Where to Rent a Car in Phuket?
Renting a car in Phuket is one of the most practical ways to explore the island and visit places that are not always easy to reach by public transport. If you want to explore remote beaches, visit attractions in the north or even drive to Phang Nga on the mainland, having your own car gives you the freedom to set your own schedule. Finding a car rental company is simple, but it is important to follow some basic rules to avoid trouble and bad surprises. Booking in advance with a reputable international brand is the best way to prevent unnecessary surprises or hidden costs. See my recommendations for reliable companies below. There are five common ways to rent a car in Phuket. After more than 30 years of renting cars here, booking early and going with a trusted brand makes all the difference.
While each option is convenient, choosing the right one matters, especially for proper insurance coverage. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for all rentals. Keep in mind that driving in Phuket, and in Thailand generally, can be challenging. Rules on the road differ from those in your home country. Drivers may stop unexpectedly or change lanes without warning. Roads can become especially busy in the southern part of Phuket, with underpass and overpass construction causing more delays at rush hour. Read this page through to prepare for a safer and easier driving experience. If you prefer not to drive, check out all the ways to get around Phuket, including Bolt and inDrive ride-hailing apps.
Five Ways to Rent a Car in Phuket
Orange Car Phuket
Sponsored
We offer easy and secure online car rental.- We will deliver the car to any point on the island and pick it up at the place of residence.
- We have a convenient payment method: we accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express.
- Your safety is our priority. We offer insurance coverage of 400 thousand baht in case of an accident.
- With our cars, you can travel around Phuket.
- Rent an economy-class car starting from 450 baht per day (the price depends on the number of days and the rental season).
1. Book with an international brand
My advice to avoid any bad surprises is to always book in advance with an international brand. And this is for several good reasons:
- Booking in advance makes sure the car type you prefer is available. During the low season, this will not be much of a problem, but during high season, you might find only expensive models left or no cars at all.
- You can compare several companies online before committing. This is particularly useful if you plan to book for a relatively long period.
- Insurance terms are clearly stated online before you pay. You know exactly what is covered and what the excess (deductible) is.
The Insurance
You only find out how good or bad insurance is when something has happened, and it is too late to change your mind. Most international brands have long-standing proof of record, and you can expect the promised insurance to kick in when needed. Usually, there is an excess (deductible) that will not be covered, typically around 5,000 to 10,000 THB, depending on the company and vehicle type. You can buy extra coverage to reduce or eliminate this excess. I always take that additional coverage for peace of mind. Driving in Thailand is unlike anywhere else in the world and really requires full-time attention, so having proper insurance is not optional in my opinion.
Most international companies have a counter at Phuket Airport, in both the domestic and international terminals. I have tried most of them over the years with varying levels of satisfaction. Everyone’s experience will be slightly different, especially during high season when staff are busy, and car availability is tighter.
International Car Rental Companies in Phuket
All the major international brands operate at Phuket Airport and offer online booking. Prices below are approximate starting rates per day for automatic vehicles with airport pickup and return. They change frequently based on season, how far in advance you book, and vehicle availability. Prices are usually lower during the low season (May to October) and higher during peak months (December to February). Booking a few weeks ahead can save a lot compared to walking up to the counter on arrival.
HERTZ
One of the most recognised brands worldwide. Their counter is on the 1st floor of the arrivals hall at Phuket Airport, open 24 hours. Fleet includes economy hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs. Prices below are approximate starting rates per day and change based on season and availability.
- Economy (Toyota Yaris or similar): from 750 THB
- Compact (Toyota Vios / Honda City): from 1,200 THB
- Intermediate (Honda Civic or similar): from 1,300 THB
- SUV (Honda CR-V / Toyota Fortuner): from 2,200 THB
Website: hertzthailand.com
BUDGET
Budget has a clear, easy-to-use website and offers a good range of vehicles. Their main counter is at the airport, and they also have a branch in the Kathu area. Credit card deposit of 5,000 THB is standard. Debit cards are not accepted.
- Economy (Toyota Yaris or similar): from 850 THB
- Compact (Toyota Vios / Honda City): from 1,000 THB
- Intermediate (Toyota Altis 1.6 or similar): from 1,500 THB
- SUV (Toyota Fortuner or similar): from 2,300 THB
Website: budget.co.th
EUROPCAR
Europcar has been operating in Thailand since 2015. Their counter is in the international terminal near gate 5. Baby seats are available on request. A young driver surcharge applies for drivers aged 17 to 25.
- Mini (Nissan Almera 1.2 or similar): from 700 THB
- Economy (Toyota Yaris or similar): from 1,000 THB
- Compact (Toyota Vios or similar): from 1,050 THB
- Intermediate (Toyota Altis 1.6 or similar): from 1,200 THB
- SUV (Honda CR-V or similar): from 2,500 THB
Website: europcar.com
SIXT
Sixt has its counter in the arrivals hall of the domestic terminal. If you arrive on an international flight, it is a short walk. They also have a branch at the InterContinental Phuket Resort. Sixt offers electric vehicles (EV) in Phuket and allows free one-way rentals between stations within Phuket. Minimum rental age is 18.
- Economy (Toyota Yaris 1.2 or similar): from 750 THB
- Compact (Honda City or similar): from 900 THB
- Intermediate (Honda Civic or similar): from 1,100 THB
- SUV (Toyota Fortuner or similar): from 2,000 THB
Website: sixt.com
AVIS
Avis has a counter at the airport terminal. They accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB. Debit cards are not accepted. A shuttle service connects the counter to the car pick-up area.
- Mini (Toyota Yaris or similar): from 1,100 THB
- Economy (Toyota Vios or similar): from 1,200 THB
- Intermediate (Toyota Altis 1.8 or similar): from 1,600 THB
- SUV (Toyota Fortuner or similar): from 2,300 THB
Website: avis.com
NATIONAL CAR RENTAL
National has counters at both the international terminal (near gate 4) and the domestic terminal (near gate 2). Their international website does not always show Phuket as a bookable location, but the company does operate here. You can often find better rates through aggregator sites like KAYAK or Trip.com. No charge for additional drivers. Hotel delivery is available.
- Economy (Toyota Yaris or similar): from 700 THB
- Compact (Honda Jazz / Toyota Vios): from 900 THB
- Intermediate (Nissan Sylphy 1.6 or similar): from 1,100 THB
- SUV (Toyota Fortuner or similar): from 2,000 THB
Website: nationalcar.com
2. Renting a car directly at Phuket Airport with international brands
Ideally, you booked your car in advance as advised above, and all you have to do is pick it up upon arrival. The time it takes to collect the vehicle varies a lot, even if all the documents are in order. Just be patient.
If you did not book, most companies would probably have a car for you, but your choice might be limited. The vehicle could be older, or worse, during peak season, there might be no cars available at all. Staff at airport rental counters can sometimes appear moody, but they often have to deal with tired travellers landing after long flights and queuing at immigration for hours.
Most rental counters are located in the arrivals hall area of both the international (T2) and domestic (T3) terminals. They are easy to find and grouped close to each other. Some companies, like Sixt, have their counter in the domestic terminal only, so if you land at the international terminal, you will need to walk over.
You can also arrange a car rental through your hotel, but you will usually end up with one of these same international brands and pay the hotel’s commission on top.
Below are some of the companies you will find at the terminal. They are easy to find, and all are next to each other.
3. Rent a car with a local company
Orange Car Phuket
All cars come with an automatic gearbox and 1st class insurance. They will deliver your vehicle to your hotel.
Website: https://rentcarphuket.shop/
- Toyota YARIS 2018: 700 THB per day
- Toyota Sienta 2018: 1000 THB per day
- Toyota Fortuner 2018: 1500 THB per day
Braun Car Rental Phuket
A long-established and locally run car rental under UK management, operating since 1996. Over 80 vehicles and 13 different models to choose from. All cars come with first-class insurance (5,000 THB excess) included in the rental price. Free airport delivery and collection. No advance payment required. No charge for additional drivers. GPS and child seats are available on request. Long-term discounts available (5% for 7 days, 10% for 14 days, 15% for 21 days, 20% for 28 days).
Website: braun-rentacar.com
- Economy (Toyota Yaris 1.2): 1,100 THB
- Compact (Honda Jazz / Honda City / Toyota Vios): 1,200 THB
- Sedan (Toyota Altis 1.8 / Honda Civic 1.8): 1,400 THB
- Crossover (Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5 Hybrid): 1,500 THB
- 7-Seater / Pick-up (Toyota Veloz / Revo Hilux): 1,600 THB
- SUV (Toyota Fortuner 3.0): 2,300 THB
- Minivan (Toyota Hiace / Hyundai H1): from 2,500 THB
Thai Rent a Car
A well-known Thai company with over 46 years of experience. They have a counter at Phuket Airport and offer a range of economy to premium vehicles. Popular models include the Toyota Yaris, Toyota Veloz and Mitsubishi Xpander. Credit card required for deposit (typically 5,000 THB). Refund processing can take up to a month.
Website: thairentacar.com
Nina’s Cars
A French-run family business based in Chalong Bay, near Chalong Pier. They rent both cars and motorbikes. Fleet of around 35 cars and 80+ two-wheelers. All vehicles come with AXA insurance, which is rare for a local company. Hotel delivery available. They speak French and English. Open daily.
Website: ninascar.com
4. Rent a car with a driver
Renting a van with a driver is an easy way to discover Phuket without the stress, or to pick you or your family up from the airport to your hotel for a good price. Usually, drivers speak decent to good English and can recommend or customise a day around the island.
5. Renting cars on the streets
You can also rent cars or bikes on the roadside. They usually always have cars available, and the price may sound attractive. Things could go fine, but in case of an accident, there is no consistency and no way to tell which operator is reliable. It is a lucky draw, and you are on your own. These shops may not ask for an IDP, but legally, you still need one. Having good travel insurance and an International Driving Permit is legally required regardless of where you rent.
Car Rental in Phuket Through the Years
When I first arrived in Phuket in 1994, car rental was a very different experience. There were no international brands on the island. You would rent from small local shops or directly from someone in the street. The big fun jeeps were the popular choice back then. No one really asked for an international licence, and insurance was a vague concept at best.
Over the years, international brands like Hertz, Budget and Europcar set up at the airport, and the entire experience became more professional. Insurance standards improved, cars became newer, and the booking process moved online. Today, Phuket has a wide choice of rental companies at every price point, from budget economy cars to luxury SUVs and even electric vehicles.
Traffic has also changed dramatically. Roads that used to be quiet are now very busy, especially around Chalong Circle, the Patong hill road and the airport highway. Underpass and overpass construction in the south has made rush hour even worse in recent years. If you need to return your car at the airport, I strongly recommend leaving your hotel early to avoid getting caught in traffic and missing your flight.
Insider Tips
- Book early during high season (December to February). Popular models sell out fast, and last-minute prices can be much higher. The low season (May to October) is much easier.
- Always buy the extra insurance coverage. The basic policy is fine for minor scratches, but the excess can be 5,000 to 10,000 THB. The extra cover costs a small amount per day and eliminates that risk.
- Take photos of the car before you drive away. Walk around and photograph any existing scratches or dents. This takes two minutes and can save you a lot of trouble on return.
- Carry your IDP and passport at all times. Police checkpoints are common, and you can be fined on the spot if you cannot show a valid licence.
- Stick to international brands if you want peace of mind. I used to rent those big jeeps in the street when I first arrived, but now I go with international brands. No bad surprises.
- Automatic cars are standard now. Most companies offer automatic gearboxes as default, which makes driving on the left side much easier for first-time visitors.
- Do not leave valuables in the car. Personal belongings are never covered by rental insurance.
- Fuel up before returning. Most companies expect a full tank on return. Petrol stations are easy to find across the island.
More Practical Info about Phuket
