If you’re visiting Pattaya for the first time, the local transport system might look a little confusing. But don’t worry. After just one or two rides, you’ll probably find it much easier than regular city buses. Getting around Pattaya with kids really doesn’t take long to get the hang of it.
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The most popular way to get around Pattaya is by songthaew. Many tourists simply call them tuk-tuks, although they’re actually a different type of vehicle. These are open pickup trucks with a roof and two bench seats in the back. They may look simple, but they’re surprisingly comfortable and handle Pattaya’s tropical weather surprisingly well.
A quick guide to choosing the best transport for your family in Pattaya.
💛 One Thing Mike Loved
For Mike, every songthaew ride felt like a little adventure.
An open vehicle, warm sea breeze, palm trees flashing past, and the ocean just around the corner… Sometimes getting to the beach was almost as exciting as the beach itself.
Why Songthaews Are So Popular in Pattaya
Honestly, one of the biggest reasons is convenience. You don’t need to look for a bus stop or study complicated timetables. Just wave when you see one coming, and the driver will usually pull over.
A songthaew cruising along Jomtien Beach Road.
Better yet, songthaews travel along Pattaya’s busiest streets. They connect beaches, shopping malls, night markets, hotels, and many of the city’s top attractions. In other words, they’ll take you almost everywhere most visitors want to go.
My Tip: Keep Kids Away from the Edge
Songthaews are safe, but they don’t have doors.
I always sat Mike closer to the driver and asked him to hold the handrail until the vehicle stopped completely. Drivers sometimes pull away as soon as passengers climb aboard, so it’s worth waiting until everyone is seated before relaxing. It only takes a second, but it makes the ride much safer.
They’re also incredibly affordable. A typical ride costs around 10–30 THB, depending on the route, making songthaews one of the cheapest ways to explore Pattaya. Pay the driver when you get off. If you’re unsure about the fare, simply ask before you hop in.
💵 My Tip: Carry Small Cash
One thing we learned very quickly: always keep a few 10 or 20 THB notes in your pocket.
Drivers don’t always have change, especially for larger bills. We usually broke bigger notes at the nearest 7-Eleven before hopping on.
Getting off couldn’t be easier either. There’s no need to wait for an official stop. Just press the bell inside the vehicle, and the driver will pull over at the next safe place.
Inside a Pattaya songthaew, where passengers simply hop on and ring the bell to get off.
Can You Use a Stroller on a Songthaew?
Yes, as long as it’s a lightweight stroller.
When Mike was little, I could fold our umbrella stroller with one hand while holding him with the other. Thai people are incredibly kind to families, and someone almost always stepped in to help lift it.
A full-size stroller is another story, though. Songthaews are pickup trucks, not buses, so bulky strollers may simply take up too much space.
Main Songthaew (Tuk-Tuk) Routes in Pattaya
Although songthaews don’t display route numbers, they generally follow the same roads every day. Once you learn the main routes, getting around Pattaya becomes surprisingly easy.
- North Bus Terminal ↔ Bali Hai Pier
This route runs through central Pattaya and along Beach Road before ending at Bali Hai Pier, where ferries leave for Koh Larn and other nearby destinations. - Central Pattaya ↔ Jomtien Beach
One of the most useful routes for visitors. It connects downtown Pattaya with Jomtien Beach in just a few minutes.
One thing to remember: Jomtien currently has a one-way traffic system. Songthaews travel towards Jomtien along Beach Road and return via Jomtien Second Road, one block inland. - Naklua ↔ South Pattaya
This route follows Sukhumvit Road from the northern part of the city to the south. - Naklua ↔ Pattaya Beach Road
A convenient route that links the quieter Naklua neighborhood with Pattaya’s main beachfront. - Terminal 21 ↔ Jomtien (Loop Route)
This circular route starts near Terminal 21 Pattaya. It continues along Thappraya Road through Pratumnak before reaching Jomtien. On the way back, it returns via Sukhumvit Road.
Once you get familiar with these routes, you’ll rarely need a taxi. Simply hop on, enjoy the breeze, and let Pattaya do the driving.
Map of tuk-tuks (songthaew) in Pattaya
A map of Pattaya’s main songthaew routes to make getting around easier.
How Do You Know Where a Songthaew Is Going?
To be honest, we always asked. Songthaews don’t display route numbers, so a quick “Jomtien?” or “Terminal?” saved us from guessing. While we were at it, we often confirmed the fare too.
Black vs. White Songthaews
You’ll notice two main types of songthaews in Pattaya.
Black songthaews serve the city’s main tourist areas, including Beach Road and Jomtien. These are the ones most visitors use every day.
White songthaews mainly travel along Sukhumvit Road, Pattaya’s main highway. Since they cover longer distances, fares usually start at around 60 THB (about $1.80).
Can You Take Luggage on a Songthaew?
Yes, if you travel light. Small suitcases, backpacks, and folded strollers usually fit without much trouble. We even had family visiting with a travel backpack, and getting to the hotel by songthaew was easy.
That said, after a long flight with kids and luggage, I’d still choose Bolt. Sometimes convenience wins.
A Few Handy Songthaew Tips
Riding a songthaew isn’t just transportation. It’s part of everyday life in Pattaya and one of those little experiences that makes the city feel authentic. When you want to get on, simply wave your hand.
Before you settle in, it’s worth confirming the direction with the driver. Songthaews don’t display route numbers, so it isn’t always obvious where they’re heading. A single word usually works perfectly. For example, just ask “Terminal?”, “Jomtien?”, or “Naklua?”. Short questions are often easier than full sentences, especially since not every driver speaks English.
Our favorite Pattaya transport tips gathered into one handy infographic.
✈️ Airport Transfer or Bus?
If it’s your first trip to Thailand or you’re travelling with a tired child after a long flight, I’d book a private transfer.
It’s the easiest option, and the driver takes you straight to your hotel.
We often choose the airport bus instead because we already know Pattaya well. It’s inexpensive, comfortable enough, and part of our usual routine. But for a first visit, a transfer makes life much easier.
Taxis in Pattaya
You’ll find official blue-and-yellow taxis at the airport, bus terminals, shopping malls, and popular attractions. However, there’s one thing you should know before getting in.
Many drivers prefer offering a fixed price instead of using the meter. Those prices can easily be three or even four times higher than the normal fare. Since Pattaya has fewer taxis than Bangkok, many visitors simply agree and pay.
Do Taxis Have Child Car Seats?
Usually, no. If you need one, it’s best to request it when booking your ride. Otherwise, most taxis arrive without a child seat.
Thankfully, ride-hailing apps have made getting around much easier.
Grab, Bolt or Maxim?
Today, Grab, Bolt, and Maxim all work well in Pattaya.
In general:
- Grab is usually the most expensive.
- Maxim often offers the lowest prices.
- Bolt sits somewhere comfortably in the middle.
Quick Comparison
Bolt
Price: $$
Easy to use: 👍👍
Cash payment: ✔️
Best for families:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grab
Price: $$$
Easy to use: 👍👍
Cash payment: ✔️
Best for families:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Maxim
Price: $$
Easy to use: 👍
Cash payment: ✔️
Best for families:
⭐⭐⭐
Personally, I almost always use Bolt. For me, it offers the best balance between price and convenience. The app supports several languages, while drivers automatically receive your messages in Thai. Another nice bonus? You can simply pay in cash, so there’s no need to link your bank card.
Whenever possible, choose a ride with a fixed fare. That way, you’ll know the price before the trip starts and won’t face any unexpected charges at the end.
💬 My Tip: Let Google Speak Thai
If you ever catch a taxi on the street instead of using an app, there’s one little trick that saved us countless times.
Open Google Maps, type your destination, and tap the speaker icon. Google will pronounce the address in Thai, and drivers usually understand it immediately.
Trying to say Thai street names ourselves… didn’t always go quite as well.
Motorbike Taxis
If you’re travelling alone and want to get somewhere quickly, motorbike taxis can be a real lifesaver.
You’ll recognize the drivers by their bright orange vests. You can either flag one down on the street or book one through the same apps, such as Bolt, Grab, or Maxim.
Motorbike taxis usually cost less than regular taxis. They’re also much faster during rush hour because they can weave through traffic where cars simply can’t.
My Tip: Skip Motorbike Taxis with Kids
Motorbike taxis are fast and cheap, especially during rush hour.
Even so, I would never use one with a child. A few extra minutes in a regular taxi are well worth the added comfort and peace of mind.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend them for families. If you’re travelling with children, carrying luggage, or simply prefer a more relaxed ride, a regular taxi is a much safer and more comfortable choice.
Final Thoughts
Don’t try to make Pattaya’s transport work exactly like the system you’re used to at home. It has its own rhythm. Once you stop looking for bus stops, route numbers, and perfect timetables, getting around becomes much easier.
After a couple of songthaew rides, a few taxi trips, and maybe one slightly confusing conversation with a driver, the whole system starts to feel surprisingly simple.
For everyday trips, we usually relied on songthaews. They’re cheap, easy to catch, and, for Mike, often felt like part of the adventure. For longer rides, airport transfers, or days when we had bags and a tired child, a taxi was simply more comfortable.
