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

Home One-way Car Rentals Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai

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, and AMEX. Some policies also support debit cards (Visa, Master) and XpCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 6.62 per day (capped at US$ 33.13 for the rental) or US$ 7.46 per day, depending on the policy.

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 the original licence must also be presented). Additionally, an Original South Korea Driving License (English version) is accepted if it includes an English translation on the back.
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, and AMEX. Some policies also support debit cards (Visa, Master) and XpCard.
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18-99 years old. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 6.62 per day (capped at US$ 33.13 for the rental) or US$ 7.46 per day, depending on the policy.

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$ 130-499	US$ 0.00-199.21	US$ 119-286	Solo travelers, couples
Medium	US$ 250-250	US$ 186.18-186.18	US$ 360-360	Small families, light luggage
Large	US$ 250-644	US$ 93.09-186.18	US$ 270-360	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 155-559	US$ 0.00-99.60	US$ 233-439	Large groups, long drivers
Pickup Truck	US$ 147-242	US$ 0.00-186.18	US$ 290-317	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-way Fee: Many rental companies charge a one-way fee. Confirm the final amount during booking.
Cross-Border Restrictions: One-way rentals may not be allowed across certain borders. Verify policies when planning.
Vehicle Availability: Specific vehicle types might be limited for one-way routes. Book early to secure an option.
Drop-Off Timing: Ensure your drop-off aligns with the specified time to avoid late fees.
Drop-Off Location Policy: Understand the process and location-specific rules when dropping off your vehicle.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Your Route Beforehand: Study the maps and familiarize yourself with the drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai to ensure a smooth trip.
Calculate Cost Effectively: Include potential costs like fuel and one-way fees to plan your budget accurately.
Refuel Before Drop-Off: Check for a gas station near the drop-off location to return the car as per the fuel policy.
Choose Reliable Brands: Opt for rental services with good reviews to ensure quality service.
Secure Local Helpers: Confirm if the rental company offers roadside assistance in case of emergencies during your trip.

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 (Petrol+EV) Maefahluang Chiang Rai - 284 หมู่ที่ 10 Nang Lae, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

PTT Station ปตท. ท่าอากาศยานแม่ฟ้าหลวง เชียงราย (น้ำมัน+EV) (บ.มีสตางค์สเตชั่น) - เลขที่ 422/1 Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary heavy items in the vehicle.

Ensure tires are properly inflated to reduce fuel consumption.

Chiang Mai Parking

Consider using parking facilities near the Old City for better accessibility.

Parking costs in Chiang Mai vary by location, with options ranging from free street parking to paid lots near popular attractions.

Chiang Rai Parking

Arrive early at tourist spots to secure convenient parking.

Parking in Chiang Rai is generally available near major landmarks and shopping centers.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like 'Parkopedia' and 'JustPark' can help find parking options and rates.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to carry cash or a payment card for unforeseen expenses.

Plan your route in advance to confirm the absence of toll roads.

The route from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai does not include any toll roads.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Major Route Options Between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai:

Highway 118 Direct Route

Direct Highway Route 3 hours

A straightforward and quick route via Highway 118, suitable for a fast trip.

Doi Saket , Mae Kachan Hot Springs

Scenic Mountain Route

Scenic Route 4.5 hours

A picturesque drive through mountainous terrains and small villages.

Phayao Lake , Chiang Saen

Cultural and Historical Route

Cultural Route 5 hours

Explore cultural and historical landmarks along the way.

Wiang Kum Kam , White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) , Baan Dam Museum

Popular Short Trips Along the Route:

Mae Kachan Hot Springs

1 hour from Chiang Mai

A relaxing stop to enjoy natural hot springs.

White Temple

2 hours from Chiang Mai

A stunning modern Buddhist temple known for its artistic designs.

Phayao Lake

3 hours from Chiang Mai

A tranquil lake with beautiful surrounding landscapes.

Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park

4 hours from Chiang Mai

A cultural park showcasing traditional Lanna heritage.

Road Trip Planning Tips:

Choose the Right Vehicle: Consider road conditions and distance to select a reliable rental car.

Use Updated Navigation Tools: Ensure your GPS or navigation app is up-to-date to avoid getting lost.

Plan Fuel Stops: Check for gas stations available along your route to avoid running out of fuel.

Avoid Driving at Night: Mountainous regions can be dangerous to navigate after dark.

Check the Weather: Rain can make roads slippery; plan your trip accordingly.

Understand Rental Fees: Clarify the costs for a one-way car rental to avoid disputes later.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai involves considering factors like one-way fees, vehicle options, and company service coverage.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
RentalXpress	$$	High	Wide	Affordable one-way fees , Diverse vehicle options , 24/7 customer support
DriveEase	$	Moderate	Moderate	Low fees , Eco-friendly cars , Quick customer service
TravelAuto Co	$$$	Extensive	Wide	Premium vehicles , Comprehensive insurance options , Flexible pickup locations
Chiang Rent Rides	$$	High	Limited	Convenient locations near airports , User-friendly mobile app , Competitive pricing on long rentals

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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

Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Rental Centers Info

Operating Hours:

Rental centers in Chiang Mai operate daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Pickup Location:

The main pickup center is located at Chiang Mai Airport and downtown branches.

Shuttle Service:

Free airport shuttles are available every 15 minutes at Chiang Rai.

Return Policy:

Ensure the tank is full and the car is inspected upon return. Drop-off at Chiang Rai Airport is streamlined for convenience.

Inspect the vehicle thoroughly before accepting and avoid unnecessary accessories to reduce costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the approximate duration of the drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai?

The drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai typically takes about 3–4 hours, depending on traffic and the route taken. Major highways are used for this journey, offering pleasant driving conditions.

Are there any additional fees for a one-way car rental?

Most rental companies charge a one-way fee when returning the vehicle to a different location. This is common when renting a car in Chiang Mai and dropping it off at a Chiang Rai location. Check with your chosen rental provider for the exact amount.

What documents are required for renting a car in Chiang Mai?

To rent a car in Thailand, you will generally need a valid driver’s license, an international driving permit (if your license is not in English), a passport, and a credit card. Make sure to verify the requirements from your selected rental company.

Are there toll roads on the way to Chiang Rai?

Thailand has toll roads, but the route from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai does not primarily involve toll routes. Check your planned route and prepare for potential cash payments if you encounter one.

Can I visit attractions along the way during my rental?

Yes, you can plan stops at attractions along the route, such as the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) or natural hot springs, which are popular spots to explore when driving from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

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