Asked by a family flying into Suvarnabhumi
“Should I pick up a hire car at the airport or get a taxi to Pattaya?”
My answerShane Ruddle, 20+ years in PattayaTake a taxi, around ฿1,500, and sort out a car once you've arrived. And I run a car rental company.
There are plenty of taxis at the official rank, so there's no need to pre-book. Grab and Bolt work too and are usually a little cheaper.
After a long flight, delays, lost bags or an immigration queue make meeting someone at a set time hard. Arrive, then organise it.
Up to date as of November 2026. Rules in Thailand change often, so check the current position before you act.
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More questions: Cars & getting aroundAll 43 questions →
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