🧍♀️Local Friend
“Cheaper than a taxi, more flexible than a bus—that’s the songthaew!”
🧍♂️Traveller
“Sounds great, but… how do I know where to get off if it’s my first time?”
🧍♀️Local Friend
“Don’t worry! Once you read this guide, you’ll ride with confidence.”
🧍♂️Traveller
“Perfect, then tomorrow I’ll explore Pattaya by songthaew!”
🚌 Pattaya’s Songthaews: 4 Things You Should Know First
- Reason 1: Super Affordable – just 10 THB per ride
- Reason 2: Operates on fixed main routes
- Reason 3: Hop-on, hop-off convenience almost anywhere
- Reason 4: A chance to experience local life firsthand
📖 How to Master Pattaya’s Songthaews: Routes & How to Ride
Planning a trip to Pattaya? Then you’ll definitely want to try riding a songthaew, the city’s iconic shared pickup truck taxi. At first glance, the system might seem a little confusing, but don’t worry—it actually follows clear main routes. Once you understand the basics, getting around becomes a breeze. Let’s break it down.
📌 The Main Routes(Understanding the Basic Routes)
The Pattaya songthaews run on four basic routes, and knowing them will make getting around a whole lot easier!
Now, let’s take a closer look at the four routes one by one.
First, let’s start with Route ①, the Beach Road loop, which is the one you’ll want to experience first as a Pattaya beginner.
① The Central Loop (Beach Road & Second Road)
This is Pattaya’s most popular and frequently used route, forming a continuous loop through the city center. Songthaews run in one direction: they travel south along Beach Road and head north along Second Road. While the route itself is a fixed loop, a single songthaew doesn’t always complete the entire circuit. A driver might stop at a waiting area or other spots, so you may need to get off and hop on a new songthaew to continue your journey.
Next up is Route ②, a handy side-street route you’ll want to use once you get comfortable in Pattaya.
② Soi Buakhao Route
A super convenient two-way route along Soi Buakhao. It connects Central Pattaya Road and South Pattaya Road, making it very handy for those staying in the southern part of town.
For those heading south, Route ③ is a perfect choice. It connects you directly to Jomtien Beach, a calmer side of Pattaya.
③ Jomtien Beach Route
This route connects central Pattaya with Jomtien Beach, a quieter spot known for laid-back beaches, local markets, and seafood restaurants. It also takes you to the bus terminal for Bangkok.
Moving on to the last key route, number four takes you away from the city center and towards Naklua.
④ North Pattaya / Naklua Route
This one stretches toward Naklua, a calmer northern area famous for seafood markets. Perfect if you want to escape the busy center.
✅ Quick Tips for Routes:
- Remember the main Beach Road–Second Road loop—it’s the city’s core.
- Beach Road = one-way southbound, Second Road = one-way northbound.
- Soi Buakhao is a flexible two-way route.
- Don’t forget the outer routes like Jomtien and Naklua if you want to explore beyond the center.
🎒 How to Get On & Off
Riding a songthaew is simple—just follow these three steps!
Getting On
- Simply raise your hand slightly to signal.
- No need to tell the driver your destination (unless you’re going far off-route).
- If it’s on your desired route, just hop in.
Where to Sit & What to Expect
- You can sit inside or stand on the back step for a breezy “VIP seat.”
- Luggage is fine—a single suitcase is usually okay.
Getting Off & Paying
- Press the buzzer inside when you’re near your stop.
- Pay the driver directly from the passenger seat.
- Standard fare is 10 THB per person. Longer rides or off-route trips may cost 20 THB.
- Always keep small bills (10s or 20s). Drivers may not have change for large notes.
✅ In short:
- Raise your hand to hop on—no need to talk.
- Press the buzzer just before your stop.
- Pay the driver in small bills when you get off.
- Luggage? One suitcase is totally fine.
📌 Main Songthaew Stands
While you can flag down songthaews anywhere, there are some key waiting areas if you want a guaranteed seat or a specific route.
① Jomtien Beach Route – Near the intersection of Second Road & South Pattaya Road. Blue songthaews wait here.
② Second Road Northbound – Same intersection, heading toward Terminal 21. Be sure to confirm “Naklua?” or “Beach Road?” with the driver if unsure.
③ Soi Buakhao – Near the market (especially lively on Tuesdays & Fridays).
④ ⑤North Bus Terminal & Naklua – At Dolphin Roundabout. Some songthaews wait here, but not always—if none are there, just catch one on the street.
💡 Pro Tip: Use both “on-the-street pickups” and official stands depending on your needs. For quick hops, just flag one down. If you want a seat or are heading far, stands are safer.
🎒 Tips to Avoid Getting Lost
- Use Google Maps to track your location.
- If the route feels wrong, just hop off—it’s only 10 THB.
- Keep coins or small bills handy.
🏌️ Top 10 Places You Can Reach by Songthaew
🏖️ Jomtien Beach
Quieter, more relaxed than central Pattaya. ~20 mins away.
🌱 Watch a short video of Jomtien Beach here!
🚌Jomtien–Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus Station
For buses to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi airport.
🌱 Watch a short video of Jomtien–Suvarnabhumi Airport Bus Station here!
🎉Walking Street
Pattaya’s iconic nightlife hub. Get off at the south end of Beach Road.
🏖️Pattaya Beach
The main beach, right along the loop.
🌱 Watch a short video of pattaya beach here!
🤯Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Inside Royal Garden Plaza, easily reached via Beach or Second Road.
🛒Pattaya Night Bazaar
Covered market with shopping & food. Located on Second Road.
🛍️Central Pattaya (Central Festival Mall)
The city’s major shopping mall, accessible from both main roads.
💃Tiffany’s Show Pattaya
The famous cabaret show, directly on Second Road.
🐟Lan Pho Naklua Market
Fresh seafood market in Naklua, great for a local experience.
🌱 Watch a short video of Lan Pho Naklua Market here!
🎒 Conclusion【Pattaya Songthaew Guide 2025】
Pattaya’s songthaews are the easiest and cheapest way to get around town.
Most rides cost only 10–20 Baht, and once you know the main routes, you’ll feel confident hopping on and off like a local.
👉 Tips for first-time visitors
- Keep small change (10B coins are best).
- Use Google Maps to track your stop and press the buzzer when you want to get off.
- If you’re not sure, just ask the driver or follow the locals.
By using songthaews, you’ll save money, travel more freely, and experience Pattaya like a local.
Next time you’re here, try them instead of a taxi—you’ll be surprised how easy it is!
🧳 Questions You Might Have
- Is riding a Songthaew in Pattaya safe?
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From my own experience, the drivers usually drive carefully, and I’ve rarely heard of any accidents. Since locals also rely on Songthaews every day, I always feel it’s a safe and easy way to get around town.
- What are the operating hours of songthaews?
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You won’t see many running at 5:00 in the morning, but during the day they are everywhere.
Even around midnight, the main routes are still active, so it’s easy to catch one late at night.
