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Pattaya is the nearest beach resort to Bangkok. With a car you get away from the busy centre to the gardens, temples and quieter beaches along the east coast, and on to the islands off Rayong.
Car hire prices in Pattaya
From, total for 7 days
| Pick-up point | Small | Mid-size | Large / SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pattaya | €215 | €278 | €362 |
| U-Tapao Airport | €215 | €278 | €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 Pattaya 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 Pattaya
You can collect your car in Pattaya or at U-Tapao Airport, about 45 minutes to the south. Coming from Bangkok, Suvarnabhumi Airport is about 2 hours away by motorway, and is also an option if you fly in there.
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 Pattaya
- 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.
- The centre is one-way and busy. Beach Road and Second Road run in one direction; the main road, Sukhumvit, runs along the east side of town and is quicker for longer trips.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire in Pattaya cost?
A week of car hire in Pattaya starts at €215 for a small car, €278 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 Pattaya?
Zero excess on selected cars. Every other car at Pattaya 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 Pattaya 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 Pattaya?
Yes. About €136 to €545 depending on the car, held on a credit card in the main driver's name.
How long is the drive from Bangkok to Pattaya?
About 2 hours from Suvarnabhumi Airport on the motorway, longer in rush hour.
Day trips by car
- The Sanctuary of Truth, a huge temple carved from wood, on the north side of Pattaya.
- Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, about 30 minutes south.
- Jomtien and the beaches of Sattahip, quieter than Pattaya beach, 15 to 45 minutes south.
- Ban Phe, the pier for the ferry to Koh Samet, about 1.5 hours east. The car stays on the mainland.
When to go
November to February is the driest and most comfortable time. March to May is hot, and from June to October rain showers are frequent but usually short.