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Transportation Guide

Getting Around Chon Buri 2025

Navigate Chon Buri like a local with our transportation guide.

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.

Transportation Overview

Quick comparison of transport options in Chon Buri.

🚌

Public Transit

Availability: ★★★☆☆

Songthaews cover main Pattaya routes cheaply but routes can be confusing for first-timers

🚕

Taxis

Availability: ★★★☆☆

Grab is reliable; metered taxis often refuse the meter — always agree on fare first

🚗

Car Rental

Recommended: ★★★★☆

Motorbike rental (200-300 THB/day) is ideal for exploring beyond city limits

🚶

Walking

Suitable: ★★★☆☆

Pattaya Beach Road is walkable; other areas are spread out and hot — songthaews recommended

Getting There

How to arrive in Chon Buri.

✈️ By Air

Airport

U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport

UTP35 km south of central Pattaya from center

Chon Buri's main regional airport serving domestic routes (Bangkok Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Udon Thani) and select international routes. Closest airport to Pattaya.

Transfer options: Taxi $8–15 (40 min), Shuttle bus $5–8, Private transfer $15–25
Airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)

BKK130 km from central Pattaya from center

Bangkok's main international hub; most visitors to Chon Buri arrive here and transfer by bus or minivan (2 hours).

Transfer options: Bus $3–5 (2 hrs, from nearby Ekkamai station), Minivan $5–8 (2 hrs), Private transfer $40–60, Taxi $35–50
Airport

Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok)

DMK145 km from central Pattaya from center

Bangkok's secondary airport used by budget carriers (AirAsia, Nok Air). Buses to Pattaya depart from the nearby Mo Chit bus terminal.

Transfer options: Bus $3–5 (2.5 hrs, change at Mo Chit), Minivan $6–9, Private transfer $50–70

Airport Transfer Options

🚕 Taxi

$8–15, 40 min from U-Tapao to Pattaya center

Fixed-rate taxis available outside arrival hall at U-Tapao; no meter needed

🚐 Shared Shuttle

$5–8, shared shuttle service from U-Tapao

Bell Travel Service runs regular shuttle buses from U-Tapao to Pattaya hotels

🚌 Public Bus

$3–5, Bangkok airport bus via Eastern Bus Terminal (Suvarnabhumi)

Bus 389 connects Suvarnabhumi airport area to Pattaya Bus Station (3 hrs); several departures daily

🚗 Private Transfer

$40–60, pre-booked private car from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi

Book online via reputable providers; 2 hours Bangkok to Pattaya on Highway 7 expressway

🚗

Complete Transportation Guide

Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.

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Local Transportation

Getting around within Chon Buri.

Within Pattaya city, songthaews are the cheapest option covering the main routes. Grab is the most convenient for direct door-to-door travel. Rental motorbikes give independence to explore the province.

Songthaew (10-20 THB per ride)

Grab (app-based, upfront pricing)

Motorcycle taxi (short trips)

Bicycle/e-bike rental (Jomtien beach area)

Rental motorbike (200-300 THB/day)

🚌 Buses

Songthaews cover the main routes: Pattaya Beach Rd, 2nd Rd, Jomtien — 10-20 THB per ride

🛺 Local 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

On-demand transport options.

Taxi

Regular Taxis

No standard meter in Pattaya; negotiate fare before boarding or use Grab

Typical fare: $2–5 for most central Pattaya trips via Grab
App

Ride-Hailing Apps

['Grab', 'InDriver']

Grab InDriver

Taxi Safety Tips

  • Use official taxis or verified ride-hailing apps
  • Agree on fare before starting or ensure meter is running
  • Have your destination written down in local language
  • Keep small bills for payment - drivers may not have change
  • Share your ride details with someone if traveling alone at night

Intercity Travel

Getting between cities and regions.

Buses and minivans connect Pattaya to Bangkok, Rayong, Chanthaburi and other Eastern Seaboard cities. Si Racha and Bang Saen are served by local buses from Chon Buri city.

Bus

Long-Distance Buses

Pattaya Bus Station (North Pattaya) to Bangkok Ekkamai/Mo Chit: $3–5, every 30–60 min (5:30 AM–7 PM)

Shared

Shared Taxis/Minivans

Minivans from Victory Monument Bangkok to Pattaya: $5–8; also from Suvarnabhumi airport

Air

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights from U-Tapao Airport (UTP) to Chiang Mai, Phuket and Udon Thani from $30–70

Private

Private Car/Driver

Private car hire Bangkok–Pattaya from $60 one-way; available through hotels and travel agencies

Driving in Chon Buri

Information for self-driving travelers.

Recommended?

Yes

Driving Side

left

License Required

International Driving Permit recognized; Thai driving license for long stays

Road Conditions

Roads generally good; Highway 3 (Sukhumvit) is main artery. Traffic can be heavy in Pattaya during peak season.

Driving Considerations

  • Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
  • Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
  • Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
  • Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
  • Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)

Transportation Tips

Essential advice for getting around.

💡

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

Useful Apps

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

Navigate Chon Buri Like a Local

Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.

Download Transport Guide