U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport Guide (2026)
You landed at U-Tapao. Good news: it’s small, clean, and hard to get lost. Bad news: it’s mid-expansion, so expect construction noise and limited facilities until late 2025.
This is a military-civil joint airport run by the Royal Thai Navy. Terminal 1 handles most flights (4,280 sqm). Terminal 2 opened in 2019 but capacity is tight. Phase 1 expansion starts November 2025, scaling to 3 million passengers/year with a massive 157,000 sqm terminal. Until then, you’re working with bare bones.
Layout & Navigation
Single entrance for arrivals. You won’t get lost.
Terminal 1 is tiny. Walk from gate to exit in under 5 minutes. Terminal 2 is newer but still compact. Signage is clear in Thai and English. No confusing multi-level mazes like Suvarnabhumi.
Phase 1 expansion (partial opening Nov 2025) adds 60 aircraft stands and a 157,000 sqm terminal. Expect construction barriers and detours through 2026. Future phases promise automated people movers and walkways, but that’s years away (target 2042 for 60M capacity).
Essential Facilities
Bare minimum right now. Expansion promises more, but don’t count on it yet.
ATMs: No confirmed locations in current terminals. Bring cash or use Bangkok ATMs before flying in. Expansion plans mention commercial spaces, so ATMs should appear by late 2025.
SIM Cards: Not confirmed at U-Tapao yet. Pre-order a Thai SIM on Klook and pick it up at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang if you connect. Otherwise, buy in Pattaya (7-Eleven sells AIS/DTAC for 200-300 baht).
Food: Limited options. Small cafe in Terminal 1 charges airport prices (100-150 baht for noodles). No cheap food court confirmed. Expansion blueprints show commercial centres, but they’re not open yet. Eat before you fly or pack snacks.
Luggage Storage: Not confirmed. Ask at airline counters if desperate, but don’t expect official lockers until the new terminal opens.
Showers: None reported. This isn’t a long-haul hub. Freshen up at your hotel.
Getting to the City
U-Tapao sits 140km southeast of Bangkok, 45 minutes from Pattaya, near Rayong. Transport is improving but still patchy.
Taxi to Pattaya: Meter taxis charge 600-800 baht (45 minutes). Drivers may refuse the meter and demand 1,000+ baht. Pre-book a fixed-price transfer via Kiwitaxi to avoid haggling. Grab works here but cars are scarce.
Taxi to Bangkok: Expect 1,800-2,500 baht (2 hours). Highway tolls add 100-200 baht. Again, pre-booking saves headaches.
Buses: Ground transportation centre (30,000 sqm) is planned but not fully operational. No confirmed bus numbers or schedules yet. Ask at the information desk or check 12Go for updated routes to Pattaya, Sukhumvit, or Khao San Road.
High-Speed Rail: The Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao rail link is delayed. Don’t plan around it in 2026.
If you’re heading to Hua Hin Beach or Chao Phraya Riverside, you’ll need to connect via Bangkok or Pattaya. No direct routes.
Survival Tips
WiFi: Free airport WiFi exists but it’s slow (1-2 Mbps). Register with your passport number. Don’t stream videos.
Charging Points: Limited outlets in waiting areas. Bring a power bank. Expansion plans mention digital tech upgrades, so more USB ports should appear by 2026.
Safety: Royal Thai Navy runs security. It’s safe. Don’t wander into restricted military zones (clearly marked).
Sleeping: Not confirmed as 24-hour. Domestic flights are sparse, so overnight stays are rare. If stuck, benches in Terminal 2 are newer and less crowded. No dedicated sleep pods.
Eco-Friendly Design: New terminals use solar energy and AC. Comfortable once you’re inside, but construction dust is real in 2025-2026.
Money Exchange: No confirmed booths. Use ATMs (when they appear) or exchange in Pattaya/Bangkok for better rates.
U-Tapao is a work in progress. It’s functional but spartan. Expansion will fix most complaints, but until late 2025, manage expectations. Bring cash, pre-book transport, and pack snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get from U-Tapao Airport to Pattaya?
Meter taxi costs 600-800 baht (45 minutes). Pre-book via Kiwitaxi to avoid overcharging. Grab works but cars are limited.
Is there luggage storage at U-Tapao Airport?
Not confirmed. Ask airline counters if desperate. Official lockers should appear with the new terminal (late 2025).
What are taxi prices from U-Tapao to Bangkok?
1,800-2,500 baht (2 hours) plus 100-200 baht tolls. Pre-booking saves haggling.
Does U-Tapao Airport have ATMs and SIM cards?
ATMs not confirmed yet. SIM cards unavailable. Pre-order on Klook or buy in Pattaya (7-Eleven, 200-300 baht).
U-Tapao Airport bus schedule to Rayong?
Ground transport centre is planned but not fully operational. Check 12Go for updated bus routes.
How to get from U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport to Sukhumvit
You have six ways to reach Sukhumvit from U-Tapao Airport. Private taxi (800 THB, Mike Pattaya or U-Tapao Taxi) gets you there in 1h 45m if you want zero hassle. Grab costs 600-1,000 THB but surge pricing bites during rush hour. Shared minivan (12Go) saves cash but adds 30+ minutes with stops.
How to get from U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport to Chao Phraya Riverside
You have 4 options. Private taxi is fastest if you want zero hassle (2.5 hours, door-to-door). Shared minivan saves cash but takes forever with multiple transfers (4.5-6 hours). Group charter bus works if you have 10+ people splitting the bill. Public taxi is cheapest direct option but risky with meter games.
U-Tapao to North Pattaya: Taxi vs Minivan (250-1150 THB, 2026)
You have 4 main options. Official airport limousine (250 THB) is the cheapest but expect queues. Private taxis (899-999 THB) are fastest and door-to-door. Minivans (1150 THB) work if you split costs with others. Traffic adds 15-20 minutes during rush hour.
From U-Tapao Airport to Bangkok City Center: Taxi vs Bus vs Minivan (2026)
You have six ways out. Private transfer is fastest (2.5-3 hours) but costs 1,500-2,200 THB. Shared minivan saves money (250-400 THB) but waits forever. Grab works if you have data and patience. Airport bus? Only runs twice a day. Pick speed or price.
How to get from U-Tapao–Rayong–Pattaya International Airport to Old Town (Rattanakosin)
You have six ways to reach Old Town (City Center) from U-Tapao. Private taxi is fastest at 2.5 hours for ฿2,099. Shared minivan to Pattaya then bus costs ฿300 total but takes 5+ hours. Grab works if you forgot to book but expect surge pricing. Pick your poison: speed or savings.
