Phuket is Thailand's most visited island, but most tourists barely scratch its surface. A hire car opens up the island's jungle-covered interior, its hidden west coast beaches, the cliff-top viewpoints of its southern tip, and the ornate Sino-Portuguese architecture of Phuket Town's old quarter. More importantly, it's the gateway to the mainland roads north through Phang Nga Bay and the limestone karst scenery of Ao Nang.

Picking up your hire car in Phuket

  • Phuket International Airport (HKT) — situated on the north coast of the island. Car hire desks are in the arrivals hall. Multiple Thai and international suppliers represented. Off-airport companies offer cheaper rates but require a transfer.
  • Scooters vs cars: Scooter hire is ubiquitous and cheap in Phuket, but accident rates are extremely high. An enclosed car provides significantly more safety, especially on the winding mountain roads of the island's interior.
  • High season (Dec–Feb): Book at least 3–4 weeks ahead. Phuket becomes one of Asia's busiest tourist hubs and car hire is in high demand.

Driving in and around Phuket

  • Drive on the left. Speed limits: 90 km/h on national routes, 60 km/h in towns. Speed is often not the issue — local driving habits and motorbikes are.
  • The main road from the airport south through Cherng Talay and Patong is frequently congested. Use the bypass roads where possible.
  • The island's west coast roads (from Surin to Kata via Kamala and Karon) are the most scenic and worth driving slowly.
  • Phuket Town's old city streets are narrow — park on the edge and walk the Sino-Portuguese architecture quarter.
  • Fuel stations are plentiful; ensure you refuel before heading into the Phang Nga mainland where stations are more spaced out.

Where to go — best drives from Phuket

Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island (1.5 hrs north) — the road north from Phuket crosses the Sarasin Bridge to the mainland and enters the karst landscape of Phang Nga province. This is the backdrop of The Man with the Golden Gun. Khao Lak (2 hrs north) — unspoiled beach resort with far fewer crowds than Phuket. The national park roads through Khao Sok are extraordinary. Cape Promthep & the Southern Viewpoints — the road through Nai Harn and Rawai to the southern tip offers the island's best sunset views. Phuket Town Old Quarter — the Dibuk and Thalang roads through the Sino-Portuguese old town are lined with stunning 19th-century shophouses. Street food and architecture in equal measure.

Best drive: The Phang Nga Bay coastal road via Krabi to Ao Nang (3.5 hrs from Phuket) is one of Southeast Asia's most jaw-dropping drives — limestone towers rising from emerald sea on both sides of the road.
Price tip: Phuket is one of the world's most competitive car hire markets — always compare at least 4–5 suppliers before booking. Local and regional companies often undercut the big brands significantly.
Book for Phuket now: Compare live prices from 900+ suppliers at Phuket car hire. Prices from $23/day. No booking fees.