Bangkok is a city to explore by boat, train and taxi, not by car. A hire car comes into its own the moment you leave: the temples of Ayutthaya, the jungle of Khao Yai, the River Kwai and the beaches of Hua Hin and Pattaya are all within a few hours.
Car hire prices in Bangkok
From, total for 7 days
| Pick-up point | Small | Mid-size | Large / SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport | €234 | €299 | €385 |
| Bangkok Don Mueang Airport | €215 | €272 | €305 |
| Bangkok city | €215 | €280 | €305 |
Zero excess from €215 a week.
Total for a 7-day rental, fully insured with everything included. Rates vary by car, availability and how far ahead you book. Updated 10 November 2026. About this price
What's included in the price
Zero excess on selected cars
Every other car at Bangkok has its excess refunded in full by Sunny Cars. You can see which is which in the rental conditions of each car.
- Collision damage and theft cover
- Damage to windows, tyres, roof and undercarriage
- Lost or damaged keys and towing after an accident or breakdown
- Third-party liability, topped up to €10 million
- Unlimited mileage
- Local taxes and airport fees
- Fair fuel policy: return the car with the fuel level you picked it up with
Not included: Tolls on expressways and motorways; fuel; child seats and other extras you add at the desk; traffic fines and parking.
What to bring
- Driving licence
- Your own licence held for at least 1 year (3 years for some cars), plus an International Driving Permit.
- Credit card
- In the main driver’s name, for the deposit.
- Deposit
- About €136 to €545 depending on the car, held on a credit card in the main driver's name.
- Driver age
- From 21 on selected cars, from 25 on the others. Some cars have an upper age limit of 75. Each car shows its age limits before you book.
- Additional driver
- Included with selected cars. Each car shows it before you book.
Picking up your car in Bangkok
You can collect your car at Suvarnabhumi Airport east of the city, at Don Mueang Airport in the north, used by most budget airlines, or in Bangkok itself. If you spend a few days in the city first, pick up the car on the day you leave: traffic in central Bangkok is slow and parking is hard to find. From Suvarnabhumi the motorways to the east coast and the north-east start almost at the door.
Free cancellation
Cancel free of charge up to 1 hour before your rental starts. After that, the full price of the booking applies.
Driving in and around Bangkok
- Traffic drives on the left. If you are used to driving on the right, an automatic makes the first days easier.
- Bring an International Driving Permit as well as your own licence. Thai law asks for both, and police checkpoints do check.
- Use the expressways. The elevated toll roads cross the city much faster than the streets below. Keep some cash for the toll booths.
- Avoid the rush hours. Between 7 and 9.30 in the morning and 4 and 8 in the evening, traffic in and out of Bangkok can come to a standstill.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire in Bangkok cost?
A week of car hire in Bangkok starts at €215 for a small car, €272 for a mid-size car and €305 for a large car or SUV. That is the total for seven days, fully insured with everything included. Rates vary by car, availability and how far ahead you book. Updated 10 November 2026.
Is there an excess when I hire a car in Bangkok?
Zero excess on selected cars. Every other car at Bangkok has its excess refunded in full by Sunny Cars. You can see which is which in the rental conditions of each car. Updated 10 November 2026.
Can I cancel my car hire in Bangkok for free?
Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 1 hour before your rental starts. After that, the full price of the booking applies.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car in Bangkok?
Yes. About €136 to €545 depending on the car, held on a credit card in the main driver's name.
Is it a good idea to drive in Bangkok?
Inside the city, usually not: traffic is heavy and the Skytrain, metro and river boats are quicker. A car is worth it for trips out of Bangkok, to Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Khao Yai or the coast.
Which Bangkok airport is best for picking up a car?
Suvarnabhumi is the main international airport, east of the city, with fast roads to the east coast and Pattaya. Don Mueang, in the north, is closer to the road to Ayutthaya and the north.
How far is Pattaya or Hua Hin from Bangkok by car?
Pattaya is about 2 hours by motorway from Suvarnabhumi. Hua Hin is about 3 hours south-west of the city.
Day trips by car
- Ayutthaya, the old royal capital with its temple ruins, about 1.5 hours north.
- Damnoen Saduak floating market, about 1.5 to 2 hours south-west. Go early, before the tour buses.
- Kanchanaburi and the bridge over the River Kwai, about 2.5 to 3 hours west, with waterfalls in Erawan National Park beyond.
- Khao Yai National Park, forest, waterfalls and wild elephants, about 3 hours north-east.
When to go
November to February is the coolest and driest time. March to May is very hot, and from June to October the rainy season brings heavy afternoon showers, usually short.
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