Car Rental at U-tapao International Airport (UTP)

U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) is located about 30 km south of Pattaya and 180 km southeast of Bangkok, making it an excellent alternative for travel to eastern Thailand. With 2 car rental companies on-site, you can easily pick up your rental car directly upon arrival and be in Pattaya in under 40 minutes. The airport also serves Rayong and the industrial Eastern Economic Corridor.

U-Tapao is in Rayong Province near the Royal Thai Naval base and is the hub for visits to both Pattaya Beach (35 km to the north) and Ko Samet (60 km to the south via ferry from Ban Phe). Highway 3 (Sukhumvit Road) is the main road connecting the airport to the region's major destinations. Book a rental car in advance - availability is limited with only 2 providers.

Choose a car with good ground clearance if you plan excursions to Ko Chang via Trat (200 km to the east). Avoid driving into central Pattaya during rush hour 16-19; take Highway 7 instead. How far is it from U-Tapao airport to Pattaya?

It is about 35 km and takes approximately 40 minutes by car via Highway 332 and Highway 7. Can I drive a rental car from U-Tapao to Bangkok? Yes, it is about 180 km and takes 2-2.5 hours via Highway 7.

Check if the rental company allows driving into Bangkok and whether additional fees apply. Which car rental companies are at U-Tapao airport? There are 2 providers on-site.

We recommend comparing prices and terms on rental car websites before departure for the best availability.

We compare prices from all major providers at U-tapao International Airport so you can see the total cost upfront - including insurance, fuel terms and any extras. Most bookings include free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup, giving you flexibility if your plans change.