U-Tapao International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (UTP)

How to get to U-Tapao International Airport

Pattaya city centre is several km from the airport: transfer takes approximately 45 minutes by taxi; Bangkok is about 2 hours away.

By Car

Travelers arriving by car reach Pattaya in approximately 45 minutes, Bangkok in approximately 2 hours.

By Train

The airport remains outside the railway network.

By Bus

Some shared minivans connect the airport to Pattaya, fare more economical than private taxi.

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Tips Some taxi drivers may refuse the meter by proposing higher rates: at the airport's official desks a fixed rate of approximately 1,000 THB is available for Pattaya, often simpler to negotiate.

Average travel time to UTP

TrainNot available

Shuttle busAvailable service (shared minivans)

Taxi / Private hire45 minutes (600 THB metered, 1,000 THB flat)

Parking near U-Tapao International Airport

In front of the terminal there is a small parking area for passengers.

Fares do not deviate from the regional average.

How to get to Rayong from UTP

By Train

There is no direct train to the airport.

By Bus

Some shared minivans connect the airport to Pattaya, approximately 250-300 THB per person.

By Taxi

The meter applies approximately 600-800 THB for Pattaya (45 minutes), although some drivers offer fixed rates of 1,000 THB or more; to Bangkok approximately 1,800-2,500 THB (2 hours) plus tolls.

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Car rental at U-Tapao International Airport

Only some car rental operators have a desk at arrival.

Bringing your driving license, passport, and credit card is standard; the International Driving Permit is usually requested as well.

Hotels near U-Tapao International Airport

U-Tapao is a repurposed military base in the Ban Chang district, designed above all for those flying to Pattaya, a different town about 40-50 km away, not to Rayong, which actually gives the airport its name and is in fact closer. Those who stay in the Rayong area save a good hour of transfer but give up beach life; those aiming for Pattaya must accept shared minivans that are not always punctual, or a pricier but direct private taxi.

Nearby town

Rayong

The airport is in the Ban Chang district; central Rayong is about 25-30 km away, 30-40 minutes by car or taxi.

Best for: Those with work commitments in the Map Ta Phut industrial zone or who want the shortest possible transfer, with no need for the Pattaya beach.

Pros

A much shorter and more predictable transfer than the one to Pattaya
International chain hotels at lower prices than on the tourist coast

Cons

No beach life: Rayong town is a commercial and industrial centre, not a tourist destination
In the evening there are few venues besides the hotel restaurants

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Na Jomtien and Sattahip

About 38 km, 25-40 minutes by car: closer to the airport than the word "Pattaya" in some properties' addresses would suggest, but still 20-25 minutes from Jomtien's public beach and from central Pattaya.

Best for: Those who already want the sea and a quality resort but prefer a shorter transfer than the one to central Pattaya.

Pros

A calmer stretch of coast, with private beach and less foot traffic than Pattaya
A shorter transfer than the one to central Pattaya, despite the hotels' names

Cons

Walking Street and Pattaya's nightlife remain 25 minutes or more away, a car is needed
An isolated area: few restaurants or shops outside the resorts themselves

Recommended hotels

Andaz Pattaya Jomtien Beach, By Hyatt Despite the name, it is in Na Jomtien, in the Sattahip district, on a calmer stretch of coast: private beach, three pools and about 20-25 minutes from central Pattaya. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Nearby town

Pattaya

About 45-55 km from the airport: private taxi 45-50 minutes, shared minivan 40 minutes-2 hours because it makes more stops at different hotels; AirAsia passengers have a dedicated free minivan to the Central Festival Mall.

Best for: Those who want the real Pattaya, with beach, restaurants and nightlife, and accept the longest transfer of the three.

Pros

Beach, restaurants, Walking Street and shopping centres all within easy reach
A much denser network of taxis and Grab than in the other two areas, handy for getting around in the evening

Cons

The longest transfer of the three, especially with the shared minivan that stops at several hotels
Room and restaurant prices higher than in Rayong

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport serves the Pattaya region, with growing civilian traffic at a historic Thai Navy base.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area is modest in size but available.

Lounges & relaxation

A limited selection of business lounges is available to travelers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

A Wi-Fi service is available in the terminal's common areas.

Families & Children

The terminal offers basic family assistance in the waiting areas.

Terminal guide

The terminal, a dual civil/military facility, handles growing civilian traffic, with domestic flights and some international charters.

To avoid surprises, better to arrive 2.5 hours in advance for flights.

Map of U-Tapao International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is U-Tapao an alternative to Suvarnabhumi for Pattaya?

Yes, it's much closer to Pattaya (45 minutes) than Suvarnabhumi (about 2 hours), useful for those heading straight to the eastern coast.

Q. Is the airport also a military base?

Yes, a historic base of the Royal Thai Navy, today used for both civilian and military purposes, with growing civilian traffic.

Q. How much does a taxi from U-Tapao to Pattaya cost?

Approximately 800-1,000 THB on the meter at the official counter, or about 999-1,000 THB for a pre-booked fixed rate; unlicensed taxis outside arrivals often ask for 1,500 THB.