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

Home One-way Car Rentals Pattaya to Chiang Mai

Can I rent a car from Pattaya to Chiang Mai?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Pattaya to Chiang Mai. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for TH residents

Documents required for international visitors

Form of ID: A valid physical France or Thailand national photo ID.
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 year(s).
Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, AMEX, JCB, and UnionPay. Debit cards are accepted in some cases (Visa, Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 18 to 25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 46.37 per day or US$ 44.06 per day capped at US$ 443.59 for the rental.

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 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
• Original South Korea Driving Licence (English version) (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. Supported credit cards include Visa, Master, DinersClub, Discover, AMEX, JCB, and UnionPay. Debit cards are accepted in some cases (Visa, Master).
Age requirements: Drivers must be between 18 and 80 years old. Young drivers aged 18 to 25 may incur additional fees, such as US$ 46.37 per day or US$ 44.06 per day capped at US$ 443.59 for the rental.

How much does renting a car from Pattaya to Chiang Mai cost?

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

US$ 58/day

Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 98/day

Vehicle Types

Vehicle Types	Daily Rate(One-way Fee Included)	One-way Fee	Total(3-day Trip)	Best For
Small	US$ 129-US$ 589	US$ 0-US$ 187	US$ 174-US$ 308	Solo travelers, couples
Large	US$ 162-US$ 328	US$ 100-US$ 264	US$ 273-US$ 419	Families, comfort seeker
SUV	US$ 172-US$ 244	US$ 0-US$ 166	US$ 294-US$ 380	Large groups, long drivers
Van	US$ 203-US$ 328	US$ 0-US$ 264	US$ 258-US$ 419	Large families, groups
Pickup Truck	US$ 212-US$ 202	US$ 0-US$ 156	US$ 283-US$ 276	Adventure Travelers, heavy luggage

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

Key Consideration：

Additional One-Way Fees: One-way rentals often include additional fees. Confirm these costs with your rental provider.
Drop-Off Location Availability: Verify that your destination, Chiang Mai, has facilities to accept your rental vehicle.
Vehicle Class Restrictions: Some vehicle types may not be available for one-way rentals. Check availability for your preferred car.
Booking Ahead: Pre-book your car to ensure availability and preferable rates, especially during peak seasons.
Cross-Region Driving Rules: Get familiar with regional driving laws and road-specific guidelines for your route.

Smart Planning Tips:

Plan Fuel Stops Strategically: Review your route and identify convenient gas stations for re-fueling, especially near your destination, Chiang Mai.
Use Navigation Apps: Leverage reliable GPS or navigation applications for accurate routing and traffic insights.
Pack Adequately for Long Drives: Carry snacks, water, and necessary documents for a comfortable and uninterrupted journey.
Inspect Your Rental Thoroughly: Before starting your journey, check the vehicle for any pre-existing damages and confirm its fuel level.
Know Your Rental’s Roadside Assistance Policy: Understand the support options available in case of vehicle issues 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

Refuel Policy Basic

Refuel the car before returning it to avoid additional charges.

Keep the last fuel receipt as proof of refueling.

Use a gas station near the drop-off location for convenience.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel price in Chiang Mai is approximately 40 THB per liter.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed to optimize fuel consumption.

Check tire pressure before starting the journey.

Limit the use of air conditioning to conserve fuel.

Pattaya Parking

Parking costs in Pattaya range from 20 to 50 THB per hour.

Shopping malls often provide free parking for customers.

Street parking is available but may require a fee.

Chiang Mai Parking

Parking in the city center may cost around 30 THB per hour.

Some hotels offer free parking for guests.

Public parking lots are available near tourist attractions.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia

JustPark

SpotHero

Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes from Pattaya to Chiang Mai:

Scenic Coastal Highway to Inland Hills

Leisure and Sightseeing 14 hours

Enjoy picturesque coastlines transitioning to verdant uplands, perfect for adventure seekers.

Chonburi , Ayutthaya , Lampang

Fast Expressway Route

Efficiency 10 hours

A direct and fast route via major highways with minimal stops.

Bangkok , Nakhon Sawan , Chiang Rai

Historical Tour Route

Cultural Exploration 13 hours

Learn about Thai history while stopping at significant cultural landmarks.

Ayutthaya , Sukhothai , Lamphun

Not-to-Miss Stops Along the Pattaya to Chiang Mai Drive:

Ayutthaya's Historic Sites

4 hours from Pattaya

Ancient temples and UNESCO heritage landmarks.

Sukhothai Historical Park

8 hours from Pattaya

Preserved ruins of ancient Thai capitals.

Lampang Elephant Conservation Center

12 hours from Pattaya

Experience natural beauty and Thailand's national animals.

Chiang Mai's Old Town and Night Bazaar

14 hours from Pattaya

End your trip exploring the culturally vibrant Chiang Mai.

Essential Tips for Road Trips

Route Selection: Choose well-maintained road networks and check on current traffic scenarios to ensure smooth travel.

Time Management: Plan your travel time effectively considering rest stops and attractions en route.

Fuel Stops: Identify fueling points along your route, ensuring you're never caught unprepared.

Safety Readiness: Carry an emergency kit and be aware of hospital locations along the way.

Navigation Preparedness: Utilize GPS navigation systems in conjunction with local maps for accurate routing.

Budget Planning: Account for toll fees, fuel expenses, and potential accommodation during long journeys.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

When selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Pattaya to Chiang Mai, choose a service offering flexible one-way rental options. Consider factors like the variety of available vehicles, the company's reputation for customer service, and overall convenience.

Company	One-Way Fee	Fleet Variety	Location Coverage	Key Advantage
Avis	$$	High	Comprehensive	Known for professional service , Wide network of rental locations , GPS-enabled vehicles
Budget	$	Medium	Above average	Affordable rates , Flexible pick-up and drop-off policies , Good selection of economical cars
Hertz	$$	High	Significant coverage	Well-maintained vehicles , Priority customer support , User-friendly booking systems
Sixt	$$$	Luxury-focused	Widespread	Premium fleet choices , Loyalty rewards , Quick booking and check-in processes

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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

Information About Chiang Mai Rental Car Centers

Operating Hours:

Rental desks at Chiang Mai airport generally operate from 6 AM to midnight. Confirm specific timings with your rental company.

Location:

The rental car pick-up/drop-off area is conveniently located near the main terminal.

Shuttle Services:

Complimentary shuttle services connect the terminal to offsite rental centers every 15 minutes.

Parking and Returns:

Designated return areas are clearly marked in the rental center. Staff assistance is available for check-ins.

Pro Tips for U-Tapao International Airport(UTP) Car Rentals

Make a reservation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as one-way rentals can be in high demand along this route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drop off the rental car in Chiang Mai after renting it in Pattaya?

Yes, most car rental companies allow for one-way rentals between Pattaya and Chiang Mai. However, additional fees for the one-way rental may apply.

What are the available vehicle options for this route?

Rental companies typically offer a variety of vehicles ranging from compact cars to SUVs. It's advisable to check the availability of your preferred vehicle type when making a reservation.

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

The driving distance is approximately 750 kilometers, which typically takes around 9-12 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Are there specific driving requirements for this route?

Drivers usually need a valid driver’s license (international if you're a non-Thai resident), a credit card for deposit, and sufficient driving experience. Make sure to familiarize yourself with Thai traffic rules.

What is the fuel policy for this rental route?

Most car rentals operate on a full-to-full fuel policy. This means the vehicle should be returned with the same amount of fuel as when rented. Ensure to refuel before returning to avoid extra charges.

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