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

Home One-way Car Rentals Chiang Mai to Bangkok

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. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, JCB, and AMEX. Some policies also accept debit cards (Visa and Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as THB 214 (approx. US$ 6.62) per day or THB 241 (approx. US$ 7.46) per day, depending on the policy. Some policies cap the fee, e.g., US$ 33.13 for the rental period.

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. Accepted documents include: Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (IDP is only a translation and must be presented with the original licence). For South Korean drivers, an English version of the original South Korea Driving Licence is accepted, provided an English translation is on the back of the licence.
Form of ID: A valid passport.
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, JCB, and AMEX. Some policies also accept debit cards (Visa and Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18 and 99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as THB 214 (approx. US$ 6.62) per day or THB 241 (approx. US$ 7.46) per day, depending on the policy. Some policies cap the fee, e.g., US$ 33.13 for the rental period.

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$ 184-450	US$ 0.00-343.03	US$ 215-404	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 218-218	US$ 155.15-155.15	US$ 325-325	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 218-282	US$ 0.00-282.22	US$ 325-388	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 279-648	US$ 0.00-282.22	US$ 369-691	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 303-303	US$ 0.00-282.22	US$ 457-457	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 200-209	US$ 155.15-155.15	US$ 256-283	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-Way Fees: Be aware of additional charges for dropping the car off at a different location than the pick-up.
Drop-off Location Restrictions: Verify if the desired drop-off point in Bangkok is accepted by the rental company.
Allowed Vehicle Types: Some car models may not be permitted for long-distance one-way rentals.
Fuel Policies: Understand the fuel policy to avoid unnecessary charges upon return.
Insurance Coverage: Ensure that the car is insured for the entire route, especially for one-way journeys.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Stops: Identify rest stops and refueling stations along the route for a smoother drive.
Early Booking: Book your rental early to secure the best options and rates.
Pack Smart: Bring only essentials to keep the vehicle less cluttered and maximize comfort.
Familiarize Yourself with Local Traffic Rules: Ensure you're aware of the traffic regulations in both Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Coordinate Drop-off Timing: Schedule your return to coincide with rental office hours to avoid late charges.

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.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
Easy online purchase before your trip

Learn More About QEEQ Insurance

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.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze

Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
Automatic rebooking when prices drop

Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling

Parking

Tolls

Gas Stations near Drop-off Locations

PTT Station (Suvarnabhumi Airport) - PQ59+5VF, Suvarnabhumi 3 Rd, Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand

Shell - Suvarnabhumi 5 Road 109 Moo 1 T.nongprue, Nong Prue, 10540, Thailand

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain steady speeds to optimize fuel usage.

Avoid excessive idling to save fuel.

Ensure tires are properly inflated for better efficiency.

Chiang Mai Parking

Look for parking near major landmarks like the Old City for convenience.

Parking in Chiang Mai is generally affordable, with options ranging from 10-20 THB per hour in public lots.

Bangkok Parking

Use parking apps to find available spots in advance.

Parking in Bangkok can be challenging due to high demand; expect costs around 30-50 THB per hour in central areas.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like ParkAdvisor and Car Park Finder are useful for locating parking spaces in Thailand.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure you have cash or a prepaid toll card for smoother passage.

Use the leftmost lanes for cash payment if you don't have a prepaid card.

The route includes several toll roads, especially near Bangkok. Costs typically range from 20-100 THB depending on the segment.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Subsection heading for main routes around this area:

Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya to Bangkok

Scenic and Cultural 8-10 hours

This route takes you through historical and cultural landmarks, including temples and heritage sites in Ayutthaya.

Lampang , Sukhothai , Ayutthaya

Chiang Mai to Khao Yai National Park to Bangkok

Natural and Relax 10-12 hours

Experience Thailand's lush countryside and enjoy a break in the pristine Khao Yai National Park before entering the bustling city of Bangkok.

Lampang , Phitsanulok , Khao Yai

Chiang Mai to Hua Hin to Bangkok

Coastal 12-14 hours

A mix of urban charm and coastal relaxation, this route offers stunning vistas and vibrant towns.

Lampang , Ayutthaya , Hua Hin

Subsection heading for popular trips around the area:

Chiang Mai to Bangkok Direct Route

8-10 hours

A direct drive to Bangkok, focusing on speed and efficiency.

Chiang Mai to Sukhothai Heritage Trail

4-5 hours

Ideal for history enthusiasts, focusing on the ancient ruins of Sukhothai.

Chiang Mai to Ayutthaya Scenic Drive

6-8 hours

Take in the scenic views and cultural heritage sites along this route.

Chiang Mai to Kanchanaburi by Scenic Route

10-12 hours

A cultural and historical route with lush landscapes.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Prepare Your Vehicle: Ensure your car is in good condition for the trip. Check tire pressure, oil levels, and brake performance.

Carefully Plan Your Stops: Plan your stops in well-known cities or landmarks to safely rest and refuel.

Budget Considerations: Set aside a budget for fuel, tolls, and unexpected expenses during the trip.

Know the Road Rules: Familiarize yourself with Thailand's driving rules and regulations, ensuring safe travel.

Book Accommodations in Advance: Arrange accommodations at your planned stops to avoid last-minute searching.

Refueling Stations: Locate refueling stations along your route and refuel before reaching remote areas.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Choosing a car rental company for one-way travel between Chiang Mai and Bangkok requires considering multiple factors like one-way fees, fleet variety, and coverage.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Avis	$$	Very high	Extensive across Thailand	Large fleet with diverse options , Global brand with a robust service network , Flexible booking modifications
Budget	$	Moderate	Wide regional presence	Affordable rates , Condition of vehicles is excellent , Frequent promotions and offers
EcoCar	$	Good for economy models	Limited to major cities	Best pricing in budget rental range , Great for compact and fuel-efficient vehicles , Quick checkout process
Thai Rent A Car	$	Broad	Major cities including Bangkok and Chiang Mai	Flexible rates for national clients , Offers specific plans for long-distance travel , Reliable customer support

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

Best Rates

Compare across providers

24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals

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

Rental Car Center Information

Operating Hours:

Open daily: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Location:

Located near terminal building T1 at both Chiang Mai and Bangkok Airports.

Shuttle Service Frequency:

Shuttles run every 15 minutes from Chiang Mai airport terminals to the rental center.

Customer Assistance:

Well-staffed counters available for assistance at major airports.

Always verify your booking details, especially the one-way fee inclusion, to avoid surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental, and how does it work from Chiang Mai to Bangkok?

A one-way car rental allows you to rent a vehicle in one location and return it to another. For this route, you pick up the car in Chiang Mai and return it in Bangkok, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Are there additional fees for one-way car rentals?

Yes, car rental companies usually charge a one-way fee to cover the logistical cost of returning the vehicle to its original location. It’s a good idea to confirm this fee when booking.

Is it possible to rent a car without a credit card?

Some rental companies may allow alternative payment methods, but many require a credit card for the security deposit. Verify payment options with individual rental providers in advance.

Do I need an international driving permit (IDP) to rent a car in Thailand?

If your driver’s license is not in English or doesn’t use the Roman alphabet, you’ll likely need an International Driving Permit. It is advisable to confirm this requirement with the rental company.

What type of insurance do car rentals offer?

Basic insurance, like collision damage waiver and liability coverage, is often included. To ensure complete protection, check the terms or consider purchasing additional coverage when booking.

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Search Rental Cars Try $1 Booking

Explore the Wonders from Chiang Mai to Bangkok