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

Home One-way Car Rentals Chiang Rai 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, and AMEX. XpCard is supported. Debit cards are accepted in some cases (Visa and Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur an additional fee of THB 214 (approx. US$ 6.62) per day. Some policies may restrict the maximum age to 65, 75, or 80 years, and young drivers aged 21-22 may incur a fee of THB 200 (approx. US$ 6.19) per day.

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 licences include: 1) Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP). Note: IDP is only a translation, and the original licence must also be presented. 2) Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version) with an English translation provided 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. XpCard is supported. Debit cards are accepted in some cases (Visa and Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-99 years. Young drivers aged 18-24 may incur an additional fee of THB 214 (approx. US$ 6.62) per day. Some policies may restrict the maximum age to 65, 75, or 80 years, and young drivers aged 21-22 may incur a fee of THB 200 (approx. US$ 6.19) per day.

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$ 119-284	Solo travelers, couples
Pickup Truck	US$ 147-235	US$ 0.00-186.18	US$ 288-288	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

One-way Fee Information: Check if there's a drop-off fee charged for returning the car at a different location.
Cross-border Restrictions: Verify if the rental policy allows crossing into neighboring provinces or countries.
Mileage Limits: Ensure whether the rental offers unlimited mileage or if there are additional charges.
Insurance and Coverage: Understand the insurance terms, specifically for one-way rentals.
Flexible Return Hours: Verify if the return location's hours align with your schedule.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Ahead: Book your rental car in advance to secure better rates and availability.
Fuel Policy Awareness: Understand the pick-up and drop-off fuel levels required to avoid charges.
Familiarize with Routes: Study the driving paths between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai to plan stops efficiently.
Bring Required Documents: Ensure you have appropriate identification and a valid driver's license.
Optimal Travel Timing: Plan your journey to avoid peak travel times and enjoy a smoother drive.
Choose the Right Vehicle: Select a car type suited to your travel needs and luggage requirements.

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 steady speed to improve fuel efficiency.

Avoid carrying unnecessary weight in the car.

Ensure tires are properly inflated.

Chiang Rai Parking

Look for parking near major landmarks like the Clock Tower for convenience.

Parking in Chiang Rai is generally affordable, with rates around 20-50 THB per hour in most areas.

Chiang Mai Parking

Use parking services near shopping malls for safer and more accessible options.

Parking in Chiang Mai can be challenging in the Old City; consider using parking lots near the city gates.

Recommended Parking Apps

Apps like Parkopedia and Google Maps can help locate parking spaces and provide real-time availability.

Tolls and FasTrak

Ensure to drive on designated highways to avoid unexpected detours.

Plan your route in advance using GPS to confirm toll-free roads.

The route from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai currently has no toll roads, ensuring a cost-free journey in terms of toll fees.

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Scenic Routes from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai:

Chiang Rai - Mae Salong - Chiang Mai

Scenic Mountain Road 5 hours

A scenic route passing through the lush hills of Mae Salong, known for its tea plantations and panoramic views.

Mae Salong , Fang , Doi Ang Khang

Chiang Rai - Wiang Pa Pao - Chiang Mai

Direct Highway Route 3.5 hours

The fastest route via the AH2 highway, offering smooth roads and time efficiency.

Wiang Pa Pao , Mae Kachan , Doi Saket

Chiang Rai - Chiang Saen - Chiang Mai

Historic River Route 6 hours

Traces the history along the Mekong River, ideal for history and culture enthusiasts.

Golden Triangle , Chiang Saen , Mae Teng

Highlighted Destinations Along the Route:

Visit Golden Triangle

2 hours from Chiang Rai

Explore the famous meeting point of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand.

Doi Mae Salong Tea Plantations

3 hours from Chiang Rai

A hilltop village known for its immersive tea experience.

Hot Springs at Mae Kachan

1.5 hours from Chiang Rai

Relax at the natural hot springs, a perfect rest stop.

Doi Ang Khang Royal Project

4 hours from Chiang Rai

Discover the sustainable agricultural efforts and stunning gardens.

Road Trip Planning Tips

Vehicle suitability: Choose a rental car suitable for mountain roads to ensure safety and comfort.

Seasonal consideration: Plan trips during the dry season for clearer roads and better visibility.

Route planning: Map out your route beforehand and keep a GPS device or offline maps handy.

Fuel stops: Ensure your vehicle is well-fueled before entering remote areas with limited gas stations.

Safety precautions: Take care on narrower, winding roads and watch for local wildlife.

Cost control: Check rental policies for one-way fees and scout for the best prices.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Discover companies that provide one-way car rental services for a convenient journey from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Hertz	$$	High	Wide	Large fleet with varying car options , Available at Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai airports , Competitive insurance packages
Avis	$$	Medium	Moderate	Reliable and clean vehicles , Frequent promotions , Known for excellent customer service
Thai Rent A Car	$	Medium	Wide	Cost-effective choices , Dedicated support team , Flexible drop-off times
Budget	$	Medium-High	Moderate	Affordable pricing , Easy online booking process , Good fuel policies

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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 About Rental Car Centers

Operating Hours:

Rental car services operate from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily at both Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai locations.

Location of Rental Car Centers:

Rental counters are conveniently located within the arrival terminals of each airport.

Shuttle Service:

Shuttle buses operate every 30 minutes to and from nearby areas to assist travelers.

Distance to City Center:

It is approximately 10 kilometers from Chiang Rai airport to downtown Chicago and Chiang Mai’s drive to the city center takes roughly 15 minutes.

Ensure to check the terms of one-way rental fees, as this might greatly impact the overall cost of your journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of cars are available for one-way rentals from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai?

Various car types are available, ranging from compact cars to SUVs and vans, depending on the rental company. It's recommended to check their website for specific availability.

Are there any additional fees associated with one-way car rentals?

Yes, most companies apply a one-way rental fee to cover the cost of returning the car to the original location. Be sure to confirm this fee during booking.

What is the distance and approximate driving time between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai?

The driving distance is approximately 190 kilometers, and the journey typically takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Can I return the car to a different location in Chiang Mai?

In most cases, rental companies can accommodate returns to various locations within Chiang Mai, including the airport. Confirm this option with the company before booking.

What documents are required for renting a car on this route?

You'll typically need a valid driver's license, an international driving permit (if applicable), a passport, and a credit card for the security deposit.

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