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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Thailand
Thailand
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Thailand
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Thailand
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Thailand
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Thailand?
Thailand, the Land of Smiles, is a country of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and ancient temples. From bustling cities to tranquil beaches, there's so much to explore. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom and flexibility to discover Thailand at your own pace.
Ultimate Freedom & Flexibility. Public transport in Thailand can be crowded and time-consuming. With a rental car, you can travel whenever and wherever you want, creating your own itinerary and discovering hidden gems.
Access to Remote Locations. Many of Thailand's most beautiful spots, such as national parks, waterfalls, and secluded beaches, are difficult to reach by public transport. A rental car allows you to explore these off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Comfort & Convenience. Traveling in Thailand's heat and humidity can be challenging. A rental car provides a comfortable and air-conditioned sanctuary, allowing you to travel in style and convenience.
Cost-Effective for Groups. For families or groups of friends, renting a car can be more affordable than purchasing multiple bus or train tickets. Plus, you can split fuel costs and enjoy the journey together.
Driving in Thailand: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Left hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
Thai
Average petrol price
£1.30 per litre or £4.92 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
90 km/h or 56 mph
Currency
Thai Baht
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
7.8/10
Dialing Code
+66
Driving in Thailand can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to understand the local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here's what you need to know before hitting the road.
1. Always Drive on the Left Like in the UK, traffic flows on the left side of the road in Thailand. Adjusting to this can take some time, especially at roundabouts.
- Stay Left
- Use Indicators
2. Speed Limits Speed limits are strictly enforced in Thailand. Be mindful of the posted limits, which vary depending on the type of road and location.
- City
- Highway
3. Seatbelt Laws Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in the front seats. It's also recommended to wear seatbelts in the back seats for your safety.
- Front Seats
- Back Seats
4. Drink Driving Thailand has strict laws against drink driving. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.05%. It's best to avoid alcohol altogether when driving.
- Legal Limit
- Penalties
5. Parking Parking can be challenging in major cities like Bangkok. Look for designated parking areas or parking garages. Avoid parking on sidewalks or blocking traffic.
- Designated Areas
- Avoid Blocking Traffic
Top drives in the Thailand:
Exploring Thailand by car unveils hidden gems, scenic routes, and unforgettable experiences.
From the cultural heart of Chiang Mai to the tropical beaches of Phuket, a road trip in Thailand offers unparalleled freedom and adventure.
Car Rental Prices in Thailand – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €23
Classic:
from £10 / $12 / €11
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €34
7 Seater:
from £35 / $44 / €40
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £12 / $15 / €14
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Thailand
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (December to February): Prices start at approximately £55 / $69 / €63 per day*. The dry and cool season attracts many tourists, leading to higher demand and prices.
Low season (May to October): Discounts available from around £30 / $38 / €34 per day*. This is the rainy season, with fewer tourists and lower prices.
Shoulder season (March to April & November): Prices range from £40 / $50 / €45 per day*. These months offer a balance of good weather and reasonable prices.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location.
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Thailand
Renting a car in Thailand provides the freedom to explore at your own pace, but costs can quickly add up. Here are some practical strategies to save money on your car rental while still enjoying a great experience.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Rental prices typically increase closer to the pick-up date. Booking in advance ensures better rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices and Look for Discounts.: Use price comparison websites to find the best car rental deals. Many rental companies offer discounts for early bookings, longer rentals, or partnerships with airlines and hotels.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs.: Larger vehicles cost more to rent and consume more fuel. If you're travelling solo or as a couple, an economy car is the most cost-effective option.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully.: Rental companies may offer expensive insurance add-ons. Before purchasing, check if your travel insurance or credit card provides rental car insurance coverage to avoid unnecessary charges.
5. Refuel Before Returning.: Returning a car with an empty tank can result in hefty refuelling charges. Always refill the tank at a local petrol station before returning the vehicle to save money.
6. Avoid Airport Pick-up/Drop-off.: Rental companies located at airports often charge higher rates. Consider taking a taxi or shuttle to an off-airport location to save money.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Thailand?
Renting a car in Thailand is a relatively straightforward process, but it's important to meet certain requirements before you can drive off. Here's what you'll need:
Valid Driver’s Licence. You'll need a valid driver's licence from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is also recommended, especially if your licence is not in English or Thai.
Minimum Age Requirement. Most car rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may have higher age restrictions or charge extra fees for drivers under 25.
Credit Card. A valid credit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit. Some rental companies may also accept debit cards, but credit cards are generally preferred.
Passport. You'll need your passport as proof of identity, especially if you're a foreign visitor.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Thailand as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, really
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 06.08.2025
Pretty relaxed, overall
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 06.09.2024
Pretty good, actually
Maya Rodriguez
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Pretty laid-back, yeah
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 08.01.2025
Family vacation in Thailand was incredible! Exploring with our rental car gave us so much flexibility. Highly recommend!
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 11.09.2024
Thailand was breathtaking! Having a car made exploring so easy; the temples, beaches… incredible.
Olivia Peterson
Reviewed: 20.07.2025
Exploring Thailand by car was liberating! The food was mostly fantastic, though I found one restaurant a bit overpriced.
Jessica Wilson
Reviewed: 26.07.2025
Thailand was even more amazing than I remembered! So much freedom exploring at my own pace. Back after twenty years, and it's even better.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 06.01.2025