BlaakLane.com runs chauffeur service in Pattaya for private transfers from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK), pickups at U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya Airport (UTP), cruise transfers at Laem Chabang, and hotel runs in Central Pattaya, Naklua, Wongamat, Pratumnak and Jomtien. The Pattaya fare is fixed and shows before you confirm. Trips are driven by a vetted local affiliate; the confirmation names the operator and chauffeur.
The Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya transfer
Pattaya has no big airport of its own, so the most common booking is a direct car from Suvarnabhumi Airport. The chauffeur picks you up at the airport's designated pre-arranged vehicle area on the arrivals level and takes Motorway 7 and Highway 36 south-east through the Eastern Seaboard. The drive is about 120 to 150 km depending on your hotel and typically takes 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours; add 30 to 60 minutes on Friday evenings, public holidays and at the start of Songkran.
Flights into Don Mueang, used by many low-cost carriers, add distance: count on 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes. A name-board meet and greet inside the arrivals hall is an add-on. Add-ons are only available in selected locations.
Flight tracking and waiting time
Every airport pickup is tracked, so the chauffeur is timed to your actual landing. Included waiting is 60 minutes from landing on international arrivals, 30 minutes on domestic flights and 15 minutes on other pickups, then 15-minute blocks. Immigration at Suvarnabhumi can be slow when long-haul banks arrive in the early morning, which is exactly what the international allowance is for. More detail on airport transfers.
U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP)
U-Tapao, a former military airfield near Sattahip, is about 40 km south of central Pattaya, roughly 40 to 50 minutes by road. Scheduled traffic is small: in 2026 it is mostly domestic flights to and from places such as Koh Samui, Phuket and Chiang Mai, plus occasional charters. The airport is being expanded as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor, so expect construction detours around the terminal. Pickup is at the designated pre-arranged vehicle area outside arrivals. Current schedules are on the U-Tapao airport site.
Drive times on the Eastern Seaboard
| Route | Distance | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| Suvarnabhumi to Central Pattaya | about 120-130 km | 1 h 30 min-2 h |
| Don Mueang to Central Pattaya | about 150-160 km | 2-2 h 30 min |
| Central Bangkok (Sukhumvit) to Pattaya | about 145 km | 2-2 h 30 min |
| U-Tapao to Central Pattaya | about 40 km | 40-50 min |
| Laem Chabang port to Pattaya | about 25-30 km | 30-45 min |
| Pattaya to Ban Phe pier for Koh Samet | about 70 km | 1-1 h 30 min |
| Pattaya to Rayong | about 70 km | 1-1 h 15 min |
The fare you book is the fare you pay, even when Motorway 7 is crawling.
Cruise passengers at Laem Chabang
Laem Chabang, Thailand's largest seaport, is the usual call for cruise ships billed as "Bangkok". It sits north of Pattaya, about 30 to 45 minutes away, and roughly 2 hours or more from central Bangkok. A car can collect you at the terminal's vehicle area for a Pattaya day, a transfer to your Pattaya hotel before or after a cruise, or the long run to a Bangkok hotel or Suvarnabhumi. Give the ship name and date when booking. See cruise lines and ports and background on Wikipedia's Laem Chabang page.
Choosing where to stay
- Central Pattaya and Beach Road: the busiest stretch, with Central Festival shopping mall and the Hilton Pattaya above it.
- South Pattaya: Walking Street nightlife, closed to traffic in the evening; pickups are at either end.
- Naklua and Wongamat: quieter northern beaches, high-rise condominiums, large resort hotels and the Sanctuary of Truth.
- Pratumnak Hill: between Pattaya and Jomtien, with the Royal Cliff complex and its Pattaya Exhibition and Convention Hall (PEACH).
- Jomtien and Na Jomtien: a long beach with family hotels, condos and water parks.
- Bang Saray and Sattahip: fishing villages and resorts further south, closer to U-Tapao.
Conferences, golf and attractions
The Royal Cliff Beach Hotel's convention hall hosts regional conferences and exhibitions, and many incentive groups combine meetings with golf at courses such as Siam Country Club and Laem Chabang International Country Club. Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, south of the city, is a popular group excursion. For multi-coach movements between hotels and venues, see group transportation and event transportation; these are planned by a coordinator and confirmed in writing.
When Pattaya is busiest
- November to February: the cool, dry peak season, with most European and long-haul visitors.
- March, usually: the Pattaya Music Festival on the beach.
- 13 to 15 April, then around 18 and 19 April: Songkran nationally, followed by Pattaya's own Wan Lai water festival, when Beach Road is heavily congested.
- May to October: the rainy season, with short storms that flood low streets.
- Late in the year, usually: the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival over the bay.
Check dates with the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Driving in Pattaya
Thailand drives on the left, and cars are right-hand drive. Beach Road and Second Road are one-way in opposite directions, with baht buses (songthaew) stopping without warning, so a short distance can mean a loop around the block. Sukhumvit Road, the main highway through the city, has frequent U-turn points instead of right turns. Jomtien Second Road and the Pratumnak hill roads are quieter.
Arriving in Thailand
Before you fly, complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card at the official TDAC portal within 72 hours of arrival; it applies to every foreign national, with or without a visa. Under the rules in force since 15 September 2026, visa-exempt visitors from the US, UK, Canada, Australia and most other eligible countries receive 30 days, with one optional extension.
Vehicles and terms
A Standard Sedan fits two people and two large cases for the motorway run; an executive SUV or Standard Black SUV is better for families and golf bags, and Sprinters and coaches move groups. Every vehicle is four model years old or younger. See the fleet and rates. Cancellation: more than 72 hours before pickup, no charge; 72 hours or less, 10%; 48 hours or less, 50%; 24 hours or less or a no-show, 100%. Continue your trip in Bangkok or Koh Samui.
