Navigating through a dozen of travel options and choosing the best – All the know-hows to rent a car in Phuket
Phuket, being a popular tourist destination, can be expensive to explore when relying on tour agencies.
Transport providers can charge around THB 1500-1800 (USD 45-55) for a 6-hour tour in and around town, plus overtime charges of THB 250-300 (USD 7.5-9) per hour.
Private airport transfers can cost anywhere between THB 750-900 (USD 23-27). Transfer from airport by shared minibus will cost THB 180 (USD 5.5) to Patong, THB 150 (USD 4.5) to Town Pier, THB 200 (USD 6) to Karon and Kata.
There are very few buses operating within Phuket, leaving visitors to the mercy of songthaews and tuktuks that tend to be negotiable. Metered cabs are available but are extremely overpriced.
Renting a car or motorcycle is a more viable option, as cost-wise it is way more reasonable and you will have the freedom to explore all the places you fancy at your own pace. The car option will be great when travelling as a family or group of 4-5 members. Do note that Thailand is a left hand driving country.
Avis, Budget, THAI Rent a Car, Europcar, and Hertz are the major car rental companies available at Phuket International Airport. You can pre-book a car of your choice online on their website before you reach Phuket, and simply collect it once you land at the airport after completing some paper-work. Alternatively, you can rent a car directly over the counter, though some cars may not be available on that particular day.
It is worth nothing that these companies are more expensive than the rental companies outside the airport. You’ll find dime a dozen options outside just across the airport where you can manage to strike a better bargain, without compromising on safety and quality.
One such company is David Car Rent. Prices at this rental service company start at about THB 600 (USD 18) per day, especially when it’s low season. The staff members are super cooperative and not fussy about wanting a deposit which other car rental companies tend to want a hefty amount of. All they will ask for is your credit card to be imprinted on the rental agreement form.
During low season, you may not even have to pre-book the car. Just land and give them a call, and a staff member will pick you up, bring you to their office where you can explore the car options first hand. Once you’ve made a choice, sort the paper work out, sign the filled rental agreement form, and pay the decided amount for the number of days you want to rent the car. Cash is a better option, as you will face a 3% surcharge if you swipe your credit card.
Before driving off, ensure you inspect the vehicle thoroughly by taking a video recording of the entire car – the exterior, interior, machine, the spare tyre, windshield wipers, number plates, stereo, etc. Let them know of any damages already existing so they will not have the chance to blame you when you return the car.
The insurance is optional and it generally covers for collision, liability, fire, and theft costing THB 400/500 (USD 12/15). The insurance does not cover fire frame, glass, and wheels.
You will be given the car with a filled gas tank, and will be expected to return the vehicle with the same level of petrol as when you hired the car. Should you return the car later than your committed time, you will be charged THB 200 (USD 6) extra per hour for the overtime use.
When retrieving the car you booked or the car you will rent, you will need to provide the following documents:
- A national licence or an International Driving Permit
- Passport or other photo ID
- A credit card
- A refundable deposit (this amount varies from company to company)
The staff at David Car Rent will gladly drop you back at the airport once you have returned the car, so that’s a yay!
The total cost for the automatic Honda Brio Amaze we hired was THB 2400 (USD 72) for 4 days rental (sans insurance) and THB 700 (USD 21) for fuel during our explorations in Phuket. It was a fantastic car to drive, super comfortable and reliable with impressive boot space!
Read more: Check out our 4-day itinerary guide for planning a holiday in Phuket