How to Get to Pattaya. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

Most international travelers reach Pattaya via Bangkok’s airports.

Airport Options

U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP): 45 km south, domestic and growing international.
Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Bangkok: 120 km north, main international gateway.
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Bangkok: 140 km north, low-cost carriers, domestic/regional.

Airlines & Routes

Flight options vary by airport.

Common Carriers

UTP: Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia, SCAT Airlines, Ural Airlines (Russia, China, SE Asia).
BKK: All major international airlines (Thai Airways, Emirates, etc.), numerous domestic.
DMK: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Scoot (major Thai domestic and regional Asian cities).

High Season Booking

November-February: Higher demand, increased flight frequencies, generally higher prices. Book well in advance.

Low Season Prices

June-October: Lower demand can lead to cheaper flights. More flexible booking options.

Flight Deals

Discover great prices with Dollar Flight Club. Compare options on Skyscanner.

Airport Transfers to Pattaya

From Suvarnabhumi BKK

Bus: Direct service (Bell Travel Service or 389 Pattaya). Journey: 2-3 hours. Cost: THB 130-300.
Taxi/Private Car: Available 24/7. Journey: 1.5-2 hours. Cost: THB 1,200-1,800.
Minivan (Shared): Available from airport counters. Cost: THB 250-400.
Booking: Book airport transfers in advance, especially during peak hours.

From Don Mueang DMK & U-Tapao UTP

DMK Bus: Direct Bell Travel Service. Cost: THB 300-400.
DMK Taxi: Similar to BKK, slightly longer journey. Cost: THB 1,300-2,000.
UTP Taxi/Grab: Most convenient. Journey: 45-60 min. Cost: THB 800-1,200.
UTP Minivan (Shared): THB 200-300. Limited public bus.

Airport Facilities

Shopping & Dining

All airports offer duty-free shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Financial Services

Currency exchange, ATMs, and SIM card kiosks are available.

Other Amenities

Car rental services, lounges, and baggage wrapping are also present.

Land Transportation

Long-Distance Bus Options

Buses are a popular and efficient land transport method.

Bus Terminals & Companies

From Bangkok: Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai), Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2).
Journey: 2-2.5 hours. Cost: THB 130-150.
Bus Companies: Roong Reuang Coach, Bell Travel Service (premium with hotel drop-off).

Train Services

Limited direct train service to Pattaya.

Train Travel Notes

Trains from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station.
Journey: approximately 3.5-4 hours (slow).
Pattaya station is inland, less convenient than buses for tourist areas.

Self-Driving Considerations

For independent exploration, consider driving.

Requirements & Challenges

Requirements: Valid international driving permit (IDP) with home license. Motorcycle license for bikes.
Challenges: Traffic is congested and chaotic. Driving on the left side of the road.
Signage: Generally in Thai and English on major routes.

Road Conditions & Safety

Know the driving environment.

Important Notes

Major roads (Motorway 7) are well-maintained. Local roads are busy.
Safety Concerns: Aggressive driving, motorbikes weaving, limited pedestrian infrastructure.
Exercise extreme caution.

Car Rental & Motorcycle Rental Risks

Car Rental: Major brands available. Parking difficult in busy areas. Comprehensive insurance recommended.
Motorcycle Rental: Widely available. High accident rates for tourists.
Always wear a Helmet. Inspect bike for existing damage and take photos before renting.

Riding without correct license invalidates insurance and is illegal.
Driving Laws: Left-hand side, seatbelts mandatory. Helmets mandatory for motorcyclists.
Parking: Limited street parking; shopping malls and hotels have facilities. Be aware of no-parking zones.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Pattaya’s coastal location means sea travel plays a role in local transit and some international arrivals.

Sea Travel Options

Ferry to Koh Larn: Regular public ferry from Bali Hai Pier. Journey: 30-45 min. Cost: THB 30 one-way. Speedboats also available.
Cruise Ports: Laem Chabang Port, north of Pattaya, serves as a cruise ship terminal.
Cruise passengers: Typically transfer by bus or taxi to Pattaya city from Laem Chabang.

Immigration & Connections

Procedures for sea arrivals and onward travel.

Important Information

Immigration Procedures at Seaports: For cruise arrivals, handle onboard or at the terminal.
Connections to Land Transportation: From Bali Hai Pier, local baht buses and motorbike taxis are available.
From Laem Chabang Port: Pre-arranged transfers or taxis for onward travel.

International Departure

Arrive at BKK or DMK at least 3 hours before departure. Check-in, immigration, and security queues can be long.

Domestic Departure

Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure for domestic flights. Ground transport time varies.

Departure Facilities

BKK/DMK offer extensive facilities. UTP provides sufficient amenities. Bus terminals have basic services.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for air travel.

Fee Inclusion

Typically, these are already included in the ticket price.
Always confirm your ticket details for clarity.
No separate payment for departure is usually necessary at the airport.

Timing Recommendations

Allow ample time for your departure.

Ground Transport Timing

Allow extra time for travel from Pattaya to Bangkok airports.
Especially during peak hours (e.g., Friday/Sunday evenings) or heavy rain.
Traffic can significantly extend journey times. Plan accordingly.

Car Rental Agencies

Major International Brands

Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Sixt operate at Bangkok airports and have branches in Pattaya. DiscoverCars.com for comparisons.

Local Rental Companies

Numerous local rental companies are also available in Pattaya, often with competitive rates.

Online Booking Platforms

Use platforms like Rentalcars.com or Kayak for comparing options from various providers.

Travel Planning Note

Ground transportation time from Pattaya to Bangkok airports is subject to traffic conditions. Factor in potential delays, especially during peak travel times or adverse weather.

How to Get to Pattaya