Car hire in Pattaya

Pattaya is one of Thailand's most visited resort destinations. But it's renowned not only for pristine beaches, Buddhist temples, and azure waters. Visitors come here for authentic Thai atmosphere, local traditions, and cultural experiences.

Renting a car in Pattaya offers a comfortable way to reach the Big Buddha, Phra Yai Temple, Wat Yan complex, the expansive tropical garden, or Silver Lake. Car rental is ideal for extended city tours and short family or group trips to visit maximum attractions.

Advantages of Renting with Localrent

Here's what sets car rental in Pattaya apart when using the Localrent service:

1. Transparent pricing from the start. The system calculates the final rental cost and separately displays the advance payment amount, deposit (if applicable), and fees for additional options. With Localrent, you can rent a car without hidden charges or commissions.
2. Convenient filters for car rental in Pattaya. If you want to rent a car affordably, use price sorting. If you need a luxury-class vehicle, select suitable models. Filters also allow you to choose deposit size (or no deposit), vehicle parameters, and insurance type.
3. Minimum advance payment required. Before picking up your rental car in Pattaya, you'll pay 15–20% of the total cost by card on the website. The remaining balance can be paid when collecting the vehicle.
4. Low deposit requirements. Rental companies in Pattaya offer cars with minimal deposits or none at all.
5. Additional option selection. Before booking your car, you can add a second driver, extended insurance (if offered by the rental company), child seats, or booster seats.

Renting in Pattaya through the Localrent service takes just a few minutes thanks to the straightforward interface and clear booking and payment forms.

Requirements for Car Rental

To rent a car in Pattaya, you'll need:

• Passport
• Valid driver's license (Category B)
• Bank card for advance payment when booking

You can pay the remaining balance when collecting the vehicle by card or cash—specific terms are indicated in the vehicle listing. Each rental company sets specific driving experience and minimum age requirements. Check these rental parameters in the vehicle listing before payment.

Traffic Regulations Overview

Pattaya has left-hand traffic, so the "yield to the left" rule applies. Speed limits:

• Up to 80 km/h in populated areas
• Up to 90 km/h outside populated areas on public roads
• Up to 120 km/h on expressways

Public transportation is limited on the roads, especially outside the city. However, local traffic is quite active, with many pit bikes on the streets.

Fuel Stations

Key points about refueling in Pattaya:

• Pure gasoline without additives isn't available, but three ethanol-gasoline blend options are used; the most popular are E10 and E20, suitable for most vehicles
• Nearly every gas station offers diesel, and gas stations are frequently available
• Street vendors sell gasoline in bottles, though it costs more than at service stations
• Most fuel stations operate 24/7, with separate pumps for motorcycles and cars
• Cards are accepted only at major stations, while cash is accepted everywhere

Automated fuel stations are also common in Pattaya, particularly along rural highways.

Parking

Paid parking areas in Pattaya are marked with "P" signs, where you'll always find a payment machine. Besides street parking, multi-level underground parking facilities are available.

If you park illegally, wheels will be clamped with a "boot" and a notice left with the fine amount. If you're absent for an extended period without paying the fine on-site, the vehicle will be towed to an impound lot. This results in additional towing service charges.

How to Book a Car in Pattaya

To rent a car in Pattaya using the Localrent service:

1. Select rental dates and choose pickup/return locations. Daily rates apply. To avoid paying for an extra day, return the vehicle no later than the pickup time.
2. Configure rental parameters using filters. This helps you quickly select the best vehicle at an acceptable price. Filter cars by class, transmission, engine, drivetrain, make, cost, etc. You can also mark other options, such as deposit size or vehicles with unlimited mileage.
3. Add options. For example, child seat or booster, extended insurance, second driver.
4. Enter driver details. Provide surname, first name, phone number, and email address. You can add an additional phone number and messenger contacts.
5. Pay the advance. After completing all forms, review the total rental cost and pay 15–20% by card. The balance is paid at the meeting with the rental company manager when collecting the vehicle (payment method will be specified in the listing).

After payment, you'll receive an electronic voucher by email containing the rental company manager's contact details and vehicle rental information. You can print it or save it on your phone to present when collecting the car in Pattaya.

Places to Visit with Your Rental Car

A rental car not only provides convenient transportation within Pattaya but also allows you to explore attractions outside the city. Here are several popular routes:

1. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Located 24 km from Pattaya on extensive grounds. Here you can admire exotic plants and sculptures, and visit a lake with giant fish. We recommend visiting the garden featuring pottery installations, photographing with elephants or large parrots.
2. Khao Kheow Zoo. Located 47 km from the city, this expansive park features animal enclosures. Some animals live in their natural habitat. You can hand-feed certain animals—food is sold at the zoo entrance.
3. Wat Yan Temple. This entire temple complex includes a Buddhist educational center, museum, and several temples. The grounds feature a park with lakes, streams, and sculptures. The temple is situated on a mountain.
4. Glass Bridge. Located 41 km from Pattaya in Chachoengsao Province. Another temple complex is nearby. The bridge is made of glass and connects the peaks of two hills.
5. Dragon Viewpoint in Sriracha City, just 28 km from Pattaya. You can visit this small town with its relatively new observation deck decorated with dragon sculptures. A nearby temple complex offers guided tours.

With a rental car, you can visit other attractions such as water parks, the floating market, and the popular elephant village.

Where to Rent a Car in Pattaya

When booking a car, you can choose where to collect it. Local rental companies offer various locations:

• Near their office
• Near your hotel
• In the city center
• At the central station
• At U-Tapao Airport

Not all companies offer vehicle delivery; some only provide cars at their office. For convenient selection when booking, use the "Specify location" filter.

Tips for Proper Rental

The following tips will help avoid unpleasant surprises not only during booking but throughout the entire rental period.

Remember that only basic insurance is included in the price

Each vehicle listing contains information about insurance coverage. You can purchase extended policies additionally, though available options vary for each vehicle. Note that no insurance coverage applies on unpaved roads.

Rental price may increase with additional options

The cost will be higher if you select extended insurance, additional options, or paid delivery. The final price is displayed before advance payment and in your voucher. After making the prepayment, it won't change.

Deposit can be paid in cash or by card

The deposit is refundable and, depending on rental company conditions (check the listing), is paid by card or cash. If the vehicle has no damage upon return, the deposit is refunded in full.

Frequently Asked Questions