U-Tapao Airport Guide
Pattaya's closest airport — just 30 minutes away. Growing fast with domestic and international routes.
UTP
IATA Code
30 min
To Central Pattaya
40 km
Distance
2026
Major Expansion Planned
Airlines & Routes
Thai AirAsia
Bangkok DMK, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur
Bangkok Airways
Koh Samui (seasonal)
Thai VietJet
Bangkok DMK, Chiang Rai
International Charters
China, Russia, Kazakhstan, India
Getting to Pattaya from U-Tapao
| Method | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Taxi | 20–30 min | 400–600 THB | Most convenient. Book in advance or use airport taxis. |
| Minivan/Shuttle | 30–45 min | 150–250 THB | Shared service. Drops at major hotels. |
| Grab / Bolt | 20–30 min | 300–500 THB | App-based. May have limited availability at U-Tapao. |
| Rental Car | Self-drive | 800–1,500 THB/day | Budget, Avis, Hertz available at airport. |
Airport Facilities
Terminal
Single terminal, modern and compact. Easy to navigate.
Currency Exchange
Available in arrivals hall. Rates are fair but Bangkok is better.
SIM Cards
AIS, DTAC, and True Move counters in arrivals.
ATMs
Multiple ATMs in arrivals. 220 THB foreign card fee.
Food & Drink
Small food court and café. Limited options — eat in Pattaya.
WiFi
Free airport WiFi available. Speed is adequate.
Duty Free
Small duty-free shop for departures.
Parking
Free parking for first 2 hours, then 20 THB/hour.
💡 U-Tapao vs Suvarnabhumi
U-Tapao (UTP): Closer to Pattaya (30 min vs 2 hours), less crowded, but fewer flights and routes. Growing rapidly.
Suvarnabhumi (BKK): More international flights, better connections, but 1.5–2 hour drive to Pattaya. Bangkok's main hub.
Tip: If your airline flies to U-Tapao, always choose it — you'll save 1.5+ hours of travel time and avoid Bangkok traffic.