Transport Guide
Getting There & Around
Complete transport guide - from airports to daily travel in Pattaya
Last updated: February 1, 2026
Getting to Pattaya
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
120 km
| Transport | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Taxi | 1.5-2 hours | 1,200-1,500 THB | Fixed price counter at arrivals |
| Grab/Bolt | 1.5-2 hours | 1,000-1,400 THB | Book via app, reliable |
| Airport Bus (389) | 2-2.5 hours | 143 THB | Departs hourly 7am-10pm, goes to North Pattaya |
| Private Transfer | 1.5 hours | 1,500-2,500 THB | Pre-booked, door-to-door |
Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
140 km
| Transport | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 2-2.5 hours | 1,400-1,800 THB | Negotiate or use meter + tolls |
| Grab/Bolt | 2-2.5 hours | 1,200-1,600 THB | Book via app |
| Bus (via Mo Chit) | 3-4 hours | 200-250 THB | Requires connecting bus |
U-Tapao Airport (UTP)
35 km
| Transport | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | 30-45 min | 400-600 THB | Closest airport to Pattaya |
| Grab/Bolt | 30-45 min | 350-500 THB | Limited availability |
| Minivan | 45 min | 200-300 THB | Shared service |
Pro Tip
U-Tapao Airport (UTP) is closest to Pattaya and increasingly popular with budget carriers. Check flight prices to all three airports for the best deals.
Getting Around Pattaya
Baht Bus (Songthaew)
10-20 THB (in-route), 100-200 THB (chartered)
Open-air pickup trucks that run set routes around Pattaya
✓ Pros
- • Cheap
- • Frequent
- • Easy to use
✗ Cons
- • No fixed stops
- • Can be crowded
- • Limited late night
💡 Tip:Flag down, hop on back, press button to stop, pay when exiting. 10 THB for short hops.
Motorbike Taxi
20-100 THB depending on distance
Riders in colored vests at most corners and junctions
✓ Pros
- • Fast
- • Available everywhere
- • Negotiable
✗ Cons
- • Safety concerns
- • No helmet often
- • Rain issues
💡 Tip:Agree price before riding. Wear helmet if provided. Not recommended late at night.
Grab / Bolt
50-300 THB depending on distance
Ride-hailing apps similar to Uber
✓ Pros
- • Fixed price
- • Trackable
- • Safe
- • Air-con
✗ Cons
- • Slightly pricier
- • Wait times
- • Need data
💡 Tip:Download both apps. Price compare. Best option for airport trips and night travel.
Motorbike Rental
200-300 THB/day, 3,000-5,000 THB/month
Rent your own scooter for flexibility
✓ Pros
- • Freedom
- • Cheapest long-term
- • Park anywhere
✗ Cons
- • Accidents common
- • License issues
- • Theft risk
💡 Tip:International license technically required. Take photos of bike. Wear helmet always.
Car Rental
1,000-2,000 THB/day (self), 1,500-2,500 THB/day (with driver)
Self-drive or with driver
✓ Pros
- • Comfort
- • Privacy
- • Long trips
✗ Cons
- • Parking
- • Traffic
- • Fuel costs
💡 Tip:Rent from reputable companies. GPS essential. Drive defensively.
Transport Price Comparison
| Route | Baht Bus | Moto Taxi | Grab/Bolt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Road (end to end) | 10 THB | 50 THB | 60-80 THB |
| Central to Jomtien | 20 THB | 80-100 THB | 100-150 THB |
| Central to Walking Street | 10 THB | 40-60 THB | 50-80 THB |
| Pattaya to Naklua | 10-20 THB | 50-80 THB | 80-120 THB |
| Airport to Central | 143 THB | N/A | 1,000-1,400 THB |
Driving in Pattaya
Important
Thailand drives on the left. An International Driving Permit is technically required for foreigners. Police checkpoints are common, especially at night. Learn about driving regulations and traffic offences.
Motorbike Tips
- • Always wear a helmet (500 THB fine)
- • Take photos of bike before renting
- • Don't leave passport as deposit
- • Check insurance coverage
- • Avoid rush hour traffic
Car Tips
- • Rent from reputable companies
- • Full insurance recommended
- • GPS/phone navigation essential
- • Parking can be challenging
- • Tolls on highways (20-100 THB)
Quick Reference
Main Bus Station
North Pattaya Road
Baht Bus Hours
6am - 2am (main routes)
Standard Baht Bus
10 THB (in route)
Best Transport For...
Budget:Baht bus + walking
Safety:Grab/Bolt (especially nights)
Flexibility:Rented motorbike
Day Trips:Rented car or private driver
Airport:Pre-booked transfer or Grab
Related Guides
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- Property hubRent or buy a condo, area comparisons, legal info
- SafetyEmergencies, scams, prevention, and disputes
- Visa & immigrationVisa types, extensions, and 90-day reporting
Last updated: May 19, 2026
Reviewed by Pattaya Knowledge Editors