Using the Baht Bus (Songthaew) to get around Pattaya

Last Updated on February 14, 2026 by admin

If you’re visiting Pattaya, getting around the city is made easy with the local baht bus, also known as songthaew. This iconic mode of transport is not only convenient but budget-friendly, making it a popular choice among both tourists and locals. A baht bus is a pickup truck outfitted with two rows of seats in the truck bed.

For the impatient, here’s our interactive baht bus map. Click on the “four corner” icon in the upper right hand of the image for full screen browsing or use the plus and minus signs to explore it here:

Cost of Riding the Baht Bus

One of the biggest advantages of using the baht bus in Pattaya is its affordability. A single ride costs only 10 baht (approximately 30 cents US). This makes it an economical choice for short distances within the city, ensuring that you can explore more without breaking the bank. If you’re heading from Central Pattaya to Jomtien, it’s another 10 baht when you switch lines.

How to Use the Baht Bus

To use the baht bus, position yourself on the side of the road in your desired direction and hold your hand up to flag it down as it approaches. Observe others and you’ll learn quickly. Thai locals use a “palm down” waving motion. But beware: if a driver sees you and asks: “Where you go?” don’t get in. The chance is high that they want you to use it like a private taxi and could charge you 100 to 150+ baht. You can avoid this by not talking to the driver and simply entering the baht bus after it stops for you.

Once aboard, you can sit back and enjoy the ride. When it’s time to get off, just push the bell button located above you to let the driver know your stop.

Exit to the right and pay the driver through the window. It helps to have exact change, but drivers also accept 20 baht notes. Pro tip: if using a 20 baht note, give the bill to the driver with one hand and hold out the other hand to accept your change; otherwise the driver may think you’re a dumb tourist who doesn’t know the correct price. Learn the top tricks and tips you need to know to navigate Thai currency.

Common Routes

The baht bus system has several routes. Popular destinations include Beach Road, Soi Buakhao, and Second Road. The Soi Buakhao route is bidirectional while the other two are one way as they operate on one-way streets. Many online guides to Pattaya incorrectly draw the Beach Road and Second Road routes as one continuous loop. That’s slightly misleading because many drivers end their routes at the entrance of Walking Street, coming from the north. You’ll know when a baht bus driver wants you to get out: they’ll look at you through the window from the driver’s seat and wave their hands or tap on the window.

Soi Buakhao Baht Bus Route

The Soi Buakhao baht bus route runs roughly from Central Pattaya Rd (aka Pattaya Klang) to South Pattaya Rd; though it turns right on South Pattaya Rd. At the top of Soi Buakao, just steps from the intersection with Central Pattaya Rd and Soi Buakhao, wait in front of Mr. Jack Watch Shop which is its first pickup.

Beach Road Route (Terminal 21 to Walking Street)

The Beach Road route is unidirectional and runs from North Pattaya near Dolphin Circle and Terminal 21 to the beginning of Walking Street. While it’s sometimes possible to catch in front of Terminal 21, it can be quicker and more reliable to walk toward Dolphin Circle from Terminal 21, then turn left to Beach Rd itself. Otherwise, you may be waiting a while as the driver waits for the baht bus to Beach Rd to fill up before departing. There are many baht buses waiting at Terminal 21 and not all of them go to Beach Rd. You may even encounter baht bus drivers who want to charge you extra, thinking you want a private ride. We strongly recommend that you walk toward Dolphin Circle from Terminal 21 and take a left on Beach Rd to ensure you get a baht bus going along Beach Rd toward Walking Street.

Getting from Walking Street to the Second Road Baht Bus Route

To reliably head north from Walking Street, walk down South Pattaya Road, turn left on Second Road (AKA Pattaya Sai Song Road), and catch the baht bus from there. Some drivers drop you off just around the corner from the intersection of Beach Rd and S Pattaya Rd. Others continue on to Second Rd.

Naklua Baht Bus Route (North Pattaya)

The North Pattaya (Naklua) baht bus route starts near Terminal 21 to Lan Pho Naklua Market. From Terminal 21, walk toward Dolphin Circle and take a right on Naklua Road. I typically stand in front of Sunshine Garden Resort. Lan Pho Naklua Market is worth checking out as well as a seaside park behind it named Naklua Chalermprakiat Park. On Naklua Road itself, you’ll pass through Pattaya’s “Little Germany” which has around 10 German restaurants on or near Naklua Road.

Central Pattaya Route (Pattaya Klang)

This line begins approximately at the top of Soi Buakhao, across the street, on Central Pattaya Rd (aka Pattaya Klang) and ends at Sukhumvit Rd. I’ve taken it to get to the Big C Extra (a huge supermarket) and as a starting point to take a Grab or Bolt motorbike to the Darkside area but otherwise haven’t found it all that useful. I also recall waiting to catch the baht bus a lot longer (approximately 5 mins) than I’d wait on other baht bus lines in town, so keep that in mind. While I don’t know for sure, the Central Pattaya route may extend all the way to Beach Rd on the way back but I can’t be sure since I’ve only taken it in the return direction as far as Soi Buakhao.

South Pattaya Rd and Thepprasit Rd?

Some baht bus maps incorrectly list a routes on South Pattaya Rd and Thepprasit Rd. I spent approximately 20 minutes waiting to catch a baht bus on both without any luck. While I saw some baht buses on South Pattaya Rd, they only seemed to be privately hired ones; I was never able to hail one. And on Thepprasit Rd I didn’t see a single one. Some sources say baht buses do operate on Thepprasit Rd but only on weekends when the markets are active so I’ll have to investigate this when I’m there next.

Getting to Jomtien Beach by Baht Bus

You can even take the baht bus from Central Pattaya to Jomtien Beach! It will cost 20 baht total (60 cents) because you have to change buses and pay again. The first step is to hop on a Soi Buakhao baht bus in the correct direction. Ride it all the way to the end. It will be obvious that the driver wants you to get out. Follow other people. Baht buses to Jomtien will be parked up and down along Second Rd in front of a blue and orange fenced area.

Google maps link to bus stop

Get off and walk up the road to your right, and enter whichever baht bus is filling with people. Typically, someone will point you in the correct direction. The driver will wait until it’s full before heading toward Jomtien.

Once in Jomtien, some baht bus drivers turn left on Thanon Chaiyaphurek (heading back to Pattaya) across the street from a Police station.

Others will continue on Jomtien Beach Road to Pupen Seafood with its iconic giant crab statue. Wait for another baht bus from here to head back to Pattaya.

Learn more about the best beaches in Pattaya and decide which is right for you.

Browse our interactive baht bus map. Click on the “four corner” icon in the upper right hand corner for full screen browsing or use the plus and minus signs to explore it here:

Conclusion

With these tips, navigating Pattaya using the songthaew will be a breeze. Whether you’re heading to the beach or exploring the bustling streets, the baht bus is a reliable and economical option for your transportation needs. Rideshare apps like Grab and Bolt can fulfill most of your other local transportation needs. While you’re at it, familiarize yourself with the 10 essential apps you’ll want to have in Pattaya. Learn how to negotiate tuk tuk prices if you want an even more colorful way to get around.

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