Roads
01
Steep roads inland
Some roads to hilltop villas and viewpoints are very steep. A car with a bit more power than the smallest economy class helps.
Car rental in Koh Samui
Gulf coast & the South · compare suppliers, pick-up points and local driving tips.
4 h + 1 h 30 ferry from HKT
270 + ferry km
7 suppliers
3 local tips
Search car rental in Koh Samui
Total price upfrontInsurance, taxes and fees shown before you pay.
7 suppliers comparedInternational brands and trusted Thai firms.
Desk on your voucherClear meeting point for every booking.
Support by phone+66 2 026 1258
Renting a car in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a large island in the Gulf of Thailand. A ring road of about 50 km loops round the coast, so a car is the easiest way to move between beaches like Chaweng, Lamai and Bophut. Pick up at Samui Airport (USM) rather than bringing a car from the mainland.
Pick-up points in Koh Samui
Quick facts: Koh Samui
| From Phuket Airport | 270 + ferry km / 4 h + 1 h 30 ferry |
|---|---|
| Region | Gulf coast & the South |
| Main pick-up | Samui Airport (USM) |
| Pick-up points | 2 |
| Suppliers | 7 |
| Drive on | The left |
| Tourist Police | 1155 |
Getting there
Driving from Phuket Airport to Koh Samui
4 h + 1 h 30 ferry
270 + ferry km · approx., in light traffic
Drive to Donsak pier via Surat Thani, then take the car ferry – or fly and pick up at Samui Airport.
Add 20–30 minutes at rush hour or in heavy rain.
Places worth the drive
Chaweng & LamaiThe island's two busiest beaches.
Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai)A golden Buddha on a small island linked by a causeway.
Na Muang waterfallsTwo waterfalls in the island's interior.
Fisherman's Village, BophutFriday walking street and seafront restaurants.
Local driving tips
Local tips for Koh Samui
What locals know and rental desks rarely tell you – read these before you drive in Koh Samui.
Weather
02
Samui's rain comes later
The Gulf side gets its heaviest rain roughly October to December – later than Phuket. Plan wet-weather driving accordingly.
Ferries
03
Rent on the island
Bringing a mainland rental car by ferry is often not allowed. Renting at Samui Airport is usually simpler.
Car rental deals
Today's best deals in Koh Samui
Indicative "from" prices from recent searches (checked 14 October 2026). Prices in Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui
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 | Samui Airport (USM) – arrivals hallSamui International Airport (USM), Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320 | Travellers who want a familiar international brand | Details | ||
| International brand | Samui Airport (USM) – arrivals hallSamui International Airport (USM), Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320 | Business travellers and loyalty-programme members | Details | ||
| International brand | Samui Airport (USM) – arrivals hallSamui International Airport (USM), Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320 | Good price with an international brand | Details | ||
| International brand | Samui Airport (USM) – arrivals hallSamui International Airport (USM), Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320 | Late-evening arrivals (desk open to midnight) | Details | ||
| International brand | Samui Airport (USM) – arrivals hallSamui International Airport (USM), Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320 | European travellers who know the brand | Details | ||
| Thai company | Samui Airport (USM) – arrivals hallSamui International Airport (USM), Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320 | Good value for money (high value score) | Details | ||
| International brand | Samui Airport (USM) – arrivals hallSamui International Airport (USM), Bo Phut, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320 | Daytime arrivals | 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 Koh Samui
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 Koh Samui
Rental cars can't go on the ferry, so one-way trips from Koh Samui to the mainland aren't possible. For a road trip, fly or take the ferry to Surat Thani and rent a car there – one-way drop-offs at Krabi, Phuket or Hat Yai airports are available from the mainland.
- Drop-off at the destination airport
- One-way fee shown upfront
- Offered mainly by larger suppliers
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 Koh Samui
About 270 + ferry km, or 4 h + 1 h 30 ferry by car in light traffic. Drive to Donsak pier via Surat Thani, then take the car ferry – or fly and pick up at Samui Airport.
Common pick-up points are: Samui Airport (USM), Nathon. Your voucher shows the exact desk or meeting point.
Suppliers that usually appear in our search here include Hertz, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar, Thai Rent a Car, National. Availability changes with your dates.
Steep roads inland: Some roads to hilltop villas and viewpoints are very steep. A car with a bit more power than the smallest economy class helps. See all local driving tips.
Recent searches start from about THB 850 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.
Rental cars cannot go on the ferry, so one-way trips to the mainland are not possible from here. Rent a second car on the mainland instead.
Popular drives include Chaweng & Lamai, Big Buddha (Wat Phra Yai), Na Muang waterfalls. 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 Koh Samui
Travel guides
Related guides for Koh Samui
Researched guides for driving in and around Koh Samui.
Ready to compare prices for Koh Samui?
Free cancellation on most bookings and the full price shown upfront.
