Renting a car in Thailand is straightforward and affordable — daily rates start from 800 THB ($23 USD) for a compact car and 1,500 THB ($42 USD) for an SUV. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is technically required alongside your home license, though enforcement is inconsistent outside Bangkok. Thailand drives on the left side of the road. If you’re comfortable driving in chaotic traffic and roundabout-free roads, renting a car opens up areas that public transport and tours don’t reach.
Car Rental Key Facts
- Minimum age: 21 (some companies require 23+)
- License required: Home country license + International Driving Permit (IDP)
- Drive on: Left side of the road
- Daily rates: 800-1,200 THB (compact), 1,500-2,500 THB (SUV/4WD)
- Insurance: Basic CDW included; full coverage recommended (200-400 THB/day extra)
- Fuel cost: ~35-40 THB/liter for gasoline (Jan 2026)
- Best for: Northern road trips, island exploration (Phuket, Samui), national park access
Where to Rent
International Companies
Budget, Hertz, Avis, and Sixt all operate in Thailand with counters at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, and Phuket Airport. Rates are higher than local companies (1,200-2,500 THB/day for a compact) but include proper insurance, newer vehicles, and roadside assistance. Book through their websites or aggregators like RentalCars.com or Kayak for best prices.
Thai Rental Companies
Thai Rent A Car — The largest Thai rental company with locations at all major airports and in most tourist cities. Competitive pricing (800-1,500 THB/day) and decent English support. Their online booking system is reliable.
Chic Car Rent — Popular budget option in Chiang Mai and Bangkok. Low rates (from 700 THB/day) but older vehicles. Good for basic transport.
BRC Car Rent — Well-reviewed local company in Phuket with airport pickup. From 800 THB/day for a compact.
Booking Aggregators
Sites like RentalCars.com, Kayak, and Klook compare prices across multiple companies. They often have exclusive deals and the advantage of booking in English with clear cancellation policies. However, read the insurance fine print carefully — some aggregator policies have high excess amounts.
License and IDP Requirements
Legally, you need both your home country driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Thailand. Get your IDP before traveling — they’re issued by your country’s automobile association (AAA in the US, AA/RAC in the UK, NRMA in Australia) and cost around $20-30.
Warning: If you’re in an accident without an IDP, your travel insurance may deny the claim — even if the accident wasn’t your fault. This is the single most important reason to get an IDP before your trip. The IDP itself rarely gets checked by police, but insurers will ask for it when processing claims.
Insurance
Thai rental cars typically include basic third-party liability insurance. For proper protection, you want:
- CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) — Usually included in the rental price. Reduces your liability for damage to the rental vehicle but often has a high excess (5,000-30,000 THB).
- Full coverage / SCDW — Reduces the excess to zero or near-zero. Costs 200-400 THB per day extra. Highly recommended.
- Personal accident insurance — Some rental companies offer this. Check if your travel insurance already covers it.
Before signing, check the vehicle for existing damage and photograph/video everything — scratches, dents, tire condition. Get the rental company to acknowledge any pre-existing damage in writing.
Driving in Thailand: What to Know
- Drive on the left — If you’re from a right-hand-drive country, the biggest adjustment is roundabouts (rare in Thailand) and turning at intersections. Highways are well-signed.
- Speed limits — 90 km/h on highways, 80 km/h on rural roads, 50 km/h in built-up areas. Speed cameras are common on major highways.
- Motorways are toll roads — The Bangkok expressway system and some intercity motorways charge tolls (25-150 THB per section). Carry small bills and coins.
- U-turns are normal — Thai roads use designated U-turn points instead of traffic lights at many intersections. You may need to drive past your destination and U-turn back to it.
- Motorbikes are everywhere — Check mirrors constantly. Motorbikes weave between lanes and ride on shoulders. This is the biggest hazard for foreign drivers.
- Don’t drive in Bangkok — Traffic is extreme and parking is expensive and scarce. Use transit, Grab, or taxis in Bangkok. Rent a car only for travel outside the city.
- Google Maps works well — Navigation is reliable throughout Thailand, including rural areas. Download offline maps before a road trip as mobile signal can drop in mountainous areas (e.g., Mae Hong Son Loop).
- Fuel stations are abundant — PTT, Shell, and Caltex/Chevron stations are everywhere on main roads. Many have 7-Eleven, clean toilets, and Amazon Cafe attached.
Best Road Trips in Thailand
| Route | Distance | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiang Mai to Pai | 135 km | 3-4 hours | 762 curves through mountains, Pai canyon, hot springs |
| Mae Hong Son Loop | 600 km loop | 3-5 days | Thailand’s most scenic drive: mountains, hill tribes, waterfalls |
| Bangkok to Khao Yai | 175 km | 2.5 hours | National park, vineyards, farm stays |
| Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai | 200 km | 3 hours | White Temple, Blue Temple, Golden Triangle |
| Phuket coastal drive | 50 km | Full day | West coast beaches, viewpoints, seafood at Rawai |
| Kanchanaburi to Sangkhlaburi | 230 km | 4 hours | Bridge over River Kwai, Erawan Falls, Mon Bridge |
Tip: The Mae Hong Son Loop (Chiang Mai → Pai → Mae Hong Son → Mae Sariang → Chiang Mai) is considered one of Southeast Asia’s best road trips. Rent a car or motorbike in Chiang Mai and allow 3-5 days. The road has 4,000+ curves and some steep mountain passes — experienced drivers only.
Alternatives to Self-Drive
If driving yourself feels too daunting, consider these options:
- Car with driver — Many rental companies offer a driver for 1,500-2,500 THB/day extra. You get the flexibility of a car without the stress of driving. The driver handles parking, tolls, and navigation.
- Grab/Bolt — Ride-hailing apps work well in all Thai cities. For day trips, you can negotiate a flat rate with a Grab driver (typically 1,500-3,000 THB for a full day trip depending on distance).
- Motorbike rental — 150-300 THB/day for a 125cc scooter. Popular on islands and in Chiang Mai. Requires an IDP with motorcycle endorsement for insurance coverage. Helmets are legally required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Thailand?
Technically yes — Thai law requires an IDP alongside your home country license. In practice, many rental companies will rent to you with just a foreign license. However, if you’re in an accident without an IDP, your insurance claim will likely be denied. Always get an IDP before your trip — it costs $20-30 and takes minutes to obtain.
Is it safe to drive in Thailand?
Thailand has high road accident rates by global standards, primarily due to motorbike accidents in rural areas. Car travel is significantly safer than motorbikes. Major highways are well-maintained with clear signage. The main challenges for foreign drivers are: driving on the left (if you’re not used to it), aggressive overtaking by other vehicles, and motorbikes appearing unpredictably. Avoid driving at night on rural roads where unlit vehicles and animals are common.
How much does it cost to rent a car in Thailand?
Budget compact cars (Toyota Yaris, Honda City) start from 800-1,200 THB/day ($23-34 USD). Mid-size SUVs (Toyota Fortuner, Honda CR-V) cost 1,500-2,500 THB/day. Weekly rates are typically 10-15% cheaper per day. Add 200-400 THB/day for full insurance coverage. Fuel costs about 35-40 THB/liter.
Should I rent a car or hire a private driver?
If you’re comfortable driving on the left and want maximum flexibility (especially for road trips like the Mae Hong Son Loop), self-drive is cheaper and more convenient. If you’re only doing day trips from a base, a car with driver (1,500-2,500 THB/day) eliminates parking hassle and driving stress. For Bangkok, don’t rent a car at all — use BTS/MRT and Grab.
