Here’s a handy list (below) of recommended Pattaya taxi services and popular ride-booking apps, what you need to know about using meter taxis in Pattaya, scams, tips on tipping, and why lady taxi drivers are best.
If you’re looking for the easiest, most stress-free way to get to Pattaya from the airport, especially if it’s your first time visiting Pattaya, booking a taxi and having a driver meet and greet you at the airport and then deliver you to your hotel door is it.
Pattaya taxi services will take you from your door to anywhere you want. Most have a website where you can see the prices for a taxi to and from Pattaya to Bangkok and other popular routes, such as Pattaya to Koh Chang Chang and Koh Samet.
There is a high demand for popular and safe taxi services in Pattaya, so book several days in advance when possible. Many can be booked by telephone, while others prefer you to book by email or via the booking form on their website.
Pattaya Taxis With Lady Drivers
Taxi companies with lady drivers, such as Nam’s (see photo below), are among the most recommended on Pattaya Facebook groups and travel forums where users frequently ask which are the most reliable and safe taxi services in Pattaya, most often by virtue of their lady drivers.
Although it certainly doesn’t apply to all, the driving habits of male taxi drivers in Thailand often leave you feeling happier to just exit the vehicle than you are to arrive at your destination. It often turns out that the pleasant fellow who comes to collect you is a different beast altogether when he hits the motorway.
For myself, it was after a nightmare taxi ride to Pattaya that I decided that whenever possible, I would only use taxi services that have lady drivers.
Taxi Services in Pattaya
Nam’s Taxi Service
Email booking only, lady owner-driver.
Website: https://www.namstaxiladydrivers.com/
Tan Taxi Pattaya (female driver by request)
https://www.tanstaxi.com/
Email: tanstaxi@gmail.com
Initial contact by email 24 hours in advance.
Pattaya Central
Keerati Homestay 33/40,
Soi. LK Metro, Nongprue,
Banglamung, Chonburi
Tel: 0863479162
Email: info@pattayacentral.com
Website: https://pattayacentral.com/
Mr T.
Tel: 038 720318
Mobile: 0812587716 (0813513612)
Email: mr_ttaxi@hotmail.com
Pattaya-based taxi service.
Pattaya Taxi and Ride Booking Apps
You can use The Bolt and Grab taxi and car booking apps to commute around Pattaya cheaply or to and from Pattaya when you need a taxi on demand.
Grab Taxi Pattaya
The GrabTaxi App has made getting around Pattaya a whole lot more convenient and safe. It’s easy to use, and most importantly, you know you’re not getting ripped off.
The GrabTaxi App shows your location and the location of the nearest taxis; simply tap in your desired destination, and the app then tells you the distance and the estimated fare. Confirm your booking, and you’re done. On confirming your booking, it sends you a picture of the driver, his ID, and license number; the driver might then call you back to confirm the booking.
GRAB THE APP: The following link contains downloads for all mobile operating systems: https://www.grab.com/th/en/.
Bolt Taxi Pattaya
Bolt taxi works very much the same as the Grab Taxi, except it’s cheaper, actually quite a lot cheaper. So well worth having. You can find links to download the Bolt taxi app from the App Store and Google Play on the Bolt website: https://bolt.eu/en/cities/bangkok/
Uber Thailand App
Unfortunately, Uber is no longer available in Thailand. Uber Thailand has merged with or sold its resources and services to Grab.
Pattaya Meter Taxi.
So-called ‘Meter Taxis’ can now be found in Pattaya, usually close to busy Pattaya tourist areas and shopping malls. You should treat these as you would when chartering a Baht Bus. There have been many complaints about Meter Taxi drivers in Pattaya who will not turn on their meter. In this case, make sure you negotiate a price with the ‘Meter Taxi’ driver or use a ride-booking app instead.
Tipping Taxi Drivers
Taxi drivers are usually very polite; they won’t linger or hold out their hand for a tip. If you just enjoyed a timely trip to Pattaya and feel you were not overcharged, a 50 or 100-baht tip is adequate. Here is more information about tipping in Thailand.