Ferries
01
Ask before taking a rental car on a ferry
Many rental companies do not allow their cars on ferries, or their insurance does not cover it. Check your terms before you drive to Donsak.
Car rental in Surat Thani
Gulf coast & the South · compare suppliers, pick-up points and local driving tips.
3 h 15 min from HKT
215 km
7 suppliers
2 local tips
Search car rental in Surat Thani
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 Surat Thani
Surat Thani is the gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, and to Khao Sok National Park. Surat Thani Airport (URT) has several rental desks. On the drive from Phuket you pass close to Khao Sok, so it makes a good overnight stop.
Pick-up points in Surat Thani
Quick facts: Surat Thani
| From Phuket Airport | 215 km / 3 h 15 min |
|---|---|
| Region | Gulf coast & the South |
| Main pick-up | Surat Thani Airport (URT) |
| Pick-up points | 2 |
| Suppliers | 7 |
| Drive on | The left |
| Tourist Police | 1155 |
Getting there
Driving from Phuket Airport to Surat Thani
3 h 15 min
215 km · approx., in light traffic
Route 402 north, Route 4 to Khok Kloi, then Route 401 east past Khao Sok to Surat Thani.
Add 20–30 minutes at rush hour or in heavy rain.
Places worth the drive
Khao Sok National ParkRainforest, limestone peaks and Cheow Lan Lake.
Donsak pierCar and passenger ferries to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Night marketBusy evening food market in town.
ChaiyaHistoric temples about an hour north.
Local driving tips
Local tips for Surat Thani
What locals know and rental desks rarely tell you – read these before you drive in Surat Thani.
Roads
02
Route 401 is the scenic way
Route 401 between Takua Pa and Surat Thani runs past Khao Sok's limestone hills. Allow time for stops.
Car rental deals
Today's best deals in Surat Thani
Indicative "from" prices from recent searches (checked 14 October 2026). Prices in Surat Thani 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 Surat Thani
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 | Surat Thani Airport (URT) – arrivals hallSurat Thani Airport (URT), Hua Toei, Phunphin District, Surat Thani 84130 | Travellers who want a familiar international brand | Details | ||
| International brand | Surat Thani Airport (URT) – arrivals hallSurat Thani Airport (URT), Hua Toei, Phunphin District, Surat Thani 84130 | Business travellers and loyalty-programme members | Details | ||
| International brand | Surat Thani Airport (URT) – arrivals hallSurat Thani Airport (URT), Hua Toei, Phunphin District, Surat Thani 84130 | Good price with an international brand | Details | ||
| International brand | Surat Thani Airport (URT) – arrivals hallSurat Thani Airport (URT), Hua Toei, Phunphin District, Surat Thani 84130 | Late-evening arrivals (desk open to midnight) | Details | ||
| International brand | Surat Thani Airport (URT) – arrivals hallSurat Thani Airport (URT), Hua Toei, Phunphin District, Surat Thani 84130 | European travellers who know the brand | Details | ||
| Thai company | Surat Thani Airport (URT) – arrivals hallSurat Thani Airport (URT), Hua Toei, Phunphin District, Surat Thani 84130 | Good value for money (high value score) | Details | ||
| International brand | Surat Thani Airport (URT) – arrivals hallSurat Thani Airport (URT), Hua Toei, Phunphin District, Surat Thani 84130 | 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 Surat Thani
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 Surat Thani
Pick up in Surat Thani 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
Surat Thani Phuket Airport
End your stay in Surat Thani and leave the car at Phuket Airport on the way to your flight – no taxi to the airport needed.
Route 402 north, Route 4 to Khok Kloi, then Route 401 east past Khao Sok to Surat Thani. Best for: Flying home from Phuket
fromTHB 772/ day + one-way fee
Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat
Pick up in Surat Thani, 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 935/ day + one-way fee
Surat Thani Krabi
Pick up in Surat Thani, drive to Krabi and drop the car at Krabi Airport (KBV) – then fly home from there.
Best for: Ao Nang, Railay & island hopping
fromTHB 818/ day + one-way fee
Surat Thani Trang
Pick up in Surat Thani, 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 910/ day + one-way fee
Surat Thani Hat Yai
Pick up in Surat Thani, 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 984/ 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 Surat Thani
About 215 km, or 3 h 15 min by car in light traffic. Route 402 north, Route 4 to Khok Kloi, then Route 401 east past Khao Sok to Surat Thani.
Common pick-up points are: Surat Thani Airport (URT), Surat Thani town. 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.
Ask before taking a rental car on a ferry: Many rental companies do not allow their cars on ferries, or their insurance does not cover it. Check your terms before you drive to Donsak. See all local driving tips.
Recent searches start from about THB 772 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), Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST), Krabi Airport (KBV). The one-way fee is included in the total price you see when you search.
Popular drives include Khao Sok National Park, Donsak pier, Night market. 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.
Travel guides
Related guides for Surat Thani
Researched guides for driving in and around Surat Thani.
Ready to compare prices for Surat Thani?
Free cancellation on most bookings and the full price shown upfront.
