How to get from U-Tapao airport to Pattaya: taxi, minivan and bus

U-Tapao Airport is the closest airport to Pattaya. It is located in Rayong Province, about 45 km from the city center. It mainly handles domestic flights within Thailand.

You can get to Pattaya in four ways: taxi, shuttle minivan, scheduled bus, and a combo transfer from the airline. Below we have gathered prices as of September 2026, travel times, and where to buy tickets. We will also cover the return trip from Pattaya to the airport separately.

Ad: this article contains affiliate links, we earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you.

How to get to Pattaya quickly

💡 In short:

• The fastest way is a taxi or private transfer directly from the terminal.
• The cheapest way is a minivan: about 250 baht per person, departs as it fills up.
• A scheduled bus is cheaper than a taxi, but runs on a schedule and not every hour.
• The trip takes 45 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic on the highway.
• Fares and schedule: checked 09/2026 based on carrier data; prices in baht may change.

© Sergey S. Dukachev · CC BY-SAPhoto: Sergey S. Dukachev, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The distance is short, but traffic jams at the entrance to the city can significantly stretch the time. Allow extra time if you have a connection or an early flight.

Taxi and private transfer from the terminal

A taxi is the simplest option. The counters are right after baggage claim, and there are several of them near the exit. The car is brought to the entrance, and the driver waits in the departure zone.

The trip will cost about 600-1000 baht per car (as of 09/2026), not per person. A regular car fits up to 3 passengers with luggage. The exact amount depends on the area: central Pattaya is closer, while Jomtien or Naklua are a bit farther.

Don't want to stand in line at the counter? Book a car in advance. A private transfer is convenient because of the fixed price: you see the amount before paying, and it does not go up due to traffic. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a sign. Booking a transfer on Kiwitaxi is worth it if you are flying with kids or late at night.

The catch: at night and during rush hour there can be a line at the counters, and metered taxis (taxi-meter) still charge a fixed price rather than using the meter.

Shuttle minivan: the cheapest option

A minivan is a budget alternative to a taxi. It seats up to 12 people and departs as it fills up. Tickets are sold at the same transfer counters after baggage claim.

The price is about 250 baht per person (as of 09/2026). The minivan takes you directly to your hotel in Pattaya. There is one nuance: if your hotel is the last one on the route, the trip will take noticeably longer.

Take a minivan if you are traveling alone or as a couple and are not in a hurry. For a group of three or four people, a taxi is often a better deal.

© Gleb Osokin - Russian AviaPhoto Team · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gleb Osokin - Russian AviaPhoto Team, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Scheduled bus to the city

A scheduled bus runs from the airport to Pattaya. This is convenient if you have little luggage and budget is a priority. The trip to the city takes about an hour and a half.

AIIllustrative image: AI-generated

Departures are tied to a schedule rather than to flights, and they run at intervals of several hours. Buses used to leave at 10:00 and 16:30, but times change. Check the current schedule at the information desk in the arrivals hall on the day you arrive.

The catch: if your flight does not line up with the bus, you will have to wait a long time, and a taxi will be more practical.

Combo ticket with AirAsia transfer

AirAsia offers a ticket that already includes a minivan transfer to Pattaya. When booking, select Pattaya City or Central as your arrival point. From the terminal you will be taken to Central Festival, a shopping mall in the very heart of the city.

This ticket is slightly more expensive than a regular one, but the transfer is already included in the price. From the shopping mall it is convenient to continue by local songthaews: they go to Naklua, Jomtien, and almost anywhere in Pattaya for little money.

Check the terms when purchasing. The airline's destinations and transfer availability change from season to season.

From Pattaya to U-Tapao Airport

The return trip works the same way, with a couple of differences. Taxi prices from Jomtien or Naklua vary within a few hundred baht.

Taxi. There are always plenty of cars in the city. A direct ride to the terminal costs 600-700 baht (as of 09/2026). Hail a taxi at roadside stands or take a metered taxi (taxi-meter). They will also quote a fixed price rather than use the meter.

Bus. A separate bus service runs from the city to the airport, with tickets from about 150 baht; the fare varies by carrier. There is sometimes a small discount for a round trip. The bus departs from a point near Big C in South Pattaya; departures are usually in the morning and afternoon, but check the schedule in advance.

AirAsia minivan. Flying AirAsia? When booking, select Pattaya City as your departure point. The minivan will pick you up from Central Festival and take you to the terminal. For passengers with an AirAsia ticket, the transfer is free, it is already included in the fare.

Want to book a car in advance so you don't have to look for transport with your suitcases? The form below will match a transfer to your flight.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to get from U-Tapao Airport to Pattaya?

A taxi costs about 600-1000 baht per car, a minivan about 250 baht per person (as of 09/2026). Check exact fares at the counters in the arrivals hall.

How long does the trip to Pattaya take?

On average 45 to 90 minutes for 45 km. It all comes down to traffic on the highway and at the entrance to the city, so allow more time during rush hour.

Where can I buy a minivan or bus ticket?

At the transfer counters right after baggage claim. They will also tell you the next departure and help you choose the best option for your hotel.

How do I get to the airport from Jomtien or Naklua?

By taxi, the price is slightly higher than from central Pattaya. You can book a transfer with a fixed price in advance to avoid haggling with drivers at the roadside.

Is there transport at night?

Taxis at the terminal operate according to flight arrivals, while minivans and buses run on a schedule. For a late or early flight, it is more reliable to book a transfer in advance.

In short: what to book

The choice depends on your group size and luggage. Traveling as a couple and counting every baht: take a minivan for 250 baht. Three or four of you, or traveling with kids: a taxi or private transfer will take you door to door without transfers. Early departure or late-night arrival: book a car in advance so you don't have to look for transport in the dark.

Want to lock in the price and a meet-and-greet with a sign? The easiest way is to arrange a private transfer to Pattaya in advance.