Everyday options
| Option | Typical cost | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Baht bus (songthaew) | 10 to 20 THB a ride on fixed routes | Hop on, press the buzzer to stop, pay the driver. Agree a price first if you hire one privately |
| Bolt and Grab | 60 to 200 THB across town | Price shown upfront; cars and motorbike taxis |
| Motorbike taxi | 30 to 100 THB | Drivers wear numbered vests; helmets required |
| Car or scooter rental | Scooter from about 3,000 THB a month; car from about 15,000 THB | Licence and insurance matter: see below |
Airports
- Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok): about 1.5 to 2 hours. Private transfers from about 1,200 to 1,800 THB; buses run to Jomtien and North Pattaya.
- U-Tapao: about 45 minutes south, with regional flights.
- Don Mueang (Bangkok): about 2.5 hours, for budget airlines.
Renting a car or motorbike safely
- Ride or drive only with the right licence. Without it, insurance won't pay.
- Wear a helmet; it's the law and the checkpoints enforce it.
- Photograph the vehicle before you take it, and read what the insurance excludes.
- Never leave your passport as a deposit. Offer a cash deposit or a copy instead.