Complete freedom, maximum comfort and accessibility – all this you’ll get by renting a car in Phuket. The island boasts well-paved roads with scenic curves, making every journey a true pleasure.
A car allows you to visit multiple attractions in a single day, reach any beach – including wild and secluded ones – go shopping, and enjoy ultimate comfort overall. If you’re vacationing with family and a child, car rental in Phuket will make transportation familiar and convenient. Whether you encounter rain or the sweltering heat, a car provides the most comfortable way to get around. Additionally, among all available transportation options in Phuket, this is the safest choice.
How to Rent a Car in Phuket
First and foremost, prepare the necessary documents:
- Passport
- International driver’s license (officially required, though some companies may rent cars without it)
- The driver must be over 21 years old and have at least one year of driving experience (optional, depending on the company).
The next step is choosing a rental company. To avoid issues with car booking and deposit returns, select reputable and trustworthy providers.
Passenger Cars Rental
We’ve checked and selected the top 3 passenger and crossover car rental companies to ensure you can confidently find the vehicle you need.
Fill out the form, and we will forward your request so that someone can contact you and provide details about the terms and available car options.
After the managers contact you, you’ll need to choose a company and a suitable vehicle. You can rent any car from the categories listed below:
Choosing a car depends on the purpose of the trip, driving experience, budget, and planned routes.
1. To save money, consider a compact hatchback – it has low fuel consumption. Even better, rent a scooter – but only if you have an international motorcycle license (category A) and are prepared to drive in Asian traffic conditions. Read more about this in the section Bike Rental. We wrote in detail about Traffic Rules in Phuket in a separate article.
2. For beach vacations and short trips, a compact car is ideal. It doesn’t consume much fuel and is easy to park on narrow streets.
3. For traveling around the entire island (including hills and remote beaches), a mid-size sedan/liftback or a crossover is suitable. These cars have more power for uphill drives and offer better road handling in bad weather.
4. For families with children or large groups, we recommend renting a minivan that can comfortably accommodate all travelers.
5. For active travelers looking to explore less touristy places, we recommend an SUV or an all-wheel-drive crossover. These vehicles can handle remote areas like forest temples or mountain regions – they can tackle any route.
How to Avoid Unpleasant Situations on Phuket’s Roads
Drivers should follow these essential rules, which apply universally, to ensure that accidents or fines don’t ruin your experience:
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Obey traffic rules.
- Do not exceed speed limits (although speed checks are infrequent).
- Pay attention to parking regulations. Avoid parking in areas marked with red and white lines, as parking is prohibited in these zones.
- Do not park under trees with large, heavy fruits. While coconuts are delicious, they can smash through a windshield!
Passenger Cars Rental
We’ve checked and selected the top 3 passenger and crossover car rental companies to ensure you can confidently find the vehicle you need.
Fill out the form, and we will forward your request so that someone can contact you and provide details about the terms and available car options.
If an accident occurs or the car breaks down, the first step is to contact your manager (make sure you’ve saved their number) and provide the location of the incident. If you’ve traveled outside Phuket, the company may not be able to send a representative to a distant area for immediate on-site assistance. In this case, you will need to handle the situation yourself, after consulting with the manager about the necessary steps.
Also, check out our Insurance section to ensure your health and safety on the road.
We understand that safety is a top priority for many. Instead of taking risks by renting from local companies or private individuals through social media, it’s better to save time and avoid stress by choosing a trusted company.
If you’re not ready to drive, we recommend using a taxi. In this section, we’ve detailed the best services to use in Phuket.