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Road Genius makes it easy to find rental car offers at Phuket Airport (HKT). Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Browse on-airport and nearby Phuket car hire companies in one search, with clear insurance options and choices like one-way rentals. Most counters operate 24/7, but in high season allow 20 to 30 minutes for pickup and bring your passport, home licence and IDP.
| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airport Rentals |
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| City Centre Offices |
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On average, car rentals at Phuket Airport cost around THB ฿1,676 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from THB ฿566 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup in Phuket: airport rates are usually 5-10% higher. If you’re staying in Patong/Karon, consider a taxi on arrival and pick up in town next morning. Check city office hours (often 8am-6pm) and hotel delivery options.
Time it by season, not always early: For Phuket’s high season Nov–Feb, lock in 2–3 months ahead. In the rainy season Jul–Oct, be flexible and check last-minute deals and promos.
Choose the smallest car that fits: Economy/compact cars are typically 800–1,200 baht/day and sip fuel. Compare models and trunk space across suppliers before upgrading.
Leverage longer rentals: 7+ days often price better and sometimes waive one-way fees. Monthly rates can be 30–40% cheaper than paying day by day.
Fuel smart: Most rentals are full-to-full. Refuel yourself to avoid company markup. Around Phuket there are no toll roads, so no toll pass costs to worry about.
Use a comparison search to test different pickup times, dates, and locations. Small tweaks often surface cheaper rates or free-upgrade promos.
| Location | Options Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Major Cities | Street spots, shopping centres, public lots | Red-white kerb markings show no stopping areas. Yellow-white marks are for loading/unloading only. |
| Beach Areas | Street spots, hotel lots, designated beach lots | Patong/Chaweng get most crowded. Quieter beaches have easier parking. |
| Tourist Attractions | Dedicated areas | Usually free or small fee |
| National Parks | Designated lots | Included in park entrance fee |
| Shopping Centres | Multi-storey car parks | Often free for 2-3 hours when validated, then hourly charges apply |
| Rule | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Road Side | Drive on the left side of the road |
| Documents | Carry International Driving Permit (IDP) and home country licence |
| Speed Limits | Cities: 50-60 km/h Rural highways: 90-100 km/h Expressways: up to 120 km/h |
| Alcohol Limit | 0.05% blood alcohol content (zero for drivers under 20) |
| Seatbelts | Required for everyone (front and back) |
| Mobile Phones | Only hands-free use allowed |
| Children | Children under 6 must use a proper car seat |
| Left Turn | Left turn on red is allowed only where a sign permits it |
Book a rental to see:
Patong – beach, nightlife
Phuket Old Town – architecture, markets
Karon and Kata – beaches, viewpoints
Kamala and Surin – beaches, beach clubs
Big Buddha – temple, viewpoint
Promthep Cape – viewpoint, cape
What documents do I need to rent a car in Thailand?
You need your passport, a valid driver's licence from your home country and an International Driving Permit (IDP). Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, but some ask that you are 23-25 for certain types of cars.
What type of insurance should I get for a rental car in Thailand?
By law, your rental comes with basic third-party liability insurance, but this only covers damage to other cars. We strongly suggest you buy a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or full coverage for your rental. This usually costs 200-400 baht per day and means you pay little to nothing for damage to your rental car.
How much is the security deposit for car rentals in Thailand?
Deposits are usually between 10,000 and 20,000 baht, depending on the type of car and the rental company. The company holds this amount on your credit card and releases it when you return the car without damage. Some local companies might also take cash deposits of 5,000-10,000 baht.
Can I do a one-way rental in Thailand?
Yes, most companies let you do one-way rentals between major cities. They usually charge a drop fee, which changes based on the route and company. This fee is often around 1,500–6,000+ baht, but it can be lower for longer rentals. Many companies won't charge the fee if you rent for 7 days or more on some routes.
How are toll roads handled with rental cars?
Some rental cars come with RFID toll passes like Easy Pass or M-Pass. Ask the rental company how they charge for tolls. Usually, they bill your card after the rental and may add a small service fee. If your car doesn't have a toll tag, you can pay with cash at the toll booths.
What should I do if I get into an accident with a rental car?
Stop and get the contact and car registration details from the other drivers. Call your rental company's emergency number right away. They will often send someone to help you or tell you how to deal with the police and insurance. Call the police (191) to file a report, as you will need it for your insurance claim.
Is it legal to drive from Thailand into neighbouring countries?
Most rental companies don't let you drive their standard cars to nearby countries like Malaysia, Laos or Cambodia. You might be able to arrange it if you get extra insurance, but this is usually not a good option for short trips.
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