Which Days Are the Expressways Free During Songkran 2026? Check 5 Motorway Routes Free Over 530 km

Check Free expressways during Songkran 2026 Welcoming the Thai New Year festival with travel convenience measures— free expressways and free motorways from the Department of Highways, Ministry of Transport, allowing the public to use motorway routes without charge, including adding trial routes totaling more than 530 kilometers nationwide, facilitating faster, easier travel home or for tourism, and reducing travel costs for the public.

Thairath Online Here's a summary of Songkran 2026 when you can use free expressways and which routes are covered—check now.

Summary of free expressway periods during Songkran 2026

The Department of Highways offers a Songkran gift by allowing free use of 5 expressways: M6, M7, M9, M81 and M82, covering 530 kilometers, including 2 free trial routes: M6 and M82.

These 5 expressways will be toll-free from 10 to 16 April 2026 (7 days), from 00:01 on the first day to 24:00 on the last day.

Which routes are included in the 5 free expressways and motorways during Songkran 2026?

Toll exemption applies to 3 main routes (for 7 days):

1. Motorway No. 7 (M7) : Bangkok - Chonburi - Pattaya - Map Ta Phut route

2. Motorway No. 9 (M9) : Outer Bangkok Ring Road (Kanchanaphisek Road) from Bang Pa-in to Bang Phli and Phra Pradaeng to Bang Khun Thian interchange

3. Motorway No. 81 (M81) : Bang Yai to Kanchanaburi route

Free trial operation on 2 routes (M6 and M82)

4. Motorway M6: Free trial along the entire 196 km from Bang Pa-in to Nakhon Ratchasima. The Bang Pa-in to Pak Chong section will serve as outbound Bangkok traffic from 10-13 April 2026 and inbound Bangkok traffic from 14-19 April 2026. The Pak Chong to Nakhon Ratchasima section operates as usual 24/7.Normally24 hours daily, with3 options for driving from Bangkok to access M6 towards Nakhon Ratchasima.

5. Motorway M82 Free trial operation from Bang Khun Thian interchange to Ekachai, covering 10 kilometers.

Tips for traveling during Songkran 2026

1. Check your vehicle: inspect tire pressure, radiator, and lighting before driving.

2. Plan your timing: monitor traffic conditions via M-Traffic app or EXAT Portal in real time.

3. Prepare your body: get enough sleep. "Don’t drive drowsy or drunk" for your safety and fellow travelers.

Finally, remember the driving motto during Songkran 2026: "Don’t drive drowsy, don’t speed drunk" for the safety of yourself and others. Wishing everyone a safe journey, restful time, and meaningful moments with family throughout the Thai New Year festival.

Check full route coverage atthe Department of Highways, which also advises on traffic diversion routes for Songkran 2026, enabling travel across all regions of Thailand.