Chon Buri is a coastal province on Thailand's Eastern Seaboard, best known for the resort city of Pattaya and its string of sun-drenched beaches along the Gulf of Thailand. The province blends vibrant beach tourism with industrial heritage, traditional fishing villages, and lush tropical landscapes just 80 km from Bangkok.
- Public
- Songthaews cover main Pattaya routes cheaply but routes can be confusing for first-timers
- Taxi
- Grab is reliable; metered taxis often refuse the meter — always agree on fare first
- Rental
- Motorbike rental (200-300 THB/day) is ideal for exploring beyond city limits
- Walking
- Pattaya Beach Road is walkable; other areas are spread out and hot — songthaews recommended
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- $8–15, 40 min from U-Tapao to Pattaya center
- Taxi Info
- Fixed-rate taxis available outside arrival hall at U-Tapao; no meter needed
- Shuttle
- $5–8, shared shuttle service from U-Tapao
- Shuttle Info
- Bell Travel Service runs regular shuttle buses from U-Tapao to Pattaya hotels
- Bus
- $3–5, Bangkok airport bus via Eastern Bus Terminal (Suvarnabhumi)
- Bus Info
- Bus 389 connects Suvarnabhumi airport area to Pattaya Bus Station (3 hrs); several departures daily
- Private
- $40–60, pre-booked private car from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi
- Private Info
- Book online via reputable providers; 2 hours Bangkok to Pattaya on Highway 7 expressway
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Songthaews cover the main routes: Pattaya Beach Rd, 2nd Rd, Jomtien — 10-20 THB per ride
Alternatives
Grab available throughout Pattaya and Si Racha; motorcycle taxis for short hops; bicycle rental at Jomtien Beach; e-scooter rental in central Pattaya
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- No standard meter in Pattaya; negotiate fare before boarding or use Grab
- Apps
- Grab, InDriver
- App Names
- Grab, InDriver
- Typical Fare
- $2–5 for most central Pattaya trips via Grab
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Pattaya Bus Station (North Pattaya) to Bangkok Ekkamai/Mo Chit: $3–5, every 30–60 min (5:30 AM–7 PM)
Shared
Minivans from Victory Monument Bangkok to Pattaya: $5–8; also from Suvarnabhumi airport
Flights
Domestic flights from U-Tapao Airport (UTP) to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Udon Thani from $30–70
Private
Private car hire Bangkok–Pattaya from $60 one-way; available through hotels and travel agencies
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Chon Buri is well connected to Bangkok by bus, minivan and (soon) high-speed rail. Within the province, Pattaya is served by songthaews (shared pickup trucks), baht buses, Grab, taxis and motorcycle taxis. Ferries connect the mainland to Ko Lan and Ko Si Chang islands.
Airports
U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport
Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok)
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
Grab
Best for reliable point-to-point transport with upfront pricing throughout Chon Buri
InDriver
Ride-hailing alternative with negotiable pricing
Google Maps
Good for songthaew route planning in Pattaya area
12Go Asia
Best for booking buses, trains and ferries in advance across Thailand
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
Songthaews go in fixed directions — wave one down but know if it's heading the right way
Never get in a songthaew without asking first (some try to charter at taxi rates)
Download Grab before arriving — it's much cheaper and hassle-free vs. street taxis
Motorcycle rentals require passport as deposit — use reputable shops only
The Bell Travel Service bus is the easiest Bangkok airport–Pattaya transfer option
Ko Lan public ferry saves $8+ vs. speedboat and the 30-min crossing is pleasant
U-Tapao Airport is expanding rapidly — check for new direct routes before booking via Bangkok