pickyourtrail_logo
Login
PYT - IndiaPYT - United StatesPYT - United Arab Emirates
award-image
  1. Home
  2. Tourism
  3. Thailand
  4. How to Rent a Car in Thailand: Complete Guide for Tourists

How to Rent a Car in Thailand: Complete Guide for Tourists

Rent, Ride, Revel
Rent a car in Thailand
Pick your next Hassle-free holiday with us

Planning to explore Thailand on your own schedule? Learning how to rent a car in Thailand is essential for anyone looking to enjoy the country’s stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and scenic countryside at their own pace. This complete 2025 guide covers everything about Thailand car rental, including how to choose the right vehicle, understand rental costs, and navigate local driving rules. Whether you want to hire a car in Thailand for a short city trip or a long road adventure, these tips will ensure your journey is smooth, safe, and cost-effective.

Documents Required to Rent a Car in Thailand

Essential Documentation

Home Country License: Original, non-expired license required
International Driving Permit: Mandatory for non-ASEAN visitors
Passport: Valid passport with Thailand entry stamp
Credit Card: Same name as driver's license

Pro Tip: ASEAN license holders may skip IDP requirements, but confirmation with rental companies is recommended.
 

Age and Experience Requirements
In Thailand, the age of the drivers should be at least 21 years, and drivers below 25 years may be surcharged and not allowed to drive certain vehicles. Others can also require an experience of 1-2 years of driving.
 

STAR JOURNEYS
Ticket to Thailand: Super Hit Escape
5 nights:

Phuket (3N)

Krabi (2N)

4
Hotels
7 activities
Private transfer
24x7 concierge
₹20,413
per person, 5 nights
  • Phuket - Phi Phi Island By Speed Boat With Lunch with Shared Transfer
+ 6 more

Step-by-Step Thailand Car Rental Process

Booking Your Rental Car
Book early for peak season (December-March)
Compare weekly rates vs daily pricing
Choose shoulder months (April-June, September-November) for better deals.
 

Vehicle Inspection Protocol
Document every scratch, dent, and interior condition
Take timestamped photos of the odometer and fuel gauge
Obtain a signed condition report before departure

 

Payment and Deposits
Credit cards are preferred over debit cards
Security deposits range $300-$800 USD
Confirm fuel policy (full-to-full recommended)
 

STAR JOURNEYS
Breeze Through Bangkok Pattaya: Fully Loaded
5 nights:

Pattaya (2N)

Bangkok (3N)

4
Hotels
7 activities
Private transfer
24x7 concierge
₹21,437
per person, 5 nights
  • Bangkok-Safari World & Marine Park With lunch With Shared Transfer
+ 6 more

Thailand Car Rental Cost Breakdown

Vehicle TypeDaily Rate (USD)Weekly Rate (USD)Best For
Economy (Toyota Yaris)$25-40$150-250City driving, islands
Compact/Midsize$35-55$200-350Mixed routes, comfort
SUV/4WD$50-80$300-500Mountain roads, rough terrain
7-Seater Van$60-100$350-600Family trips, groups

Additional Costs

  • Fuel: $1.20-1.40 per litre
  • Tolls: $2-15 per highway segment
  • Ferry fees: $10-30 for island transport
  • Parking: $2-10 per day in cities

Car Rental Insurance Thailand Guide

Essential Coverage Types

  • CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): Basic coverage with excess
  • SCDW (Super CDW): Reduces/eliminates excess fees
  • Third-party insurance: Included in most policies
  • Personal Accident Insurance: Optional coverage

Money-Saving Tip: Check existing travel insurance and credit card benefits before purchasing additional coverage.

Thai Traffic Rules and Driving Conditions

Key Driving Rules in Thailand
In Thailand, one should always be on the left side of the road, and all passengers should use seatbelts. Phone calls when driving should only be done using hands-free devices, and adhering to speed limits of 50-80 km/h in urban areas and 90-120 km/h on highways.
 

Road Conditions to Expect
There will be heavy traffic of motorbikes in all regions, and it is necessary to be particularly careful on the mountain roads during the night. Floods may happen during the monsoon season (May-October), and at the roundabouts, there is a tendency for motorists to adhere to the assertive entry concept.
 

Vehicle Selection for Different Routes

Popular Thailand Driving Routes
 

Bangkok to Ayutthaya: Compact car sufficient (1.5 hours)
Chiang Mai to Pai: SUV recommended (3+ hours, mountain curves)
Phuket island hopping: Check ferry size restrictions
Southern Thailand beaches: 4WD for beach access
 

Choosing the Right Vehicle
Economy vehicles are best for exploring the city and short distances. SUVs are comfortable on the highway and mountain routes. Vans are only suitable with big groups of people, but are restricted on certain islands by ferries.
 

Emergency Procedures and Safety

Accident Protocol
In case of an accident, you should first take care of yourself, and call the tourist police at 1155 and give a call to your rental company immediately. Record the scene, take photographs or videos, share information with the other involved parties and file a police report to ensure against loss.
 

Avoiding Common Scams
It is important to take detailed photos of the condition of a rented vehicle, retain fuel receipts and photos of the gauges and ensure that all accessories are included during pick-up. Besides, demand signed inspection reports to prevent future conflicts.
 

Quick Reference Checklist

Before Departure
Confirm IDP validity period  
Download offline GPS maps  
Save emergency contact numbers  
Review rental company policies  
 

At Pickup
Verify all required documents  
Complete a thorough vehicle inspection  
Test all electronic systems  
Confirm fuel policy and return location  
 

While Driving
Keep documents accessible  
Maintain a defensive driving approach  
Avoid night driving on unfamiliar mountain roads  
Use designated parking areas only  
 

Bottom line: How to Rent a Car in Thailand

Hiring a car in Thailand is the ultimate freedom to travel around this multicultural nation at will. It requires proper documentation, comprehensive check-ups of the vehicle, and awareness of the local driving habits. Early booking, planning of the right insurance and safety must be a priority that will make your Thailand road trip an unforgettable adventure.
To have stress-free travelling, you can make bookings with trusted travel agents like Pickyourtrail to manage paperwork and also offer local assistance during your travels.

FAQ'S

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

A- Yes, the majority of Thailand car rental agencies will demand an IDP, as well as a license issued in your native country. The holders of the ASEAN licenses might be exempt, although they need to be checked with the rental companies.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Thailand per day?

A- Prices of hiring a car in Thailand begin at 25 USD per day for economy cars. Weekly rentals are at a better price and rent is between 150 and 600 USD, depending on the type of vehicle and the time of the year.

Can I drive a Thai rental car across borders to other countries?

A- Intercountry driving is only allowed with special permission and modified insurance. The majority of rental firms do not permit international travel. It is always advisable to check on policies before booking, in case of visiting other countries in the neighbourhood.

What happens if I get into an accident with a rental car in Thailand?

A- Call the tourist police (1155) and then inform your rental company. Take pictures of everything, share information with other individuals and report to the police. Financial responsibility will depend on your insurance coverage.

What are the main traffic rules for tourists driving in Thailand?

A- The major regulations are driving on the left, obligatory seatbelts, hands-free phones only, and respecting the speed limit (50-80 km/h in cities, 90-120 km/h on highways). In the majority of cases, motorbikes have the right-of-way.

Customise your own super hit itinerary
We think you are in .
Update your location?