Pattaya Transport

Options for getting around Pattaya are fairly limited; however, this assessment only refers to the choice of transportation means available and not the frequency or efficiency of those that do operate. As in much of Thailand, songtaews are readily available and provide a good way of getting to almost any part of the city. 

By bus

Pattaya has been trying to introduce an efficient bus service for some time, but at the time of writing, services are suspended. Bus stops can still be seen around the city, suggesting that services are likely to recommence at some point in the future.

Taxis

Metered taxis with Bangkok registrations provide services within Pattaya while awaiting return fares back to the capital. Fares are by no means cheap and certainly considerably more than taking a local songtaews. Motorbike taxis are also available and can be easily spotted by the orange vests worn by the drivers; while they tend to be more expensive than songtaews, they are certainly more direct and consequently faster.

Dark blue songtaews are ubiquitous on the streets of Pattaya and they provide the cheapest and most convenient means of getting around for most visitors. Songtaews are essentially pick up trucks with covered backs, inside of which benched seating is provided. While they aren’t the most comfortable means of transport, they are ideal for travelling within the city. Just flag one down wherever you see one, state your destination to the driver then hop in if he nods his head. Press the bell when you want to get off and pay the fare on alighting.

From the airport

From U-Tapao Airport at Sattahip, you can take a bus, songtaew or a combination of both. The train is also an option, although a somewhat slower alternative. Minibuses providing door-to-door service can be taken from outside the airport terminal and these are generally the method most holidaying travellers use to reach their hotels.