Timing
01
Avoid the 4029 junction at rush hour
The junction where Route 4029 meets Route 402 is one of the busiest on the island. Outside rush hour it moves much faster.
Car rental in Kathu
Phuket Island · compare suppliers, pick-up points and local driving tips.
35 min from HKT
28 km
12 suppliers
2 local tips
Search car rental in Kathu
Total price upfrontInsurance, taxes and fees shown before you pay.
12 suppliers comparedInternational brands and trusted Thai firms.
Desk on your voucherClear meeting point for every booking.
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Renting a car in Kathu
Kathu is the green, hilly district between Patong and Phuket Town. Many long-stay visitors and golfers base themselves here because it is central: Patong, Phuket Town and the airport road are all within easy reach.
Pick-up points in Kathu
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Main pick-up point – rental desks in the Domestic Terminal arrivals hall.
Directions on OpenStreetMap
Main pick-up point – rental desks in the Domestic Terminal arrivals hall.
Directions on OpenStreetMap
Quick facts: Kathu
| From Phuket Airport | 28 km / 35 min |
|---|---|
| Region | Phuket Island |
| Main pick-up | Phuket International Airport (HKT) |
| Pick-up points | 2 |
| Suppliers | 12 |
| Drive on | The left |
| Tourist Police | 1155 |
Getting there
Driving from Phuket Airport to Kathu
35 min
28 km · approx., in light traffic
Route 402 south, then west on Route 4029 towards Patong.
Add 20–30 minutes at rush hour or in heavy rain.
Places worth the drive
Kathu WaterfallA short forest walk, best in the rainy season.
Golf coursesSeveral of Phuket's courses are in and around Kathu.
PatongTen minutes over the hill.
Phuket TownAbout 15 minutes east.
Local driving tips
Local tips for Kathu
What locals know and rental desks rarely tell you – read these before you drive in Kathu.
Fuel
02
Fill up before the hills
Petrol stations are easy to find along Route 402 and 4029. Fill up there rather than hunting for one in the hills.
Car rental deals
Today's best deals in Kathu
Indicative "from" prices from recent searches (checked 14 October 2026). Prices in Kathu can differ – search your dates for live prices.
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similarfromTHB 704/ day
- 5 seats, 2 bags
- Free cancellation
- Unlimited mileage
Compact
Toyota Vios or similarfromTHB 868/ day
- 4 seats, 1 bags
- Couples, small families, business travelers,
- Comfortable for city driving and longer island
Full size
Toyota Hilux or similarfromTHB 677/ day
- 5 seats, 5 doors
- Diesel
- Families, outdoor trips & extra cargo
SUV
Honda HR-V or similarfromTHB 955/ day
- 5 seats, 5 doors
- Families & comfortable road trips
- Comfortable ride and good fuel efficiency
Van/Minivan
Mitsubishi Xpander or similarfromTHB 1,248/ day
- 7 seat, 5 doors
- Crossover MPV
- Spacious three-row cabin designed for family use
Luxury
BMW 3 Series or similarfromTHB 1,352/ day
- 5 Seats, 3 luggage
- Business trips and premium travel
- Plug-in Hybrid
Suppliers
Compare rental companies in Kathu
International brands and Thai companies side by side – with the rental desk address and customer score for each.
| Supplier | Type | Rental desk address | Good for | Customer score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International brand | Phuket Airport – Domestic Terminal, arrivals hallPhuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | Travellers who want a familiar international brand | Details | ||
| International brand | Phuket Airport – Domestic Terminal, arrivals hallPhuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | Business travellers and loyalty-programme members | Details | ||
| International brand | Phuket Airport – Domestic Terminal, arrivals hallPhuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | Good price with an international brand | Details | ||
| International brand | Phuket Airport – Domestic Terminal, arrivals hall, 1st floor – orange counter (returns at gate 3)Phuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | Late-evening arrivals (desk open to midnight) | Details | ||
| International brand | Phuket Airport – Domestic Terminal, arrivals hallPhuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | European travellers who know the brand | Details | ||
| Value brand | Phuket Airport – Domestic Terminal, arrivals hallPhuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | Lower prices with a big-group backup | Details | ||
| Value brand | Phuket Airport – Domestic Terminal, arrivals hallPhuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | Lowest price on a known brand | Details | ||
| International brand | Phuket Airport – Domestic Terminal, ground floor – next to the exit between doors 1 and 2Phuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | Daytime arrivals | Details | ||
| Thai company | Phuket Airport – Domestic Terminal, arrivals hallPhuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | Good value for money (high value score) | Details | ||
| Thai company | Phuket Airport – Arrivals hall – desk or meet & greet with a name signPhuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | Tight budgets | Details | ||
| Value brand | Phuket Airport – Arrivals hall – desk or meet & greet (local partner)Phuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | Low prices with group backing | Details | ||
| Value brand | Phuket Airport – Domestic Terminal, arrivals hallPhuket International Airport (HKT), 222 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand | Smooth pick-up and drop-off (score 9.8) | Details |
Scores: VIP Cars customer ratings out of 10. Your booking voucher always shows the exact desk or meeting point. Suppliers shown usually appear in our search for this area – availability changes with your dates.
Car types
Choose the right car for your trip in Kathu
Prices are indicative daily rates from recent searches and change with season and demand. Models are examples – you get a car from the same group.
One Way Routes
One-Way Car Rental From Kathu
Pick up in Kathu and drop the car at an airport in southern Thailand – no need to drive back. The one-way fee (drop charge) is included in the price you see when you search.
- Drop-off at the destination airport
- One-way fee shown upfront
- Offered mainly by larger suppliers
Kathu Phuket Airport
End your stay in Kathu and leave the car at Phuket Airport on the way to your flight – no taxi to the airport needed.
Route 402 south, then west on Route 4029 towards Patong. Best for: Flying home from Phuket
fromTHB 698/ day + one-way fee
Kathu Krabi
Pick up in Kathu, drive to Krabi and drop the car at Krabi Airport (KBV) – then fly home from there.
Best for: Ao Nang, Railay & island hopping
fromTHB 744/ day + one-way fee
Kathu Surat Thani
Pick up in Kathu, drive to Surat Thani and drop the car at Surat Thani Airport (URT) – then fly home from there.
Best for: Khao Sok & the Samui ferries
fromTHB 792/ day + one-way fee
Kathu Trang
Pick up in Kathu, drive to Trang and drop the car at Trang Airport (TST) – then fly home from there.
Best for: Koh Mook, Koh Kradan & Pak Meng
fromTHB 836/ day + one-way fee
Kathu Nakhon Si Thammarat
Pick up in Kathu, drive to Nakhon Si Thammarat and drop the car at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) – then fly home from there.
Best for: Temples, culture & Khao Luang
fromTHB 861/ day + one-way fee
Kathu Hat Yai
Pick up in Kathu, drive to Hat Yai and drop the car at Hat Yai Airport (HDY) – then fly home from there.
Best for: Songkhla & the deep south
fromTHB 910/ day + one-way fee
Approximate distances and drive times in light traffic. "From" price = lowest Economy daily rate seen for each route (checked 14 October 2026); the one-way fee is added in your search. Availability depends on the supplier and your dates.
Help
Questions about renting in Kathu
About 28 km, or 35 min by car in light traffic. Route 402 south, then west on Route 4029 towards Patong.
Common pick-up points are: Phuket International Airport (HKT), Kathu. Your voucher shows the exact desk or meeting point.
Suppliers that usually appear in our search here include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar, Thrifty, Dollar, National, Thai Rent a Car, Chic Car Rent, Keddy by Europcar, Payless Car Rental. Availability changes with your dates.
Avoid the 4029 junction at rush hour: The junction where Route 4029 meets Route 402 is one of the busiest on the island. Outside rush hour it moves much faster. See all local driving tips.
Recent searches start from about THB 698 a day for an economy car. Prices change with the season – they are highest from mid-December to February and lowest in September and October.
Yes, one-way rentals are possible – for example to Phuket Airport (HKT), Krabi Airport (KBV), Surat Thani Airport (URT). The one-way fee is included in the total price you see when you search.
Popular drives include Kathu Waterfall, Golf courses, Patong. See the highlights above for details.
With most licences from outside ASEAN, yes. Carry an International Driving Permit (1949 Geneva type) with your national licence – rental desks and police can ask for both.
Nearby
Car rental near Kathu
Travel guides
Related guides for Kathu
Researched guides for driving in and around Kathu.
Ready to compare prices for Kathu?
Free cancellation on most bookings and the full price shown upfront.
