Songkran 2026: Free Motorway Use from 10-16 April 2026

Free motorway use for seven full days during the Songkran festival will run from 10-16 April 2026, including locations of motorway rest stops. The public is encouraged to plan their trips in advance.

Although Thailand is currently facing a fuel price surge due to unrest in the Middle East, it is expected that many people have already planned their journeys home for the extended Songkran holiday in 2026.

. The Department of Highways, Ministry of Transport, has announced toll exemptions on three motorways, namely M7, M9, and M81. This toll-free period lasts seven full days, and additionally, two motorways will open for free trial use: M6 and M82. In total, over 530 kilometers of motorway will be available toll-free nationwide to facilitate travel home during Songkran 2026 under the concept “Whatever time you leave, you’ll arrive home the same – Smart Travel Songkran 2026.” Details are as follows:

1. Toll exemption on three main motorways (for 7 days)

From 00:01 on 10 April 2026 until 24:00 on 16 April 2026 (a full 7 days), as follows:

• Motorway No. 7 (M7) Bangkok – Chonburi – Pattaya – Map Ta Phut.
• Motorway No. 9 (M9) Outer Ring Road of Bangkok (Kanchanaphisek Road) covering Bang Pa-in – Bang Phli and Phra Pradaeng – Bang Khun Thian Interchanges.
• Motorway No. 81 (M81) Bang Yai – Kanchanaburi.

2. Free trial operation on two motorways (M6 and M82)

• Motorway M6 Free trial along the full 196 km route from Bang Pa-in to Nakhon Ratchasima. From Bang Pa-in to Pak Chong, the route will be used for outbound traffic from Bangkok between 10-13 April 2026 and for inbound traffic to Bangkok from 14-19 April 2026. The Pak Chong to Nakhon Ratchasima section is open for use 24 hours daily as normal.
  
  
• Motorway M82 Free trial from Bang Khun Thian Interchange to Ekachai, covering 10 kilometers.
  
  

Motorway rest stops

Additionally, the Department of Highways, Ministry of Transport, has arranged rest stops along Motorways M7 (Bangkok to Map Ta Phut) and M9 (Bang Pa-in to Bang Phli) covering the entire routes. These aim to provide convenient rest points to reduce fatigue and enhance safety during travel, as follows:

Locations of rest stops on Motorway M7 (Bangkok - Map Ta Phut): 12 stops covering both inbound and outbound directions.

• Bangkok - Chonburi section: Lad Krabang rest stop, Bang Pakong Highway Service Area.
• Chonburi - Pattaya section: Nong Ri rest stop, Si Racha rest stop (offering fuel stations, temporary shops, parking, and temporary restrooms).
• Pattaya - Map Ta Phut section: Map Prachan rest stop.
• Additional services: restroom facilities at Laem Chabang Rescue Unit and Bang Lamung Investigation Unit.

Locations of rest stops on Motorway M9 (Bang Pa-in - Bang Phli): 3 stops.

• Thanyaburi - Bang Pa-in section: Khlong Luang rest stop (for outbound traffic toward Bang Pa-in only).
• Thap Chang section: Thap Chang rest stop (serving both directions).

However, users are kindly asked to plan their trips ahead, check vehicle conditions, refuel or charge electric vehicles fully, and strictly follow traffic laws, warning signs, advisories, and staff instructions to ensure safe and smooth travel during Songkran.

For route information, emergencies, or urgent incidents, call the motorway hotline 1586 press 7 (toll-free, 24 hours).

Information fromThe Expressway and Highway Department