Getting Around Pattaya Without a Car: Baht Buses, Motorbike Taxis and Bolt

You don't need a car to get around Pattaya. Here's how each option works, and which I'd use.

Motorbike taxis

If you're on your own, they're the most convenient. There's a rank on most corners, so you won't walk far to find one. They're very cheap, and the riders know their way around.

Communication can be an issue, so know the name of where you're going. Keep it to short hops around the city. You wouldn't take one all the way to Nong Nooch. When I wasn't renting a motorbike, I always used them.

Baht buses (songthaews)

Definitely worth using. The fare was ฿10 for as long as anyone can remember. In 2026, after fuel prices rose, it went up to ฿15 for most trips around town, and up to ฿20 for longer ones.

There are routes, but they're not well publicised, and sometimes it feels like the drivers don't know them either. The trick is to jump on, and when it turns somewhere you don't want to go, press the buzzer, hop off, and catch another one.

Getting from Pattaya to Jomtien might take a bit of messing about and a couple of changes, but it'll only cost you ฿20 or ฿30. So be it.

Bolt and Grab

Excellent value and very convenient, especially for longer trips when you want a car. They work just like Uber: download the app, set your location and wait for the car. In my experience, Bolt is generally cheaper than Grab.

You can book motorbike taxis through them too, and often the rider who turns up is a regular motorbike taxi driver in his vest. It's all intertwined.

Which should you use?

It depends how long you're staying. For a seven-day holiday, I'd use Bolt or Grab. You know the price up front, and there's no negotiating.

Do try a motorbike taxi and a baht bus at least once, just for the experience. You won't find them in many other places, and it's something to tell people about when you get home.

If you're staying longer, say a month, and want to explore, renting a car is the best option. Pattaya Rent a Car can help.

For more, read scooter or car in Pattaya, Bangkok airport to Pattaya and is Pattaya safe?