Rather than bump a thread, I thought I'd just ask a couple of simple questions, since it's been a while:

(1) What is the current approx. meter fare from Swampy to Beach Road (Soi 13)?

(2) Is there any problem getting the drivers to use the meter to Pattaya?

Any other alternatives? I have 5 people arriving at different times of day and night over a 3 day period and I want to give them all the same instructions.

Cheers,

Chico

As I understand it, the meter is only authorized for use within Bangkok. There is a published chart of flat-rate fares from Bangkok to other provinces approved by whatever authority it is that governs Bangkok taxi rates, and that chart is often laminated and hanging from the front seat head rest.

My experience with using the airport taxi stand (which currently is at ground level) is that you will be quoted the flat rate by the agent at the desk and assigned a taxi driver who will take you to Pattaya at that rate. It's been over a year since I've taken a taxi from the airport taxi stand, but at that time, the official rate was B1500, including tolls.

Make sure your friends have a map of the hotel location, as not all Bangkok taxi drivers know their way around Pattaya. They can get you "to Pattaya," but sometimes need a little guidance to find the actual destination.

Even if the map is in Thai it's no guarantee of instant success, as some taxi drivers are illiterate and/or can't read maps. The map might only be of use if you stop someplace and ask for assistance.

Last time I took a taxi by meter was from 'downtown' Bangkok and it came to 1300bt, so one would think it would be less. However, I agree with wpcoe that 1500 seems to be what they will be looking for and indeed, many a taxi will not know exactly where to go once in Pattaya. In the past I've tried to get them to as close as possible and then get them to speak to the hotel to guide them in so to speak. All a bit hit and miss with these guys as I'm sure you know. All the best

OK guys that answers my question. I actually get there first so I can try this myself.

Thanks for your help.

Why not try something like mr. T? About 1100 baht and they are waiting there for you with a sign. Last trip had a brand new mini van. Really nice.

Sent from my traveling tab.

Taxi to pattaya from swampy was 1200bt in August.

Better option is to walk to departures and hail a taxi that's just dropped off.

I find a lot of the taxis at the official point are non road worthy. Maybe I'm unlucky!

I like to take a modern newer car rather than an old shitter where the breaks are crap and the tyres are worn to the thread. Safety first in my eyes.

Good luck.

Be careful with taxis in the depatures area. I did that one time and was stoped by the police for an hour. No fun.

Sent from my traveling tab.

There are plenty of taxi drivers in Pattaya that will meet your guests at the airport, holding their name on a signboard, and will deliver them anywhere in Pattaya for 1000 baht. 1200 baht after midnight, when a lot of flights from the states come in. Easy to find on the internet. This solves your problems of a driver not knowing Pattaya.

Also make sure u make it clear that u want to go on the toll ways all the way to Pattaya, many times even when making that clear the taxi has tried to use sukhumvit road along the coast just to save a few baht. Especially if u fall asleep. Very annoying and costs u time. I usually negotiate the price to 1000 and then say I'll pay tolls.

I ended up emailing pattaya-express.com to ask if their Inova's (people carriers) were Bt1300 inclusive of tolls. They confirmed that they were, and the bookings were confirmed via email.

All five pax (and remember they were all coming in at different times of day and night) had a sign with their name waiting for them at Exit 3, and were on their way to Pattaya in no time (there is a lady there, and they call the car to collect you from the terminal, no having to lug your gear to the car park).

So I emailed them again to book taxis back, and they all arrived before the agreed time.

Can't recommend them strongly enough if you just want to get from A to B without hassle.

Total of 9 taxis and every single one perfect.