EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great hire car offers in Bangkok. Compare prices and book in one place. Simple. Pick up at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or in the city centre and compare economy, SUV and minivan deals from major brands and local providers. a rental car makes day trips to Ayutthaya, Pattaya and Kanchanaburi easy via toll expressways, so keep small bills handy.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) |
|
|
| City Centre Locations |
|
|
Pickup Experience: At Suvarnabhumi Airport, counters are easy to find in the arrivals area. After paperwork, you'll either be directed to the airport car park or taken by shuttle to an off-site location (15-30 minute transfer for some companies).
On average, car rentals in Bangkok cost around THB ฿2,150 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from THB ฿566 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup. BKK is 24/7 but often pricier due to airport fees. If you’re in Bangkok for a couple of days first, pick up later at a city branch to save.
Rent only for day trips outside Bangkok. Use BTS/MRT in the city, then grab a car for Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Pattaya, etc.
Time your booking to the season. For Bangkok’s high season and holidays (Nov–Feb, Songkran, New Year), book 2–3 months ahead. In rainy season (Jun–Oct), compare closer to pickup for promos or upgrades.
Pick the smallest car that fits your crew. Economy/compact cars are cheapest and easier to park in Bangkok’s tight spots.
Check weekly rates. If you need 5+ days, a 7-day rate can price close to 6 days.
Compare one-way options. Fees vary by route and season. For popular routes like Bangkok–Pattaya, some deals can be low or waived, so check both directions and suppliers. Also, return with a full tank to avoid refuelling charges.
| Parking Type | Information |
|---|---|
| Street Parking | Very limited. Red-white kerb means no stopping at any time. Yellow-white kerbs indicate loading zones or time-restricted spaces. |
| Shopping Malls | Reliable option. Often free for 2-3 hours when you buy something, then hourly charges apply. |
| Hotel Parking | 4-5 star hotels usually have spaces for guests. Budget hotels may not offer facilities. |
| Private Lots | Available in busy areas for short stays. |
Strategy: In crowded areas, park at a nearby mall or hotel car park and walk or take a short taxi to your destination.
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Speed Limits | 50-60 km/h on most city roads, school zones may be 30 km/h |
| Rush Hours | 7:00-9:30 AM and 4:30-7:30 PM on weekdays. Avoid if possible |
| One-Way Systems | Extensive throughout city centre, follow signs carefully |
| U-Turn System | Instead of left turns at intersections, dedicated U-turn lanes are common |
| Motorcycle Awareness | Motorbikes filter between lanes and may drive unpredictably |
| Pedestrian Crossings | Legally required to yield to pedestrians, though local compliance varies |
| Left Turn on Red | Only allowed when a specific sign permits it or a green left arrow is displayed. Otherwise, do not turn left on red |
Book a hire car to see:
Ayutthaya – 80 km, 1.5 hours
Pattaya – 150 km, 2 hours, Route 7
Kanchanaburi – 130 km, 2.5 hours
Hua Hin – 200 km, 3-4 hours
Khao Yai National Park – 180 km, 3 hours
Damnoen Saduak Floating Market – 100 km, 1.5 hours
Is it a good idea to drive in central Bangkok? You'll find driving in central Bangkok is hard because of the heavy traffic, confusing one-way streets and limited parking. Many visitors find it easier to use public transport like the BTS Skytrain and MRT subway in the city centre. They only use a rental car for trips to other provinces or areas that public transport doesn't easily reach.
When is the best time to drive out of Bangkok? You should try to leave Bangkok in the early morning (before 7 AM), around midday on weekdays or on weekends. Avoid Friday evenings (4-8 PM) when lots of people leave for weekend trips and Sunday evenings when they come back.
How do I handle Bangkok's heavy traffic? We recommend you use navigation apps for real-time traffic updates, take express toll roads where you can and be patient. You should build extra time into your schedule, especially during rush hours. Also, you can make a plan to park your car and use public transport to get through the busiest areas.
What should I do if my car gets stuck in flooding during rainy season? If you come across a flooded road, check how deep the water is before you drive through. If the water looks like it's higher than half your tyre height, you should find another way. If you're already in the water and your car stops, don't try to restart the engine as water might get inside. You should call your rental company's emergency help number straight away.
Are there any areas in Bangkok where driving is restricted? Yes, you'll find some small lanes or roads are closed to cars at certain times, for example when streets turn into markets just for people walking. You should watch for signs or barriers that show these rules. You will also see bus-only lanes on some major roads during rush hours.
How do I handle toll roads around Bangkok? You should keep small bills ready to pay at toll booths. If your hire car has an Easy Pass toll tag, you need to ask the rental company how they will charge you for the tolls you use. You should avoid the M-Flow electronic lanes unless your rental company has signed the car up for the service and explained how to use it.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support