Thailand. It hosts plenty of domestic flights as well as flights to many other East Asian countries. Chiang Mai Airport is about 690km (429 miles) north of Bangkok.
• By public transportation: If you arrive in Bangkok by bus, minibus, train, or ship, you can conveniently pick up a rental car in Bangkok’s city center.

City facts

• Bangkok enjoys a tropical climate. The city has three seasons - a dry season lasting from November to February, a hot season from February to May, and a rainy season from June to October. Temperature changes are minimal throughout the year, the average temperature being 27°C (81°F) in January, the coldest month, and 30.5°C (87°F) in April, the warmest month. Thanks to the urban heat effect, the temperature in Bangkok is always 3 - 5°C higher than in the surrounding non-urban areas. With the added humidity, April can be quite uncomfortably hot.
• With 8 million inhabitants inside the city proper and another 6 million in the Greater Bangkok area, Bangkok is the second largest city in Southeast Asia behind only Jakarta in Indonesia. More than every fifth inhabitant of Thailand lives in or near the capital city.
• Most locals don’t use the name “Bangkok” - instead, they call the capital city Krung Thep Maha Nakhon or simply Krung Thep, which means “city of angels.” The Thai language, a member of the Kra-Dai language family, is by far the most common language in Bangkok. There are also small communities of speakers of other Southeast Asian languages, such as Khmer, Lao, Vietnamese, and Malay. English is well-known by many people working in the tourism industry, and some also speak French, German, Japanese, or Russian.
• It’s a good idea to download the BK Now mobile app. Available in English and updated on a weekly basis, it provides information about Bangkok’s hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, as well as all the upcoming concerts and cultural events.

Top sights and activities

• Wat Pho. Older than Bangkok itself, the Wat Pho temple is one of the most impressive examples of Buddhist architecture in the region. Also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, it was renovated in the 17th and the 18th century, first by King Rama I and then by his successor King Rama III. The temple has more than one thousand Buddha images and sculptures, the largest of which is 46 meters long.  Wat Pho is the national headquarters for the preservation and teaching of traditional Thai medicine and massage. Therefore one of the best things to do in Bangkok is to have a massage here. 
• Museum of Siam. Siam was Thailand’s old name, changed only in 1949. Fittingly, this unique museum is focused on the long and diverse history of the country. A “discovery museum”, it allows visitors to learn by doing, so you’ll have a chance to participate in the ancient tribal warfare, cook local food, try on traditional clothes, and even ride a tuk-tuk rickshaw, perhaps the number one symbol of Bangkok in the 21st Century.
• Grand Palace. P Perhaps the most impressive building in Bangkok, and its most popular tourist attraction. The Grand Palace was home of the Thai Royal family until 1925 when they moved to Dusit Palace. It still plays an important role in Thailand's royal and religious ceremonies. Luckily, you can tour the immense architectural complex from the outside, see its halls from inside, and visit the famous Wat Phra Kaew, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
• Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World. The largest aquarium of its kind in Southeast Asia, Sea Life/Ocean World is one of the most popular family attractions in the Thai capital. Visitors can see and learn more about hundreds of marine wildlife species such as Giant Pacific octopuses, jackass penguins, and stingray sharks. The aquarium is in the Pathum Wan district near the old town of Bangkok.
• Chatuchak weekend market. With both permanent stores and makeshift stalls, the Chatuchak weekend market includes around 8,000 vendors and attracts 20,000 visitors per day. It’s the one largest markets in the world and covers a whopping 27 acres of space. Nearly everything you could possibly desire is available somewhere within the shopping sprawl. It’s only open on Saturday and Sunday though, and closes at 5pm, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.
• Wat Benchamabophit. Another religious landmark that’s a much beloved (and much photographed) tourist attraction, this temple is relatively new – its construction dates back to the early 20th century – but what it lacks in history it more than makes up for with its elaborate roofs, gold-crusted interior, and statues of guardian lions. Also known as the Marble Temple, it can be found in the Dusit neighborhood which is a little northeast of the city center.

Traffic and parking

• Cars in Thailand drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limit for all cars exceeding the weight of 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs) is 80 km/h (50 mph) on motorways, 80 km/h (50 mph) outside built-up areas, and 60 km/h (37 mph) inside residential and built-up areas.
• Bangkok is a huge city and traffic can get quite congested, especially during mornings and evenings. Plan your travel times accordingly. Sometimes taking a longer loop to avoid the city center can be preferable in terms of saving time. It’s a good idea to get a mobile traffic app (most locals prefer the Nostra App).
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Exceeding the limit can lead to hefty fines, a license ban, or even deportation.
• Thailand has some of the best highways in the region. The road network is constantly being improved and expanded. However, some countryside roads can be in less-than-perfect shape, so it’s important to drive carefully on them, especially after dark. For traveling around the country, it’s important to get a good GPS system; however, keep in mind that some areas are still not covered by the GPS or some information might be inaccurate, so it’s important to plan your route in advance. Driving in the jungle or mountains often requires a 4x4 vehicle.
• Proof of insurance and the car’s documentation needs to be in it whenever you’re driving.
• When driving, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The English-speaking tourist police phone number is 1155. The general police number is 191, the ambulance and rescue number is 1154,  and the fire department number is 199.

Toll roads

• Thailand has a number of toll roads, most of them starting in the Greater Bangkok area (for example, Bangkok-Pattaya or Bangkok-Kanchanaburi). To go from Bangkok to many other destinations in the country, the easiest, and sometimes only, option is to use a toll road.
• Most of the toll roads can be entered and exited via a toll booth where you have to pay. Most of them only accept cash and it’s better to have an exact change. The toll payment will depend on the size of the car as well as the length of your travel. The prices are quite reasonable although they have increased a couple of times during recent years.
• As of June 2019, some new toll roads are under construction and there are plans for building more, especially near Bangkok. Be sure to look up the latest information online and ask your rental car provider for more information about toll roads in Thailand.

Ideas for day trips

• Amphawa Village’s Floating Market. A small village not far from the capital city, Amphawa is famous for its floating market. More than 50km (31 miles) long, it is a place where farmers and craftsmen sell their produce, giving a much more local feel than most places in Bangkok. Open from Friday to Sunday, it’s good to keep in mind that Amphawa Floating Market only opens around 2 pm (unlike many markets in Bangkok that are open from very early in the morning). The views along the Amphawa Canal are stunning, especially at night when the fireflies come out from the canopy and illuminate the air. Amphawa is about 86 km (53 miles) west of Bangkok and can be reached in an hour and a half.
• The Historic City of Ayutthaya. One of the capitals of Siam, Ayutthaya was one of the most fabled cities of East Asia. Founded in the 14th Century, it attracted merchants and adventurers not only from China and India but also Arab countries and even as far away as France and Portugal. The city was destroyed in 1767, but the ruins of temples and fortresses remain and remind everyone of its past glories. Located 80km (50 miles) north of Bangkok, the Historic City of Ayutthaya can be reached in about one hour. A fun way to tour the ruins of this UNESCO World Heritage Site is by bike.  
• Kanchanaburi. A historic city in the province of the same name, Kanchanaburi is most famous for the bridge of the river Kwai that inspired the 1950s Hollywood movie of the same name. Once part of the infamous Burma Death Railway, the bridge was built by prisoners of war and slave labor during World War 2. To lift your spirits after learn about the region’s tragic history, visit the mightily impressive Wat Ban Tham, also known as the Temple of the Golden Dragon. You may also want to visit the waterfalls of Erawan National Park. Located about 130km (81 miles) northwest of Bangkok, Kanchanaburi can be reached in less than two hours.
• Nakhon Pathom. Although a fairly quiet provincial city nowadays, Nakhon Pathom holds at least two records — being Thailand’s oldest city and the location of the world’s largest Buddhist stupa. In addition to the latter landmark, there is also Wat Srisathong (a temple for the Hindu god of darkness), the Human Imagery Museum, and the Wat Lampaya floating market. The drive from Bangkok takes only about 50 minutes.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car in Bangkok is the Nissan Almera, followed by the Toyota Yaris and the Mitsubishi Range. The most popular rental car types are the compact, economy, and mini classes.

Further destinations

• Khao Yai National Park. Located in the beautiful Samkamphaeng Mountains, this Thai national park offers a great variety of landscapes, from highlands to tropical jungle to grassy savanna, all of which can be explored by trekking and hiking. The park’s inhabitants include Asian black bears, Indian elephants, and pig-tailed macaques as well as unique species like dholes, muntjacs, and sambar deer. Located in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Khao Yai is only about 100km (62 miles) northeast of Bangkok and can be reached in less than two hours.
• Pattaya. One of the oldest and most-famous of Thailand’s resort cities, Pattaya has been developing at a rapid pace for decades, though its many long beaches remain as exotic and inviting as ever. As elsewhere in the country, you’re never far away from impressive ancient temples, either. It’s also well known for its excellent street food and bustling nightlife. Just 150km (93 miles) southeast of Bangkok, Pattaya can be reached in about two hours.
• Hua Hin. Hua Hin offers a coastal retreat at an easy three hour drive south west of Bangkok (124 miles). Since the 1920’s, this coastal city has been the royal family’s preferred summer retreat. It's more affordable and laid back than other Thai beach destinations that are overpopulated with international tourists. The area also has great fishing, excellent folf courses and beautiful rainforests. 
• Chiang Mai. The former capital of the Kingdom of Lan Na and the largest city in Thailand’s north, Chiang Mai is a very different destination than those on the southern coast. Surrounded on all sides by jungle and impressive mountains, it is a more calm and traditional place. The city is characterized by its walled old town as well as impressive palaces and monasteries that are surrounded by lush gardens. It takes 8 to 10 hours to reach by car, but the long drive is worth it.
• Krabi. A province in the far south of Thailand on the coast of the Andaman Sea, Krabi is another idyllic beach destination. The region is known for its distinct limestone peaks, tropical islands, protected nature areas, and longtail boats. Rock climbing is a popular activity, here especially on the more secluded Railay Bay. While it’s technically possible to drive from Bangkok to Krabi, it would take about ten hours, and you should ask your rental car provider in advance if they permit it. Many travelers choose to drop off one rental in Bangkok, take a flight, and pick up a new vehicle in Krabi.
• Malaysia. Located south of Thailand, Malaysia is a relatively underrated travel destination that very much deserves your attention if you’re on a longer trip to Southeast Asia. It can be an especially tempting option for those travelers who already find themselves in Phuket, Songkhla, or elsewhere in Southern Thailand. English-speaking and with good tourist infrastructure, Malaysia’s highlights include tropical beaches, tranquil hill stations, vast national parks, multiethnic cultural heritage, and its bustling capital, Kuala Lumpur. Most rental car companies don’t permit taking a vehicle over the border, but you can drop one off in Thailand and pick up a new one after you arrive in Malaysia.

Car rental prices in Bangkok

• Small cars - from $15 per day
• Medium cars - from $18 per day
• Large cars - from $23 per day
• SUVs - from $25 per day
• Premium cars - from $55 per day
• Vans - from $25 per day
• Station wagons - from $26 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Try these simple tips to make sure you get the best possible rental car in Bangkok:

• Compare the 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 during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Bangkok is the cheapest in January when renting a car is about 25% cheaper than the yearly average.