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Phuket is an island of hills, bays and beaches, linked to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge in the north. With your own car you reach the quieter beaches, the viewpoints in the south and the islands of Phang Nga Bay at your own pace.
Car hire prices in Phuket
From, total for 7 days
| Pick-up point | Small | Mid-size | Large / SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket Airport | €234 | €306 | €385 |
| Phuket Town | €234 | €306 | €427 |
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 Phuket 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 Phuket
You can collect your car at Phuket Airport, in the north of the island, or in Phuket Town on the east coast. The airport is the easy choice if you fly in: most beaches are 45 minutes to an hour away by car, and the road south runs along the west side of the island. Phuket Town suits you if you start your trip there or only want a car for part of your stay.
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 Phuket
- 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 on the island do check.
- Expect hills and scooters. The roads over the headlands to Patong, Kata and Karon are steep and winding, and scooters overtake on both sides.
- Park where it is marked. Beach car parks fill up around midday in the high season; arrive early for the popular beaches.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire in Phuket cost?
A week of car hire in Phuket starts at €234 for a small car, €306 for a mid-size car and €385 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 Phuket?
Zero excess on selected cars. Every other car at Phuket 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 Phuket 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 Phuket?
Yes. About €136 to €545 depending on the car, held on a credit card in the main driver's name.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a car in Phuket?
Yes. Bring your own driving licence and an International Driving Permit. Most rental desks in Phuket ask for both, and Thai police can fine drivers without one.
Is it easy to drive in Phuket?
The main roads are good, but traffic drives on the left and the roads over the headlands are steep and winding. Take your time, watch for scooters and avoid driving after dark on roads you do not know.
Can I drive from Phuket to Krabi or Khao Lak?
Yes. Khao Lak is about 1.5 hours north of the airport and Krabi about 3 hours by road. Both are reached across the Sarasin Bridge to the mainland.
Day trips by car
- Promthep Cape, the southern tip of the island, for the sunset view. About an hour from the airport.
- Phang Nga Bay, across the Sarasin Bridge, with its limestone islands and boat trips to Ko Tapu. About 1.5 hours to the piers.
- Khao Lak, quieter beaches and national parks on the mainland coast. About 1.5 hours north of the airport.
- Krabi, for Ao Nang and the cliffs of Railay. About 3 hours each way, so better as an overnight trip.
When to go
The dry season runs from November to April and is the busiest time on the island. From May to October the southwest monsoon brings showers and rougher seas on the west coast, with fewer visitors and quieter roads.