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Koh Samui is small enough to drive around in an afternoon, and that is exactly the appeal of a car here: one ring road links the beaches, waterfalls and viewpoints, and you choose a different bay every day.
Car hire prices in Koh Samui
From, total for 7 days
| Pick-up point | Small | Mid-size | Large / SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samui Airport | €234 | €299 | €362 |
| Samui town | €234 | €299 | €427 |
| Chaweng | €357 | €446 | – |
Zero excess from €234 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 Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui
You can collect your car at Samui Airport in the north-east of the island, in Samui town or in Chaweng, the busiest beach. The airport is close to Chaweng and Bophut, so most hotels are 10 to 30 minutes away.
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 Koh Samui
- 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.
- One road goes round. The ring road, route 4169, circles the island in about 50 kilometres. Side roads into the hills are steep; go slowly.
- Watch for scooters, especially in Chaweng and Lamai in the evening.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire in Koh Samui cost?
A week of car hire in Koh Samui starts at €234 for a small car, €299 for a mid-size car and €362 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 Koh Samui?
Zero excess on selected cars. Every other car at Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui?
Yes. About €136 to €545 depending on the car, held on a credit card in the main driver's name.
Do I need a car on Koh Samui?
Not to stay on one beach, but a car makes it easy to explore the whole island, reach quieter bays and get to restaurants and markets in the evening without waiting for a taxi.
How long does it take to drive around Koh Samui?
The ring road is about 50 kilometres. Without stops you go round in about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Things to see by car
- Big Buddha and Fisherman's Village in the north, with the Friday night market in Bophut.
- Hin Ta and Hin Yai, the rock formations at the south end of Lamai beach.
- Na Muang waterfalls in the hills in the south-west of the island.
- Lad Koh viewpoint between Chaweng and Lamai, for the view over the coast.
When to go
Koh Samui lies in the Gulf of Thailand, so its seasons differ from Phuket. January to August is mostly dry and sunny. The rainiest months are October to December.