Car rental in Thailand

Cities

Cities: Thailand

All cities with built-in car search. Each page has a ready search, prices by class and rental terms.

Ao Nang (Krabi)

Bangkok

Hua Hin

Khao Lak Beach

Krabi

Pattaya

Surat Thani

Islands

Islands: Thailand

Major islands with their own hub — all the island's cities and the built-in car search on a single page.

PH

Phuket

17 cities

Open island

KO

Koh Samui

3 cities

Open island

Terms

Rental terms in Thailand

The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.

Terms Insurance Documents

Driver age — from 21 years.
Driving experience — from 1 years.
Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.

Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
No-deposit rentals are often available.

National driving licence.
Driver’s passport.
A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.

On the road

Driving rules in Thailand

A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.

Driver’s guide — Thailand
Currency	THB
Speed limits	60 city · 90 rural · 120 expressway (km/h)
Blood alcohol limit	up to 0.5 ‰
Daytime headlights	not required
Vignette (toll roads)	not required

Traffic rules: Thailand

Drive on the left with right-hand-drive vehicles. Overtake on the right, and at roundabouts give way to traffic already on the roundabout.
Speed limits: 60 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and up to 120 km/h on Motorway 7 (Bangkok–Pattaya) and Motorway 9. Always follow posted speed limit signs.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. For drivers with less than five years of experience, drivers under 20, and holders of temporary licences, the limit is 0.02%.
Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants, including rear-seat passengers. Children under 6 must travel in a child seat and only in the rear seats.
Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
There is no vignette system. Motorway 7, Motorway 9, and Bangkok expressways are tolled, with payment available at toll booths or via Easy Pass.
Winter tyres are not required. The main seasonal challenge is the rainy season (approximately May to October), when roads can become slippery and local flooding may occur.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for foreign drivers, except those holding driving licences issued by ASEAN countries. Police checkpoints are common, and fines must be paid through official procedures. Extra caution is advised on mountain roads in northern Thailand and during the monsoon season.

Questions

Frequently asked questions about car rental in Thailand

License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Thailand?

Yes. Foreign drivers must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with their national driving licence. Drivers holding licences from ASEAN countries are exempt.

What is the minimum age for renting a car?

Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old with two years of driving experience. Some companies only rent to drivers aged 23–25 and above, while younger drivers may pay an additional surcharge.

Does Thailand have left-hand traffic?

Yes. Traffic drives on the left, and vehicles have the steering wheel on the right. If you are used to driving on the right, take extra care during your first few hours on the road, especially at roundabouts.

Is a security deposit required?

Yes. A security deposit is usually blocked on the driver’s payment card. The amount depends on the vehicle category and rental company.

Where can I pick up and return the car?

Cars are commonly available at Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang), Phuket, Samui, and Chiang Mai airports, as well as in major resort towns. Hotel delivery may also be available.

Can I drive to neighbouring countries?

Usually not. Most rental companies do not allow cross-border travel with rental vehicles.

What insurance should I choose?

Basic insurance is included in the rental price. Full CDW with zero excess is available for additional peace of mind and protection against minor damage.

When should I book?

Demand is highest from November to February and on Phuket and Samui, where vehicles sell out quickly. Book in advance during peak season. Availability is generally better during the rainy season.

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