From
US$14.40/day
From
US$30.77/day
From
US$24.59/day
From
US$30.83/day
From
US$33.51/day
From
US$140.49/day
Most popular car rental suppliers | Thai Rent a car |
---|---|
Most popular type | Small car |
Average daily price | US$14.40 |
Typical rental periods | 4 days |
Renting a car at Suvarnabhumi Airport is easy, with rental counters on Level 2 in the Arrivals Hall. Major companies like Thai Rent A Car, Avis, and Budget operate here. Don Mueang Airport (the old airport) also offers rental options on the 1st floor of Terminal 2.
Pro tip: Book ahead during high season (November–January) and have your passport, International Driving Permit (IDP), and credit card ready. Locals typically choose Thai Rent A Car or Budget for more competitive rates.
You must have both your home country's driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car. Thai law is strict—do not drive without an IDP, which must be obtained before arriving in Thailand. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old with a minimum of one year’s driving experience.
For city driving, compact cars like the Toyota Yaris or Honda City are ideal for tight streets and parking. If traveling upcountry, consider an SUV like the Honda HR-V or Toyota Fortuner, which perform better on flooded roads during the rainy season (June–October). Automatic transmission is standard, and most cars come equipped with air conditioning and GPS navigation.
Shopping malls generally offer parking at 30–50 baht per hour (approximately $0.90–$1.50 USD). However, street parking in central Bangkok can be challenging. Look for "Park & Ride" facilities near BTS stations if you’re heading downtown. Fuel stations are widespread—PTT and Shell are common—with fuel prices around 40–45 baht per liter for gasohol 95 (approximately $1.20–$1.35 USD per liter). At many stations, staff will fill up your tank for a small tip.
Most renters use their cars for trips outside Bangkok rather than city driving. Popular destinations include Ayutthaya Historical Park (1.5 hours north), Khao Yai National Park (3 hours northeast), Hua Hin (3 hours south), and Underwater World Pattaya (2 hours away for a beach trip). Major highways to these destinations are well-maintained and have plenty of rest stops. Road signs on these routes are typically in both Thai and English.
Bangkok traffic is famously chaotic. Expect heavy jams from 7–10 AM and 4–8 PM. Motorbikes often weave through lanes, and lane discipline is sometimes lacking. While GPS apps like Google Maps are helpful, travel times may be 30–50% longer during peak hours. Many locals prefer Grab's navigation, which is tuned to Bangkok's traffic conditions. Toll expressways are a worthwhile expense to avoid the worst traffic.
Opt for full insurance coverage since minor scratches and dings are common. Always take photos of any existing damage before leaving the rental office. Most rental companies offer insurance with a deductible of 10,000–20,000 baht (approximately $300–$600 USD). Keep small change handy for tolls, which typically cost 30–70 baht per gate (approximately $0.90–$2.10 USD). Always carry your rental papers and IDP, as police checks are frequent on major roads.