How to find a cheap car hire deal in Phuket
Grab a cheap rental car in Phuket and get going for around $68 a day. From solo adventures to group travel, we'll help you find the right rental for your plans.
$39 is the cheapest daily price you'll find for a rental in Phuket.
Making it more than a quick visit? Book a weekly rental from $223 and explore more than just the top attractions.
If you want to time it just right, book around three weeks ahead to drive away with the best price on a Phuket car hire.
Rent your wheels from asap car hire, Hertz or Drive Car Hire. They're some of the most popular providers in the city.
The coverage asap car hire or another supplier offers for your Phuket car hire can vary, so be sure to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your rental. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Simply select 'Return car to a different location' when searching the range of cars for rent in Phuket.
Cut down on fuel costs by picking a vehicle that offers a 'Fair fuel policy.' You collect your ride with a full tank and return it full, so you're only paying for what you use.
Pack more into your journey by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, these rides let you drive as far as you like without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You get the best value with this company, with average prices at $126 a day.
Coming in second, this provider offers daily rates of around $89.
The third option also delivers savings with every booking. Expect to pay roughly $85 a day for one of their rentals.
The Economy rental category is a reliable option if you can't decide what kind of wheels you need. It's also the vehicle type that's booked the most in Phuket.
Flying to Phuket? Think about an airport pick-up
If you're jetting into Phuket, get moving sooner by picking up a car hire at Phuket International Airport. The drive from this airport to the city centre is around 32 kilometres and takes about 45 minutes.
Compare car hire types in Phuket
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a short trip, this car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect excellent fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Not too big, not too small, this is the rental that's juuuust right! Typically including compact and intermediate cars, they offer a mix of fuel efficiency and interior space and are great for couples and small families.
Large: You've got the kids, the luggage, the snacks, the lot. Large vehicles have got the space to handle it all effortlessly. Ideal for long-distance journeys, this Phuket car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: Enjoy a higher driving position and better visibility of what's ahead in an SUV. Whether you're weaving through remote countryside or zipping along smooth highways, many come with all-wheel drive to keep you steady on any road.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Phuket that can handle the heavy stuff. Featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to carry more, whether that's supplies, luggage or groups of people.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your Phuket car hire is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it's a safety net if something happens. Keep in mind that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's offered.
From GPS units to reverse cameras, the right extras can seriously upgrade your ride. Consider which features will help you make the most of your trip when you rent a car in Phuket.
Good to know
Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're under the minimum age, you could pay extra and face some limits. Check what rules apply with each supplier before booking your rental in Thailand.
Travelling with kids? Car seat regulations vary according to the location, and the correct setup may depend on their height, age and weight. Find out if you need to add one to your Phuket car hire booking.
You'll be asked for a few things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, another form of photo ID, and a credit card to cover the deposit amount. Debit cards usually aren't accepted. Your booking will show the full list of what's required.
Driving in Thailand might take some adjustment for first-time visitors. Keep in mind you'll need to stick to the left side of the road.
Make sure you stay within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 55kph in built-up areas and 110kph or so on highways, unless road signs indicate differently.
In Thailand, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to drink, pass the keys to someone else or find an alternative way to get around.
One of the busiest times to be out on the roads in this destination is around 8am. Get where you're going faster by avoiding rush hours in general.
The Thai baht (THB) is the currency you'll be using for everyday expenses and excursions. Pay with a credit or debit card where you can, and keep some cash handy when electronic payments aren't an option.
Thai is the language spoken by most people in this country.
Best hotels in Phuket for drivers
Pull in and settle straight into your stay at Yanud Residence. Offering parking as well as air conditioning and internet access, this hotel is about 3 kilometres from central Phuket.
Phuket View Coffee and Resort also works well if you've got a few road trips in mind. It features parking, plus a ticket office and luggage storage. Make this your base and you'll be roughly 8 kilometres from the city centre.
Need more ideas for your trip? Browse the full lineup of hotels in Phuket. You can narrow things down with filters — try 'Parking,' 'Valet parking,' or 'Outdoor parking.' If you're driving electric, there's also an 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter.
After you've locked in a car hire deal in Phuket and your hotel, all that's left is deciding where to head to first. Get started with must-see attractions such as V.MarineTour- Phi Phi Islands Day Trip - Private Boat Charters, Sunrise Beach and Paradise Beach.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Phuket
Around 56 kilometres east of central Phuket, Krabi should be on your itinerary. Make your way to can't-miss sights like Railay Beach Viewpoint and Railay West Beach.
Reliable accommodation options with parking in Krabi include City Hotel Krabi and Riverside Hotel.
Add Nuea Khlong to your trip lineup. Pick up your cheap car hire in Phuket and drive about 72 kilometres east to explore leading attractions like Krabi Boat Lagoon and Wat Bang Phung.
Nuea Khlong has some great accommodation options including City Hotel Krabi and Riverside Hotel. Both are practical choices for guests with cars.
Next on your itinerary is some serious shut-eye. The Singora Hotel and Songkhla Tae Raek Antique Hotel have space for both you and your wheels while visiting Ban Mai.
