Car Rental in Asia

Car Rental in Asia: Compare and Book in One Place

With RentingCarz you can compare car rental in Asia across rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, Thrifty and Dollar, plus local rental agencies, all in a single search. Find your car in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka or Taiwan, with pickup at airports and downtown locations. You see the final price upfront and choose the vehicle that best fits your trip. Tropical islands, ancient temples, snowy mountains, rice terraces and coastal roads: with your own car you explore Asia at your own pace and reach places public transportation doesn't.

Is It Worth Renting a Car to Travel Around Asia?

It depends on the destination and the kind of trip. In big cities like Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore or Bangkok, public transportation is excellent or traffic is very heavy, so a car usually isn't the best option. On the other hand, for exploring regions like Hokkaido and Okinawa in Japan, Jeju Island in South Korea, northern Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia or Taiwan's east coast, a car gives you a freedom that trains and buses can't. In countries like India, Sri Lanka or Indonesia, traffic can be chaotic, so it's best to be an experienced driver and plan short drives.

When Is the Best Time for a Road Trip in Asia?

Asia is huge and the climate varies a lot from one country to another:

• Japan, South Korea and Taiwan: spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best seasons. In winter, Hokkaido and mountain areas have snow and ice on the roads, and from August to October typhoons can hit, especially Okinawa and Taiwan.
• Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Singapore: the dry season usually runs from November to April in much of the region; the rest of the year brings monsoon rains, which vary by coast.
• Indonesia (Bali): the dry season runs roughly from April to October.
• India and Sri Lanka: from October to March the weather is more pleasant in most areas; Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so there's always a coast with good weather.

Most Popular Destinations to Rent a Car in Asia

Japan

The Asian destination where driving is most enjoyable: flawless roads, signs also in English and roadside rest stops (michi-no-eki) selling local products. Hokkaido is ideal for long drives among lakes, flower fields and hot springs; Okinawa, with little public transportation, is much easier to explore by car; and around Kyoto, Nara, Hakone or Mount Fuji, a car makes it easy to reach villages and viewpoints.

South Korea

Jeju Island is the top destination for renting a car in Korea, with volcanoes, waterfalls and coastal roads. On the mainland, a car lets you combine Seoul with Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla kingdom, or the coasts of Busan and Gangwon.

Thailand

The north, with Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the Mae Hong Son mountain loop, is perfect for a road trip. In the south, islands like Phuket are easy to get around by car to reach beaches and viewpoints without depending on taxis.

Malaysia and Singapore

Malaysia has modern highways linking Kuala Lumpur with Malacca, Penang and the tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands; Langkawi island is also easy to explore by car. Singapore is compact and has excellent public transportation, so a car makes more sense for occasional day trips.

Indonesia and the Philippines

In Bali, a car lets you visit the rice terraces of Ubud, the temples and the southern beaches at your own pace, although traffic in tourist areas is heavy. In the Philippines, islands like Cebu or Bohol are ideal for exploring beaches, hills and waterfalls by car.

India and Sri Lanka

In India, regions like Rajasthan, Goa or Kerala offer routes full of history and nature. Sri Lanka packs beaches, tea plantations and ancient cities like Sigiriya and Kandy into short distances. In both countries, travelers without experience in this kind of traffic usually stick to short drives.

Taiwan

The east coast, between Hualien and Taitung, is one of the most beautiful drives in Asia, with Taroko Gorge and cliffs over the Pacific. Inland, Sun Moon Lake and the Alishan mountains round out an ideal road trip.

Recommended Road Trips in Asia

• Hokkaido (Japan): from Sapporo to Furano and Biei, with their flower fields, and on to the lakes and hot springs of the island's east.
• Okinawa (Japan): from Naha to the north of the island along the coast, with beaches, cliffs and the Churaumi Aquarium.
• Around Jeju Island (South Korea): coastal roads, volcanoes and waterfalls in one or two days.
• Chiang Mai – Mae Hong Son – Pai (Thailand): a mountain route famous for its curves, villages and viewpoints.
• Kuala Lumpur – Cameron Highlands – Penang (Malaysia): from the capital to the tea plantations and the historic center of George Town.
• Taiwan's east coast: from Hualien to Taitung, via Taroko Gorge.

Tips for Driving in Asia

• Side of the road: Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, India and Sri Lanka drive on the left; South Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan drive on the right. Take a few minutes to get used to it before leaving the parking lot.
• International permit: in many Asian countries, such as Japan or South Korea, you need an International Driving Permit valid there in addition to your license. Check before you travel which document is accepted for your country, because without it you won't be able to pick up the car.
• Tolls: Japan's expressways have high tolls; the rental company may offer you an ETC card to pay them automatically. In Malaysia, tolls are paid with an electronic card (Touch 'n Go). Ask how tolls are handled when you pick up the car.
• Local rules: in Japan you must come to a complete stop before crossing a railroad crossing, and traffic cameras are common in most countries.
• Alcohol: limits are very strict throughout the region; in Japan, for example, virtually no amount of alcohol is tolerated behind the wheel.
• Motorcycles and city traffic: in Southeast Asia and India there are many motorcycles and traffic is heavy; drive calmly and keep your distance.

Can You Drive a Rental Car Across Borders in Asia?

Generally no. Many destinations in Asia are islands or are separated by restricted borders, and rental companies don't usually allow you to leave the country. Even between Singapore and Malaysia, which are connected by road, crossing with a rental car is usually prohibited or requires special permits. If your trip covers several countries, the most practical option is to rent a separate car in each one.

Which Type of Car Should You Choose for Asia?

• Economy and Compact: the best choice for narrow streets and small parking spaces, very common in Japan and Asian cities.
• Intermediate and Full Size: more space and comfort for long highway drives.
• SUV (Small, Standard or Large): recommended for mountain routes, rural roads and trips with more luggage.
• Minivan and Maxivan: designed for families and groups, very popular in Okinawa and Hokkaido.
• Premium and Luxury: for business trips or a more exclusive experience.

What Is the PROMO Rate?

It's the lowest rate available for your search. If you don't have a preference for a specific company and you're looking for the best price, the PROMO Rate is for you. We only work with highly reputable rental companies, and the PROMO Rate is always available on rentingcarz.com so you can book at your favorite destinations.

Which Car Rental Companies Operate in Asia?

With RentingCarz you compare, in a single search, the rates of the companies operating in the region:

• Hertz, Dollar and Thrifty: brands from the same group, from standard rates to budget options.
• Avis and Budget: brands from the same group, available at the main airports.
• Local rental agencies: companies based in each country that often offer very competitive rates.

Availability for each company varies by country and pickup location. The search engine shows only the options available for your dates and destination.

Why Book Your Car in Asia with RentingCarz?

• Easily compare prices across the leading rental companies.
• No surprises: 100% price transparency.
• Big discounts from top brands with our PROMO Rate.
• If you find a better price elsewhere, we'll match it.
• Pay with major credit cards or at your destination.

Check out our rent a car deals in Europe, North America, Central America, South America and the Middle East as well.