Thailand

Car rental in Phuket Town

Cars from local rental companies in Phuket Town: pick your dates to see real cars with total price, deposit and insurance.

THPhuket Town
Localrent · local companies

Cars in Phuket Town

Pick pick-up and drop-off dates — the form shows available cars, total price, deposit and insurance.

Loading cars…
Licence & road rules

Driving in Thailand: licence and road rules

What you need to rent a car and drive here as a visitor. Rules change — check with your rental company before the trip.

EU / EEA licence
IDP required

You need an International Driving Permit together with your EU/EEA licence.

UK licence
IDP required

You need an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence.

US licence
IDP required

You need an International Driving Permit together with your US licence.

Only ASEAN licences are valid alone. Everyone else needs an IDP (1949 or 1968 format) together with the national licence. Police in Phuket and Pattaya check this actively, and travel insurance may not pay out without one.

TrafficOn the leftright-hand drive — take it easy at first
Speed limits, km/h80 / 90 / 120town / rural / motorway. Legal urban maximum is 80 but town centres are often posted at 50–60; some 4-lane highways allow 120.
Alcohol limit0.5 ‰blood alcohol; 0.2 for drivers with under 5 years' experience and professional drivers.
Driver agefrom 21usually 1–2 years’ experience; young-driver fees apply
Emergency number191police, ambulance, fire
Tolls

Expressways and motorways (Bangkok, Motorway 7 and 9) are tolled at booths (cash) or by Easy Pass/M-Pass; some new sections are barrier-free (M-Flow).

Tip: Scooters are the main hazard: they overtake on both sides, so check mirrors constantly. An IDP also needs a motorcycle category if you plan to ride one.

How to rent a car

Four steps from choosing a city to getting the keys in Phuket Town.

Choose a car
  1. Choose a city and dates

    Pick where and when to collect the car. You can return it to the same place or, with many companies, in another city.

    Pick-up and drop-off in the form
  2. Compare the cars

    Each car shows the total price for your dates, the deposit, insurance, mileage limit and driver requirements.

    All terms before you book
  3. Book online

    The rental company confirms the booking. Usually a small prepayment online and the rest on pick-up.

    Confirmed by the company
  4. Get the keys

    Bring your passport and driving licence. The car is handed over at the office, the airport or, often, at your hotel.

    Passport + licence

Car rental FAQ

The essentials, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Phuket Town?

It depends on the season, car class and rental length — longer rentals are cheaper per day. The form shows the total price with insurance once you pick dates.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Phuket Town?

EU/EEA licence: You need an International Driving Permit together with your EU/EEA licence. UK licence: You need an International Driving Permit together with your UK licence. US licence: You need an International Driving Permit together with your US licence. Only ASEAN licences are valid alone. Everyone else needs an IDP (1949 or 1968 format) together with the national licence. Police in Phuket and Pattaya check this actively, and travel insurance may not pay out without one.

Where do I get an International Driving Permit?

Get it at home before the trip: in the UK at PayPoint shops, in the US through AAA, in EU countries from the licensing authority or national automobile club. It is a translation of your licence and is valid only together with it.

What are the speed limits in Thailand?

Typically 80 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside towns and 120 km/h on motorways. Legal urban maximum is 80 but town centres are often posted at 50–60; some 4-lane highways allow 120. Always follow the signs — cameras are common and fines reach you via the rental company.

Are there toll roads or vignettes in Thailand?

Expressways and motorways (Bangkok, Motorway 7 and 9) are tolled at booths (cash) or by Easy Pass/M-Pass; some new sections are barrier-free (M-Flow).

What is the drink-driving limit?

The limit is 0.5 ‰ blood alcohol (0.2 for drivers with under 5 years' experience and professional drivers). The safest rule is not to drink at all before driving.