A car rental service in Bangkok is an excellent option for those who prefer not to rely on bus schedules.
Renting transportation makes sense if:
- You want to explore multiple cities in Thailand.
- You plan to go sightseeing outside of Bangkok.
If your vacation is primarily focused on exploring Bangkok itself and sightseeing within the city, renting a car may not be necessary.
Where to Rent a Car
There are well-known brands offering car rental services, as well as a few local companies operating in the region. You can rent a car in advance on their website, in the city itself, or at the airport upon your arrival. There are company representatives at both Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports.
You can book a rental car at Suvarnabhumi Airport from one of the major firms:
- Avis
- Bizcar Rental
- Budget
- Hertz
- National
- Thai Rent A Car
Cost of Car Rental
The cost of renting a car is influenced by factors such as the type and condition of the vehicle, as well as the quality of the insurance policy. You can find rental options for:
- Small cars (starting from 600 Thai Baht (THB) per day)
- "Middle-class" cars (starting from 800 Thai Baht (THB) per day)
- "Luxury-class" cars (starting from 500 Thai Baht (THB))
Insurance
When signing the rental contract, carefully review the terms and conditions related to insurance. Some insurance policies may have a deductible, where the insurance covers any amount exceeding a certain threshold (e.g., 5,000 THB). For instance, if you damage your bumper and the repair cost is less than 5,000 THB, you are responsible for the entire amount. If it exceeds 5,000 THB, you pay 5,000 THB, and the insurance covers the remainder. The deductible amount can vary.
Moped Hire
Moped rentals are also a very popular service in Bangkok, with rental shops readily available everywhere. To rent a moped, you typically need the following:
- A copy of your passport (never leave the original)
- Your Category A driving license along with a copy
- A security deposit ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 Thai Baht (THB). Not all places require a deposit.
Depending on the type of moped and other conditions, rentals can cost between 100 and 200 Thai Baht (THB) per day at different locations.
Bangkok Traffic
It's quite common for drivers in Bangkok to disregard traffic rules and drive at excessive speeds. You should be cautious to avoid accidents. The city experiences heavy traffic, and finding parking in busy areas can be challenging.
The roads in Bangkok are generally well-maintained. Even smaller country roads often have asphalt surfaces. There are toll roads and free roads available for different directions, providing options for the most convenient routes.