U-Tapao lies off Sukhumvit Road between Sattahip and Ban Chang, about 40 km from Pattaya, 40 to 60 minutes by road, with flights from Terminal 2. A ฿150 minibus runs to South Pattaya three times a day, and six licensed operators cover other trips. There are no flights to Bangkok, two hours away by road. Wi-Fi is free.
By the bookingMentor Travel Desk · Updated · How we research
U-Tapao is small and calm compared with Bangkok's airports. Most passengers are flying to Ko Samui, Phuket or Chiang Mai, or arriving on a holiday charter, and the main challenge is organising the onward journey to Pattaya, Rayong or the islands.
Please note: Flights, hotels near the airport and car hire with driver on this page can be booked directly on bookingMentor. We list places on merit, and bookings never affect what we say about them.
What to expect
U-Tapao Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP) is a joint civil and military airport in Ban Chang district, Rayong province, near Sattahip on Thailand's eastern Gulf coast. It is about 40 km by road from central Pattaya and 34 km west of Rayong town. It suits holidaymakers on charter flights to Pattaya, domestic travellers flying to Koh Samui, Phuket or Chiang Mai, and visitors heading for Ko Samet and Ko Chang.
Built for B-52s
The United States built U-Tapao for the Vietnam War. Construction began on 15 October 1965 and the base opened on 2 June 1966, becoming the main Southeast Asian base for US Air Force B-52 bombers flying missions over Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
U-Tapao expansion, October 2026: Work on the U-Tapao Airport and Eastern Aviation City project formally began on 3 April 2026, when the concessionaire U-Tapao International Aviation (a Bangkok Airways, BTS Group and Stecon Group venture) received notice to proceed. The Royal Thai Navy is building a second 3,500 m runway, due around late 2028, and a new terminal is planned to open with it, with operations targeted for 2031. The current Terminal 2 stays in use meanwhile.
Today the Royal Thai Navy runs the airfield, and its First Air Wing is based here. Thai Airways operates a large maintenance centre on the site that also services other airlines' aircraft. During the 2008 protests that closed Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang, U-Tapao became a stand-in international gateway for Bangkok.
A 3,505 m runway open around the clock
The runway, 18/36, is 3,505 m long and 60 m wide, and fire cover is Category 10, the highest rating, available around the clock. The airfield sits about 18 m above sea level. Customs, immigration and air traffic control are listed as operating 24 hours, and a first aid station and Queen Sirikit Hospital are on the base.
Terminal 2 shops, duty-free and food
Passenger flights use Terminal 2, which opened in February 2019. King Power holds the duty-free concession and a Central Group and DFS partnership runs retail and food. Inside you will find a handful of cafés and snack counters, bank exchange counters and mobile phone shops. There is no full restaurant, so eat before you arrive if your wait is long. Car rental desks open from 08:00 to 20:00, and shops and transfer counters keep hours tied to flights. Scheduled flights bunch between late morning and early evening, so the building is quick to get through but quiet outside those times.
Bangkok Airways, Thai Lion Air and other routes
Scheduled services are few. Bangkok Airways flies to Koh Samui and Phuket and Thai Lion Air to Chiang Mai and Udon Thani. EZY Airlines began small-aircraft flights to Hua Hin and Surat Thani in late October 2026. The rest of the traffic is mostly seasonal charter flights from Russia, China and Central Asia. There are no passenger flights between U-Tapao and Bangkok.
In the year from October 2023 to September 2024 the airport handled 370,210 passengers, 227,506 of them international, on 5,788 aircraft movements.
Development plans under the Eastern Economic Corridor
U-Tapao is being developed as part of the Eastern Economic Corridor. A 2022 government plan set out six phases with a long-term target of 60 million passengers a year. In 2025 the first phase was cut from 6 million to 3 million passengers a year because the planned high-speed rail line linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao had been delayed. Work formally began on 3 April 2026, when U-Tapao International Aviation, owned 40 percent by Bangkok Airways, 40 percent by BTS Group and 20 percent by Stecon Group, received notice to proceed. The navy is building a second 3,500 m runway, due around late 2028, and a new terminal is targeted to open by 2031. Terminal 2 stays in use meanwhile.
Landside and airside
Landside is the public area of Terminal 2: check-in, the shops and cafés on the ground floor, and the transport counters outside. Airside is after security on the first floor, split into domestic and international departure halls. The international hall has King Power duty free; once through immigration you cannot return.
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Good to know
IATA / ICAOUTP / VTBU
Terminals in useTerminal 2
To city centre~40 km
Fastest to the cityCar hire with driver
Free WiFiYes
CurrencyThai baht (฿ THB)
SIM cardsAIS and True shops, Terminal 2 ground floor
24-hour foodLimited
About this guide
How we research this airport guide
This guide is written and maintained by the bookingMentor Travel Desk. We check flights, transport operators and facilities against the airport's official website, the Thai aeronautical information publication and airline sources, and update the page when the schedule or the expansion project changes.
Last updated . Transport timetables at U-Tapao change often; confirm with the operator before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk
Reviewed · Updated when rules or prices change
Checked against trusted sources: U-Tapao airport official websiteThailand Aeronautical Information PublicationBangkok Airways and Thai Lion Air schedules
See all 6 sources
U-Tapao airport official website
Thailand Aeronautical Information Publication (CAAT)
No lounge is known to be open to passengers at U-Tapao. Expect to wait in the departure halls, where seating is adequate for the short waits typical here.
No lounges match that filter.
Lounge list coming soonLounges at U-Tapao Airport are not listed yet. Your airline or lounge programme can confirm access.Ask the travel team
Water, showers & mobile charging
Drinking water
Tap water is not generally drunk in Thailand. Buy bottled water at the 7-Eleven outside Terminal 2 before security, where it is cheapest.
Showers
There are no public showers in the terminal.
Mobile charging
Charging points are limited, so carry a charged power bank. Thailand uses types A, B, C, F and O sockets at 220 V.
Luggage storage & lockers
No luggage storage details yetLeft-luggage services and rates at U-Tapao Airport are not listed yet. Check with the airport information desk on arrival.Ask the travel team
WiFi & connectivity
Free WiFi
Yes
Time limit
None advertised
Registration
Connect to "Free WiFi @ utapao"
SIM cards
AIS and True shops, Terminal 2 ground floor
Free WiFi covers the public areas and passenger routes of the terminal. If you need data the moment you land, AIS and True have shops on the ground floor of Terminal 2; bring your passport.
Food & drinks
Food is limited to a few cafés and snack counters, most of them on the ground floor of Terminal 2 or just outside it. There is no full restaurant, so eat before you arrive if your wait is long.
7-Eleven
Outside Terminal 2
Water, sandwiches, snacks and microwave meals
Daytime hours
Café Amazon
Outside Terminal 2
Thai coffee chain, iced drinks and cakes
Daytime hours
Punthai Coffee
Terminal 2, ground floor
Thai-style coffee and tea
Daytime hours
Akita Cha
Terminal 2, ground floor
Tea and milk-tea drinks
Daytime hours
Auntie Anne's
Terminal 2, ground floor
Pretzels and drinks
Daytime hours
Coffee World
Terminal 2, first floor, domestic departure hall
Coffee, sandwiches and pastries before domestic flights
Daytime hours
Arigato Tea Coffee
Terminal 2, first floor, international departure hall
Coffee and tea before international flights
Daytime hours
No outlets match that filter.
More airport information
U-Tapao covers the basics. Search for what you need: try "cash", "SIM", "pray" or "car".
ATMsBank ATMs in the terminal.
Bag wrappingBag wrapping machine in the terminal.
Car rentalRental counters open 08:00–20:00.
ClinicMedical clinic for treatment and medicine, plus a first-aid station. Queen Sirikit Hospital is inside the naval base.
Duty freeKing Power in the international departure hall, first floor.
Free WiFi"Free WiFi @ utapao" in public areas and passenger routes.
Money exchangeBank exchange counters and UP Money Exchange on the ground floor of Terminal 2.
ParkingThree car parks; the first 10 minutes are free for drop-off and pick-up.
Post officePostal and parcel services at the airport.
Prayer roomTerminal 2, ground floor, near the domestic arrivals side.
Self check-in kiosksKiosks for airlines that support them.
SIM cardsAIS and True shops on the ground floor of Terminal 2.
VAT refundTourist VAT refund service for international departures.
Wheelchair assistanceRequest through your airline when booking or at check-in, or at the information counter.
Nothing matches that search. Try "sim", "wifi", "bag" or "food".
Airport hours
Check-in closes
40 min before (Bangkok Airways domestic)
Overnight access
Not recommended
The airfield, customs and immigration are listed as operating 24 hours, but scheduled passenger flights run only between late morning and early evening. Shops, cafés, the car rental desks (08:00–20:00) and transfer counters keep shorter hours tied to flight times.
Arriving and departing, step by step
U-Tapao is simple to navigate. Here is what to expect on the way in and out.
Arriving
From the aircraft to Pattaya or Rayong
1
Immigration (international charters only)
Passengers on international flights clear immigration on arrival. Complete the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) before you fly and have the confirmation ready.
2
Baggage claim
Bags come through quickly as only one or two flights arrive at a time. Domestic passengers walk straight to the belts.
3
Cash and SIM
AIS and True shops, ATMs and an UP Money Exchange counter are on the ground floor of Terminal 2.
4
Onward transport
The Pattaya minibus, limousine and transfer counters are outside or just inside Terminal 2. The taxi cooperative waits in the car park in front of the Terminal 1 building.
Departing
From the kerb to the U-Tapao gate
1
Arrive early enough
Two hours before domestic flights and three before international charters. The terminal is quiet, but there are few flights, so missing one is costly.
2
Check in
Check-in is on the ground floor of Terminal 2; Bangkok Airways uses counters 18–19. Self check-in kiosks are also available.
3
Security
Go up to the first floor for security. Domestic and international passengers use separate departure halls.
4
Gate
Coffee World is in the domestic departure hall and Arigato Tea Coffee in the international one. Boarding is often by bus or on foot across the apron.
Getting to & from the airport
U-Tapao lies off Sukhumvit Road (Highway 3) between Sattahip and Ban Chang. There is no rail link yet, so every journey is by road. The airport lists six licensed transport operators; agree a price or check the fare before you set off. Suvarnabhumi Burapha runs a minibus to Big C South Pattaya for ฿150 at 12:30, 14:00 and 17:00; for the return it collects from Pattaya hotels at 09:30, 12:00 and 15:00 if you book a day ahead. A BH Rayong van heads east to Ban Chang, Rayong and Ban Phe, the pier for Ko Samet, once a day at 14:50 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The Loma Pattaya Taxi Cooperative works from the car park around the clock and covers Pattaya, Jomtien, Rayong and both Bangkok airports; confirm the fare before getting in. Vanatana limousines offer fixed-price cars, and a counter on the ground floor of Terminal 2 sells transfers to Ko Chang with the ferry included. Ride-hailing drivers can be scarce this far from Pattaya. A car with a driver booked on bookingMentor meets you whatever time you land. Suvarnabhumi is about 140 km away by road, Don Mueang about 190 km.
Pre-book a car with driver on bookingMentor. With so few scheduled minibuses, a pre-arranged driver is the simplest way to reach a Pattaya hotel, Rayong or the pier for Ko Samet whatever time you land.
Suvarnabhumi Burapha runs a minibus from U-Tapao to Big C South Pattaya. For the return, it collects from Pattaya hotels at 09:30, 12:00 and 15:00, but you must book at least a day ahead. Times can change without notice; confirm via Line @SWBBUS.
A shared van or minibus heading east to Ban Chang, Rayong and Ban Phe, where boats leave for Ko Samet. It runs once a day on three days a week, so check with the operator before relying on it.
Loma Pattaya Taxi Cooperative
Best for: Any arrival time
Mid-range
FareAsk before boarding
RankCar park in front of Terminal 1
Hours24 hours
The airport's licensed taxi cooperative covers Pattaya, Jomtien, Rayong, Ban Phe, Chonburi and further afield, including both Bangkok airports and Trat for Ko Chang. Confirm the fare before you get in.
Vanatana limousine
Best for: Families and groups
Premium
VehiclesSedans, SUVs and vans
PickupOutside Terminal 2
HoursWhenever flights operate
Fixed-price private cars to Pattaya, Jomtien, Rayong, Ban Phe, the Ko Larn piers and Ko Chang. Book at the counter or call ahead.
Ko Chang transfer (Peyton & Charmed)
Best for: Going straight to Ko Chang
Mid-range
IncludesFerry and hotel drop-off
CounterTerminal 2, ground floor
Hours09:00 – 18:30
Shuttle and private transfers to Ko Chang with the ferry fare included, plus service to Trat, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Pattaya and Bangkok. Ask for a price at the counter, which opens to meet arriving flights.
Ride-hailing pickup
Best for: Travellers with an app
Mid-range
FareQuoted in the app
PickupDesignated pickup point
AvailabilityDepends on drivers nearby
The airport has a designated pickup point for private cars and ride-hailing vehicles. Drivers can be scarce this far from Pattaya, so do not count on one at short notice.
Local buses and songthaews on Sukhumvit Road
Best for: Backpackers with time to spare
Budget
FareLow, paid on board
StopSukhumvit Road (Highway 3)
HoursDaytime
Buses and white songthaews run along Sukhumvit Road between Sattahip and Pattaya, but you need to get from the terminal to the main road first, and some buses terminate at Sattahip. Only worth it with light luggage.
Security & safety
U-Tapao is a quiet, secure military airfield and problems are rare. The practical risks are being stuck without transport and paying too much for a ride.
1Plan the ride before you landThe minibus runs three times a day and most counters close between flights. Pre-book a driver or note the taxi cooperative's number before you fly.
2Agree fares firstTaxi and limousine fares here are fixed by route rather than metered. Ask the price at the counter and confirm it with the driver before loading bags.
3Respect the military areasThis is a working naval air station. Do not photograph military aircraft, hangars or checkpoints, and carry your passport for any security check on the approach roads.
4Heat on the apronBoarding is often on foot or by bus across a hot apron. Keep water with you, especially with children.
Pro tip: if you land after 17:00, the last minibus to Pattaya has gone. Pre-book a car with driver or plan on the taxi cooperative rather than waiting outside.
None is known to be open at present. The departure halls have cafés and seating.
Yes, Bangkok Airways flies to Ko Samui and Phuket.
Not yet. A high-speed line to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang is planned but not built.
Go to Ban Phe pier by the BH Rayong van, a taxi or a pre-booked car, then take a boat.
Yes, the taxi cooperative goes to both Bangkok airports; agree the fare in advance.
Yes, King Power in the international departure hall.
Yes, a clinic and first-aid station, with Queen Sirikit Hospital on the base.
Thailand uses types A, B, C, F and O at 220 V.
Still looking?
Get an answer from the bookingMentor travel team and travellers who have flown through U-Tapao Airport.
Sleeping at the airport
U-Tapao is not a place to sleep. The terminal is built around a few daytime flights and outlets close between them, so for any overnight wait book a hotel in Ban Chang, Sattahip or along the coast.
Rest & relaxation zones
No rest zone details yetFree rest or quiet zones at U-Tapao Airport are not listed yet.Ask the travel team
Cots for sleeping
No cots are provided. If a flight is cancelled, the airline arranges accommodation, so speak to its check-in counter first.
Sleep pods, day rooms & transit hotel
No sleep pods or day rooms listed yetHotels near the airport are listed below; pods, day rooms and transit hotels are not listed here yet.See hotels nearby
Hotels near the airport
No hotels near U-Tapao Airport are listed yetSearch hotels for your dates in the airport's area instead.Search hotels
Layover sightseeing
With enough time between flights and a visa that lets you enter, these are the sights listed on bookingMentor in Pattaya.
Thepprasit Night Market is a large evening street market on Thepprasit Road in south Pattaya, between Jomtien and central Pattaya and a short taxi or songthaew...
Royal Garden Plaza stands on Beach Road in South Pattaya, with entrances on both Beach Road and Second Road, a short walk from Walking Street. It is owned and r...
Central Pattaya stands on Beach Road in the middle of Pattaya, facing the sea across the road. It was opened in 2009 by the Thai retail group Central as Central...
The mall opened on 19 October 2018 at the corner of North Pattaya Road and Second Road, beside the dolphin statue roundabout at the northern end of the city. It...
Everything travellers ask before flying through Pattaya. Checked against the airport's own website and airline sources in October 2026.
Getting there
Roughly 40 km by road to central Pattaya, a drive of about 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic and which end of the city you are going to. Jomtien is a little closer.
No. There are no scheduled passenger flights between U-Tapao and Bangkok; travellers to Bangkok go by road, which takes around two hours to Suvarnabhumi.
Bangkok Airways (Ko Samui and Phuket), Thai Lion Air (Chiang Mai and Udon Thani) and, from late October 2026, EZY Airlines (Hua Hin and Surat Thani). Seasonal charter airlines from Russia, China and Kazakhstan also use the airport.
Yes. It has immigration and customs and handles international charter flights and a King Power duty-free shop. Scheduled flights in winter 2026–27, however, are domestic.
The Royal Thai Navy. It is a working naval air station as well as a civil airport, so photography of military areas is not allowed.
Two hours before a domestic flight is plenty, as queues are rarely long; Bangkok Airways closes domestic check-in 40 minutes before departure. Allow three hours for an international charter.
It is not a good place to spend the night. Flights run in the daytime, services close between flights, and hotels in Ban Chang and along the coast are close by.
Yes. BH Rayong runs a van to Ban Phe, the pier for Ko Samet, and Peyton & Charmed sells door-to-door transfers to Ko Chang including the ferry, from a counter on the ground floor of Terminal 2.
General
The cheapest option is the Suvarnabhumi Burapha minibus, ฿150 per person to Big C South Pattaya, which leaves outside Terminal 2 at 12:30, 14:00 and 17:00. Otherwise take a taxi or limousine from the airport, or pre-book a car with driver.
Yes. There are bank ATMs in the terminal, bank exchange counters and an UP Money Exchange counter on the ground floor of Terminal 2.
Car rental counters in the terminal are open 08:00–20:00. For a driver as well as a car, book car hire with driver on bookingMentor.
Stay & facilities
Yes. Connect to the "Free WiFi @ utapao" network, available in the public areas of the terminal.
Yes, on the ground floor of Terminal 2, near the domestic arrivals side.
Prices & payment
Yes. AIS and True both have shops on the ground floor of Terminal 2. Bring your passport to register the SIM.
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