Car rental in Pattaya

You don't need a car in Pattaya itself. Baht buses (shared pickup trucks) and taxis run along the main roads, the seafront gets busy in the evenings, and parking near it is limited. A rental makes sense for the coast and countryside around the city, or for the drive from Bangkok. In November 2026, listings started from about US$20 a day, but budget for fuel and parking as well.

When a car is worth it

The Sattahip coast. Drive south to Sattahip and Samaesan for quiet piers, fishing villages and seafood by the water. Allow about 45 minutes to an hour from central Pattaya.

Ban Phe and Ko Samet. Ban Phe, where boats leave for Ko Samet, is roughly 1.5 hours east along the coast. Park near the pier or arrange a taxi for the day, and check ferry times before you leave.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo. This large zoo is inland, around 40 minutes to an hour from Pattaya. It's easy to reach by car and simpler than juggling a group on public transport.

Before you book

Your licence. Rental companies generally ask for your passport, your home licence and an international driving permit. Thailand's tourism authority lists an international driving permit, or a domestic licence from an ASEAN country, as what visitors can use. Rules vary by nationality, so confirm with the rental company or an official source before you travel.

Where to collect the car. If you're flying in, you can collect at Suvarnabhumi Airport, from which the drive to Pattaya takes roughly 1.5 hours, or at a branch in Pattaya itself. Pick whichever suits how tired you'll be after your flight.

Insurance. Check the excess for damage and what you need to do after an accident. A police report is often required for an insurance claim.

Driving in Thailand

The basics. Traffic drives on the left. Wear your seat belt, and give motorbikes plenty of room.

Tolls and parking. Some expressways and motorways charge tolls, including the motorway between Bangkok and Pattaya. Ask your rental company how to pay them. In central Pattaya, parking near the seafront is limited, so look for a hotel car park.

Weather. The wet season runs roughly from May to October. Sudden heavy rain can flood low stretches of road and slow traffic, and the sea can be rough, so check conditions before you set out.