Learning how to get around Pattaya is very simple and easy once you know the different types of transportation, how to use them, and where they will take you, but it does take some know how if you’ve never been here before or are not experienced in traveling in Pattaya or Thailand. We will go through each mode of transportation in detail so that you can make the best decision for your own needs.
Many people use the ease of access to public transportation as a factor in where they will buy a property or when they’re staying in Pattaya on vacation as driving a motorbike or car in Pattaya can be quite dangerous if you’re not accustomed to the madness, and even then there are many variables and unknowns when driving in Thailand.
Bolt App
Bolt is a transportation app that is usable in Pattaya that many prefer because of its very low prices. You can choose between several different kinds of taxis, which are regular taxi, motorbike taxi, economy taxi (typically just a regular vehicle, luxury vehicles, larger vehicles for more passengers, and ladies are able to specifically request a taxi with a female driver. Usually, the best value for money would be the economy taxi.
A standard bolt taxi from Jomtien Beach to Central Pattaya will be around 100 Baht. Prices will increase during high demand periods, such as Songkran, public holidays, or when there are special events going on in the city which brings in a lot of tourism (i.e. music festivals, sports events, etc.)
Grab Transport
Grab is another application that provides transportation services. It is very similar to Bolt except that the prices are typically a bit more expensive (around 20% more, as of August, 2022). On a side note, this application is more popular for its food delivery services, but provides transportation as well.
Usually, we would suggest Bolt because they are more or less the same, but Bolt is a bit cheaper. However, this may change in the future.
SongThaew / Baht Bus
Another very common mode of transportation in Pattaya are the SongThaew or Baht buses. These are typically a pickup truck that has been adapted into a share taxi with 2 rows of seats in the back of the pickup truck. You can sit inside on the benches or you can stand on the back and hold on. They run along fixed routes in Pattaya and Jomtien, but some can also be hired as a taxi and will take you to your destination for an agreed upon price.
Using them is quite simple. Once you know what Baht Bus route you want to take, you just hail them as they’re passing you and you jump on the back. When you would like to get off the Baht bus, you simply press one of the buttons which will typically be above the benches near the roof. This will alert the driver that you would like to get off, they will park at the side of the road, then you walk up to the passenger window and pay the driver.
The price for a Baht buses in Pattaya is 10 Baht, except possibly for longer trips such as Jomtien to North Pattaya where some drivers may charge 20 Baht. Check out the Pattaya baht bus route here.
Motorbike Taxi
One of the most popular ways to get around in Thailand and Pattaya is by motorbike taxis. You will see them stationed in different areas all over the city. In Pattaya, they will typically be wearing an orange vest signifying that they are a motorbike taxi driver.
They will typically be more expensive than a bolt taxi, but there is the convenience of being able to hop right on with no delay.
You will need to get the hang of what the usual prices are for different distances and negotiation is usually a part of the process as they will often try to take advantage of tourists who are ignorant of the standard prices.
Just to note, it is always better to negotiate the price BEFORE getting on the motorbike taxi. It is much more difficult to negotiate after you’ve already been taken to your destination.
Pattaya Taxi
You will see taxis scattered around the city, usually around hotels, shopping malls or along the beach roads in Jomtien or Pattaya. However, many taxi drivers will prefer a fixed rate and will not turn on the meter.
Just like with motorbike taxis, it will always be better to negotiate a price with the taxi driver before getting into the vehicle because you will still have the opportunity to walk away if they give you too high of a price.
Research Ahead of Time
If you have never been to Thailand or Pattaya, and you aren’t aware of how different public transportation works here than it does in western countries, then it would be a good idea to do your research ahead of time to get an idea before jumping in as it can be confusing without the right information.
Hopefully now you have an idea of how you will be able to get around Pattaya, whether you’re coming here for holiday, long stay, or otherwise.
Considering that there are a few different options to choose from, you are free to try them out and choose what way is best for you in how you will get around Pattaya. We prefer to use Bolt or Baht buses as they are the most convenient and easiest options.