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Surat Thani is the gateway to Khao Sok National Park and the islands of the Gulf. With a car from the airport you drive straight into the rainforest, or along the coast to quiet beaches that few visitors find.
Car hire prices in Surat Thani
From, total for 7 days
| Pick-up point | Small | Mid-size | Large / SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surat Thani Airport | €215 | €278 | €398 |
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
At Surat Thani, cars come with zero excess.
- 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 (5,000 to 20,000 baht) 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. Each car shows its age limits before you book.
- Additional driver
- Included with every car.
Picking up your car in Surat Thani
You collect your car at Surat Thani Airport, outside the city to the south-west, on the side of the road towards Khao Sok.
Free cancellation
Cancel free of charge up to 1 hour before your rental starts. After that, the full price of the booking applies.
Driving around Surat Thani
- 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.
- Long, quiet roads. Outside the city, traffic is light and the roads through the hills to Khao Sok are good, with some steep stretches.
Frequently asked questions
How much does car hire in Surat Thani cost?
A week of car hire in Surat Thani starts at €215 for a small car, €278 for a mid-size car and €398 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 Surat Thani?
Zero excess. At Surat Thani, cars come with zero excess. Updated 10 November 2026.
Can I cancel my car hire in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani?
Yes. About €136 to €545 (5,000 to 20,000 baht) depending on the car, held on a credit card in the main driver's name.
How far is Khao Sok from Surat Thani Airport?
About 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
Day trips by car
- Khao Sok National Park, one of the oldest rainforests in the world, about 1.5 to 2 hours west.
- Cheow Lan Lake, with limestone cliffs rising from the water, at the end of the road through Khao Sok.
- Khanom, quiet beaches on the Gulf coast, about 1.5 hours east.
- Don Sak pier, for the ferries to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, about 1 hour east.
When to go
January to August is the drier time on the Gulf coast. The rainiest months are October to December.