Motor Expo 2026: A Practical Guide From Tickets to Your Old Car
TalataVehicles
Motor Expo 2026, the 43rd Thailand International Motor Expo, runs from 2 to 13 December 2026 at IMPACT Challenger Halls 1–3 in Muang Thong Thani, just north of Bangkok. A day ticket costs 100 baht, and the Motor Expo app gives you a free pass. This guide covers hours, transport, parking and brands, plus what to do with your current car, which you can list on Talata, a marketplace where buyers compare used cars and contact owners directly.
When and where is Motor Expo 2026?
Motor Expo is Thailand's year-end motor show, where car and motorcycle makers gather under one roof with deals aimed at people who want a new vehicle before the year is out. The 2026 edition is held at IMPACT Challenger Halls 1–3, Muang Thong Thani, in Nonthaburi province on Bangkok's northern edge.
Show days and the two days before full opening
The organiser splits the show into three parts:
- 1 December 2026: opening ceremony and media day, mainly for invited guests
- 2 December 2026: charity day, open to the public with a 100-baht ticket, with part of the proceeds going to the organiser's charity work
- 3–13 December 2026: open to the general public
Free app passes only work from 3 to 13 December, so if you want to go on Wednesday 2 December, you'll need to buy a ticket.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, the halls open from 12:00 to 22:00. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays they open an hour earlier, from 11:00 to 22:00.
Several holidays fall inside the 2026 run: the weekends of 5–6 and 12–13 December, Monday 7 December (the substitute holiday for Father's Day, which falls on a Saturday in 2026), and Thursday 10 December, Constitution Day. Expect bigger crowds on all of them.
Theme and size
The 2026 theme is "Here, There and Every Car", meaning every type of vehicle at every price point: sedans, SUVs, pickups, hybrids and EVs, plus motorcycles and boats. Exhibitors filled around 60,000 square metres of floor space soon after booking opened. For scale, the 2025 show took 75,246 car bookings and 5,263 motorcycle bookings, with more than 1.5 million visitors.
Activities and prize draws
Beyond the stands, you can try things out: Skill Driving Experience (with a Junior version for kids), the Spirit of the 4x4 Driving School, the Join Boat Platform, and a classic car display by the Thai Vintage Car Association.
The organiser is also running four prize draws for 2026 visitors:
- Buy a car at the show for a chance to win a Toyota bZ4X FWD worth 1,529,000 baht
- Buy a motorcycle for a chance to win a Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro worth 668,000 baht
- Buy a 100-baht entry ticket for a chance to win a GWM ORA 5 HEV PRO worth 729,000 baht
- Register through the Motor Expo app for a chance to win an MG Urban Standard worth 579,900 baht
Full terms for each draw are on the Visitor's Promotions page of the organiser's website.
Motor Expo vs Motor Show: what's the difference?
Thailand has several big car shows a year, and the names are easy to mix up. Motor Expo and Motor Show use the same venue but sit at opposite ends of the year and feel different on the floor.
| Show | 2026 dates | Venue | What it's known for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bangkok International Motor Show (47th) | 25 March–5 April 2026 | IMPACT Challenger, Muang Thong Thani | New model launches, concept cars, technology |
| Big Motor Sale 2026 | 21–30 August 2026 | BITEC, Bang Na | Mid-year sales event |
| Thailand International Motor Expo (43rd) | 2–13 December 2026 | IMPACT Challenger, Muang Thong Thani | Year-end buying deals across every segment |
If you saw news about a car show at BITEC in August, that was Big Motor Sale. The December show at IMPACT is Motor Expo.
How much are Motor Expo 2026 tickets?
Entry costs 100 baht per person per day. You can buy tickets at the counters in front of Challenger 1–3, online through the organiser's ticket page, or in the Motor Expo app. Online purchases give you a QR code to scan at the gate.
Ticket types
| Ticket | Price | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Day Pass | 100 baht | One entry |
| 3-Day Pass | 240 baht | Three tickets, one per day |
Every paid ticket also enters you in the organiser's car draw. If you plan more than one visit, say a first day to look around and a second to test drive and negotiate, the 3-Day Pass saves 60 baht. To leave and come back on the same day, get your hand stamped at the exit.
Getting a free ticket through the app
Download the Motor Expo app and register to receive a free entry ticket, valid from 3 to 13 December 2026. Registering also enters you in the app prize draw. The organiser's website and app both have English versions, so you don't need Thai to sign up.
Who gets in free?
Children up to 120 cm tall get in free. Seniors over 60 and people with disabilities can collect a free ticket at the Challenger 1–3 ticket counters from 2 to 13 December 2026. Pets are allowed as long as they stay in a stroller or a fully closed bag.
How to get to Motor Expo 2026
You have three main options: the MRT Pink Line, the organiser's free shuttle buses, or driving. On weekends, rail and shuttles are usually less stressful, because the roads around Muang Thong Thani jam during big events.
MRT Pink Line
The Pink Line branch into Muang Thong Thani has been running since 17 June 2025. Ride the Pink Line to Muang Thong Thani station (PK10), change to the branch line, and get off at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani (MT01). Take Exit 3 and follow the skywalk straight into the Challenger building.
Coming from another line, you can switch to the Pink Line at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat (BTS Sukhumvit Line), Nonthaburi Civic Center (MRT Purple Line) or Lak Si (SRT Red Line).
Free shuttle buses
The organiser runs free shuttles every day from 2 to 13 December 2026 on five routes.
| Route | Pick-up point | First / last bus to IMPACT | Last bus back from IMPACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mo Chit–IMPACT | In front of MRT Chatuchak Park Exit 4 (near BTS Mo Chit Exit 2) | 11:00 / 20:30 | 22:30 |
| Sri Rat–IMPACT | In front of the 7-Eleven near MRT Sri Rat Exit 1 | 11:00 / 20:30 | 22:30 |
| Hua Lamphong–IMPACT | Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) car park, near MRT Exit 2 | 11:00 / 20:30 | 22:30 |
| Rangsit–IMPACT | In front of Big C next to the minibus stop; use mall exit G12 on the AIS side | 11:00 / 20:30 | 22:30 |
| Lakeside car park–Challenger 3 | Lakeside car park | 09:00 / 20:30 | 22:30 |
Buses leave every 30 minutes (every 15 minutes on the Lakeside route) or as soon as they fill up, and times can shift with traffic. On the Sri Rat and Hua Lamphong routes, the organiser asks passengers to wear a face mask.
Driving and parking
Muang Thong Thani has several car parks: buildings P1–P5, Cosmo Bazaar, AKTIV Square and the Lakeside lot. The parking page on the organiser's website shows how full each one is, so check it before you drive in.
IMPACT's standard rate at Indoor Car Park 1 (the Challenger building) is free for the first 30 minutes, 40 baht for the first three hours, then 20 baht per hour, with a flat 40 baht if you enter after 18:00. On holidays, the car parks closest to the halls fill early. The easy alternative is to park at the Lakeside lot and take the free shuttle to Challenger 3, which runs every 15 minutes.
Which car and motorcycle brands are at Motor Expo 2026?
According to the exhibitor list on the organiser's website as of 30 October 2026, the show has 44 new car brands, 11 motorcycle brands and three manufacturer-certified used car programmes. The list can still change before opening day.
The Japanese brands most people in Thailand know are all there: Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan and Lexus. Chinese and EV brands have a particularly strong presence, including BYD, Denza, MG, GWM, Chery, Omoda Jaecoo, Geely, Deepal, GAC, Zeekr, Xpeng, Leapmotor and Li Auto. European and premium names include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Volvo, Mini, Smart and Lotus, alongside Tesla, Ford, Hyundai and Kia.
On the motorcycle side you'll find Honda, Yamaha, BMW Motorrad, Ducati, Triumph, Royal Enfield, Lambretta and electric brands EM, Deco and Sleek. All motorcycle stands are in Challenger 3, so head straight there if bikes are your priority.
Easy to miss: the certified used car stands from BMW Premium Selection, Mercedes-Benz Certified and Volvo Selekt. If you want a European car but don't need it brand new, these are worth a look, and you can compare them against owner-listed used cars for sale before you decide.
How to make the most of your visit
At a show this size, walking in without a plan means half a day lost to queues and wandering.
Pick a quieter day and time
Weekday afternoons are noticeably calmer than weekends and holidays. If you want to negotiate seriously or book a test drive, sales staff have more time for you on a weekday. Weekends suit browsing, seeing several brands in one go and bringing the family.
Set your budget before you leave home
Decide on two numbers first: the down payment you can actually afford, and a monthly instalment that won't squeeze your other costs. Note two or three models you're interested in, with list prices from the brands' websites. At the stand, you'll be able to compare offers quickly without getting pulled off budget by freebies.
If you're not Thai, read up on buying a car as a foreigner before you go. Registration and finance rules differ for non-Thai buyers, and it's better to know before you put down a deposit.
If you have a car to sell or trade in, look up its market value first, for example on ttb bluebook, which is free. That figure is your baseline when a dealer quotes you a trade-in price.
Read the deal before you sign the booking form
Show deals come in many forms: cash discounts, free accessories, first-class insurance, special interest rates or low down payments. Before you sign, ask the salesperson to be clear about:
- The net price after discounts, not counting the value of any freebies
- Whether the special interest rate depends on a minimum down payment or loan term
- Whether you get your deposit back if your finance isn't approved, and whether it's a full refund
- The expected delivery date, and whether the deal still applies if delivery comes after the show
Booking documents vary by brand and finance company, so ask for the full list before paying a deposit and save yourself a second trip with missing paperwork.
Bought a new car at Motor Expo? What to do with your old one
Most people who buy at the show already own a car. You have two main options: trade it in with the dealer at the show, or sell it yourself. Each has a trade-off.
| Trade in with the dealer | Sell it yourself / list it | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Done in the same deal as your new car | Takes time to find a buyer |
| Price | Usually lower than a private sale | Closer to market value |
| Effort | Low, the dealer handles it | You deal with buyers, viewings and the transfer |
| Best for | People who want it done quickly | People with time who want a better price |
Trading in at the show
Trading in is the most convenient route, because the value of your old car comes off the down payment on the new one in a single deal. The catch: always ask for the trade-in price as a separate figure from the new-car discount. Some offers look generous on the trade-in but quietly drop the discount. The full process is in our guide on how to trade in your car.
Selling it yourself
If you're not in a hurry, selling privately usually gets you more. The low-pressure way is to list your current car before the show or right after you book the new one. Most new cars take several weeks to arrive, which gives you time to talk to several buyers without cutting your price. Our guide to selling a used car in Thailand walks through everything from preparing the car to the transfer.
If your current car is still on finance
Until the car is paid off, the registration book stays with the finance company. You'll need to settle the loan or transfer the hire-purchase contract before ownership can change. If you trade it in, some dealers will pay off the balance and deduct the difference. If you sell privately, getting the registration book back after settling can take around 15 working days, depending on the lender, so build that into your timing. All the options are covered in our guide on how to sell a car that is still on finance.
Documents to have ready before agreeing a price
Whether you trade in or sell, have the registration book (or a copy, if the finance company holds it), the owner's ID or passport, and proof that road tax and compulsory insurance (Por Ror Bor) are up to date. Bring service records or repair receipts if you have them, since they help a buyer or dealer price the car with more confidence.
Before you commit, check every detail of the car and the terms, and compare offers from more than one route. When you find the right buyer or the right car, you can start the conversation on Talata.
Why sell your old car on Talata?
Talata brings used car listings from owners across Thailand into one place. If the show leaves you unsure about buying brand new, or you want to compare used prices against the deals on the floor, you can search, filter and compare listings, then contact owners directly.
For your current car, listing it before your new one arrives gives you time to talk to buyers without selling for less than it's worth. Add clear photos, full details and a market-based price, then let interested buyers get in touch. You can start on Talata today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Motor Expo 2026?
Motor Expo 2026 runs from 2 to 13 December 2026 at IMPACT Challenger Halls 1–3, Muang Thong Thani. 2 December is a charity day open to the public with a 100-baht ticket, and the show is fully open to the general public from 3 to 13 December.
Is Motor Expo held at BITEC?
No, Motor Expo 2026 is held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, not BITEC in Bang Na. The August car show at BITEC is Big Motor Sale, which is a separate event.
How much are Motor Expo 2026 tickets, and can I get in free?
Tickets cost 100 baht per person per day, or 240 baht for a 3-Day Pass, and you can get a free pass by registering in the Motor Expo app. Children up to 120 cm tall enter free, and seniors over 60 and people with disabilities can collect a free ticket at the counters in front of the halls.
Which train station is closest to Motor Expo?
The closest station is IMPACT Muang Thong Thani (MT01) on the MRT Pink Line, where Exit 3 connects by skywalk to the Challenger building. You reach it by changing to the branch line at Muang Thong Thani (PK10), or you can take the free shuttle from Mo Chit instead.
Can I leave and come back on the same day?
Yes, you can re-enter on the same day as long as you get your hand stamped at the exit door before you leave. A 1-Day Pass is good for one entry, so get stamped every time you step out.
Is buying a car at Motor Expo cheaper than at a showroom?
Not always; it depends on the model and each brand's terms. Many brands run show-only deals, but some offers lean on freebies rather than cash discounts. The fair way to compare is to get a net quote from a showroom first, then compare it with the show's net price after freebies are taken out.
Will I get more money trading in at the show or selling privately?
Selling privately usually gets you more money, but it takes time and more steps. Trading in at the show is quick and convenient, in exchange for a price that's usually below market value. If your new car won't arrive straight away, listing your old one while you wait gets you both time and a better price.
Can I trade in a car I'm still paying off?
Yes, many dealers accept trade-ins on cars that are still on finance, paying off the outstanding balance and applying the difference to the new car. If you owe more than the trade-in value, you'll need to pay the gap or roll it into the new loan. Ask the dealer to spell out the terms before you agree.
