First Steps on Arrival
- 1
Most visitors to Pattaya fly into Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang) and travel by road. U-Tapao Airport (UTP) serves some regional routes and is 30 km south of Pattaya.
- 2
If arriving at Suvarnabhumi (BKK): head to the first-floor taxi rank or the airport bus terminal. The Bell Travel Service bus to Pattaya departs from outside Gate 8.
- 3
If arriving at U-Tapao: taxi or Grab from the terminal to Pattaya city centre (40 minutes).
- 4
Buy a SIM card at the airport before departing — you'll need data for Grab during the journey.
- 5
Exchange enough cash for your first day — 1,500–2,000 THB is sufficient.
SIM Cards
SIM cards are available at all Bangkok airports. In Pattaya itself, operator shops and 7-Eleven stores along Beach Road and Second Road sell tourist SIMs (299–399 THB for 7 days). AIS and True Move H both have good coverage throughout Pattaya.
Money & Currency Exchange
Bangkok airport exchange booths offer fair rates. Pattaya has hundreds of currency exchange offices along Beach Road and Second Road — rates are competitive and you can shop around. ATMs charge 220 THB per withdrawal. SuperRich booths in Pattaya offer the best rates for larger exchanges.
Getting from the Airport to Pattaya
Bell Travel Service Bus (from BKK airport)
Departs from Suvarnabhumi Airport (Gate 8, outside arrivals). Runs every 1–2 hours from 7 am to 9 pm. Drops at North Pattaya Road.
Grab (from BKK airport)
Convenient door-to-door service. Highway 7 is the fastest route. Expressway tolls are included in the Grab price.
Private Transfer (pre-booked)
Recommended for groups or late-night arrivals. Many Pattaya hotels offer transfers at fixed rates.
Taxi from U-Tapao Airport
Fixed-rate taxis available at the airport. U-Tapao is being expanded — increasing flight options from regional destinations.
Your First Night
Central Pattaya (Beach Road and Second Road) has the densest concentration of hotels, restaurants, and services. North Pattaya is quieter and more upscale. Jomtien Beach to the south is popular with families and longer-stay visitors. Most hotels allow late check-in.
Common Arrival Mistakes
- !
Taking a private taxi from Bangkok airport without agreeing a fixed price first — always agree before getting in.
- !
Arriving late at night via the bus — the Bell Travel Service bus has a midnight cut-off.
- !
Confusing U-Tapao Airport with Bangkok's airports — they are 120 km apart.
- !
Not researching which area of Pattaya suits you before booking — the city varies enormously from the busy south to the quieter north.
- !
Paying too much for songthaews (baht buses) — the fixed route fare is 10 THB per person within central Pattaya.
Disclaimer
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this page helpful?
Visa & Legal Specialist · Phuket · 15+ years in Thailand
Tom is a former immigration consultant who has helped over 2,000 foreigners navigate Thailand's visa system. Based in Phuket since 2011, he maintains direct relationships with Thai immigration offices and stays current on policy changes. He writes ThailandKnowledge's visa guides, nationality-specific entry requirements, and long-stay documentation guides.
Our editorial standards