One-Way Car Rental from Bangkok to Chiang Mai | Compare Prices & Fees

Home One-way Car Rentals Bangkok to Chiang Mai

Document required for international visitors

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 years.
Form of ID: A valid physical Thailand national photo ID
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, and Diners Club. XpCard and DcCard are supported. Debit cards are accepted in some cases (Visa, Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 6.19 per day (THB 200) or US$ 7.46 per day (THB 241), depending on the rental provider.

Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-2 years. Requirements include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is a translation and must be presented with the original licence). For South Korean drivers, an English translation must be provided on the back of the driver's license.
Form of ID: A valid passport
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include Visa, Master, JCB, AMEX, and Diners Club. XpCard and DcCard are supported. Debit cards are accepted in some cases (Visa, Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 6.19 per day (THB 200) or US$ 7.46 per day (THB 241), depending on the rental provider.

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 187-450	US$ 0.00-343.03	US$ 210-542	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 196-374	US$ 0.00-282.22	US$ 252-537	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 226-633	US$ 0.00-282.22	US$ 334-1365	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 323-685	US$ 0.00-343.03	US$ 387-700	Large groups, long drivers
Premium	US$ 391-391	US$ 282.22-282.22	US$ 589-589	Families, comfort seeker
Van	US$ 350-429	US$ 0.00-343.03	US$ 359-501	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 195-606	US$ 155.15-186.18	US$ 248-343	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration：

One-way fee: Most rentals include an additional fee for dropping off the vehicle in a different city.
Cross-border restrictions: Check if you are allowed to cross borders as it might not be permitted between certain regions.
Booking duration: Longer rental periods often come with better rates, so plan accordingly.
Return location: Ensure the drop-off location is accessible and convenient for your travel plans in Chiang Mai.
Vehicle condition check: Inspect the vehicle for any damages before departing to avoid disputes upon return.

Smart Planning Tips:

Route planning: Familiarize yourself with the route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai to estimate travel time.
Fuel policies: Understand whether the rental includes a full tank at pick-up and your responsibilities for refueling.
Flexible bookings: Opt for flexible booking options in case your plans change unexpectedly.
Promotions and discounts: Search for deals or discounts to reduce overall rental costs.
Customer support: Confirm that 24/7 customer service is available in case you encounter any issues.

Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

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Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

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Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

PTT Station - 10 หมู่3 ถนนสนามบิน Tambon Su Thep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

PTT Station - 110 หมู่ 7 ถนน เชียงใหม่ - ฮอด ตำบล สุเทพ อำเภอ เมืองเชียงใหม่ Chiang Mai 50000, Thailand

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Drive at a consistent speed to save fuel.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the car.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Bangkok Parking

Consider parking at BTS or MRT stations and using public transport for city travel.

Parking in Bangkok can be limited in busy areas, with costs ranging from 20 to 50 THB per hour in public parking lots.

Chiang Mai Parking

Look for parking near the Old City for easy access to major attractions.

Chiang Mai offers more affordable parking options, including free parking at many temples and public areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like ParkWhiz and SpotHero can help find and reserve parking spots in advance.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to carry sufficient cash in small denominations for toll payments.

Use the Easy Pass system to save time at toll booths.

The route from Bangkok to Chiang Mai includes several toll roads with charges ranging from 30 to 100 THB per toll plaza.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Discover Main Routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai:

Scenic Route via Highway 1

Scenic Route 10 hours

A picturesque drive passing numerous charming towns and countryside views.

Ayutthaya , Kamphaeng Phet , Lampang

Fast Route via Highway 32

Fast Route 8 hours

A quicker option with well-maintained highways and lesser traffic.

Nakhon Sawan , Tak , Lampang

Mountainous Route via Route 11

Mountainous Route 10.5 hours

Ideal for adventure lovers, featuring winding roads through mountainous terrain.

Phitsanulok , Uttaradit , Lampang

Popular One-Way Car Rental Trips Near Bangkok and Chiang Mai:

Historic Escape to Ayutthaya

1.5 hours (from Bangkok)

Explore ancient ruins and traditional Thai culture at this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Natural Retreat to Doi Inthanon

1.5 hours (from Chiang Mai)

Visit Thailand's highest peak and enjoy waterfalls, trails, and vistas.

City to Chiang Rai

3 hours (from Chiang Mai)

Explore the artistic and architectural wonders of the Chiang Rai province.

Relaxing by Hua Hin’s Beaches

2.5 hours (from Bangkok)

Unwind at Thailand’s beloved beachfront getaway.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Plan Your Route: Research the fastest or most scenic routes using reliable navigation apps.

Choose a Reliable Vehicle: Ensure the car is in prime condition with valid insurance and maintenance checks.

Understand Driving Laws: Familiarize yourself with Thailand's road signs, speed limits, and customs.

Pre-plan Gas Stops: Identify gas stations along the route to avoid any fuel-related mishaps.

Carry Essential Documents: Have your driving license, rental contract, identification, and insurance handy.

Pack Appropriately: Consider weather conditions and bring essentials like water, snacks, and maps.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Identify companies that provide reliable one-way rental services and consider their fees, vehicle availability, and regional coverage.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Avis Thailand	$$	Wide selection	Nationwide	Offers loyalty points , Travel assistance available
Budget Car Rental	$$	Varied vehicles	Multiple cities	Affordable pricing , Convenient , locations at transportation hubs
Hertz Thailand	$$$	Premium options	Broad coverage	High-quality vehicles , Excellent customer service
Thai Rent A Car	$$	Standard selection	Focused on major destinations	Flexible rental options , User-friendly online system

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Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:

Pricing Considerations

Base rental rate per day
One-way drop-off fees
Additional driver charges
Insurance costs
Fuel policy and potential charges

Vehicle Selection

Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
Fuel efficiency for long drives
Comfort features for highway driving
Navigation and entertainment systems
Vehicle condition and mileage

Company Reliability

Customer service reputation
Transparency in fees and policies
Roadside assistance coverage
Cancellation and modification policies
Reviews from other one-way renters

Details of Car Rental Centers

Operating Hours:

Rental centers typically operate from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.

Location of Rental Centers:

Rental locations are typically in airport terminals or downtown areas for convenience.

Shuttle Frequency:

Shuttle services are available every 15 minutes to transport travelers from the terminal to the rental centers.

Booking Assistance:

Dedicated counters for assistance in booking modifications and inquiries available at rental centers.

Check for exclusive promotions such as free upgrades or discounted insurance at airport rental counters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to rent a car in one location, such as Bangkok, and return it to another location, like Chiang Mai, without needing to return to the original pick-up spot.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, many car rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover the cost of returning the vehicle to its origin. These fees vary by company and should be clarified before booking.

How long does it take to drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai?

The drive from Bangkok to Chiang Mai takes approximately 8-10 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic. It's about 700 kilometers (430 miles).

What are the fuel costs for this route?

Fuel costs depend on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices. On average, the trip might cost about 1,500 to 2,000 THB for fuel.

What documents are required for renting a car in Thailand?

You will need your passport, a valid driver's license (preferably an International Driving Permit), and a credit card for security deposit purposes.

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