U-Tapao International Airport (UTP)

Rayong, TH 🇹🇭 Medium Airport Scheduled Service

ICAO

VTBU

IATA

UTP

Elevation

42 ft

Region

TH-21

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: VTBU

Local Code: Not available

Location: 12.6799° N, 101.004997° E

Continent: AS

Type: Medium Airport

Keywords: Utapao U-Taphao U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

U-Tapao International Airport (UTP) generally receives positive traveler sentiment, often highlighted as a convenient and less chaotic alternative to Bangkok's larger airports, especially for those traveling to Rayong and Pattaya. While a smaller airport, it is appreciated for its cleanliness and the politeness of its staff.

What Travelers Love
  • Overall Convenience: Many travelers find UTP a hassle-free entry point to the Eastern Economic Corridor, particularly for destinations like Pattaya and Rayong, avoiding the heavy traffic and crowds of Bangkok's main airports.
  • Polite Staff: The airport staff are frequently noted for their politeness and helpfulness, contributing to a positive overall experience.
  • Cleanliness: Travelers consistently praise the cleanliness of the terminal facilities and restrooms.
  • Compact and Easy to Navigate: The airport's smaller size makes it easy to navigate with shorter walking distances to check-in and immigration.
  • Basic but Adequate Facilities: It offers essential amenities like duty-free shops, various restaurants and cafes, currency exchange, a pharmacy, and free Wi-Fi. There is also a nearby 7-Eleven for convenience.
Common Complaints
  • Long Immigration Queues: A significant and recurring complaint involves excessively long queues at immigration and passport control, particularly when multiple international flights arrive simultaneously, leading to wait times of over an hour. Some travelers have described the experience as disorganized.
  • Limited Public Transportation: While taxis and private transfers are readily available, public transport options from the airport can be limited or confusing for foreigners, with some bus services having agents who speak little English.
  • Staff Attitude at Immigration: Some individual reviews mention unpleasant or rude interactions with passport control staff.
  • Basic Amenities and Service Gaps: Although facilities exist, some travelers note that certain food and retail services can be basic or limited in variety, and the air conditioning might be weak in some areas.

U-Tapao International Airport offers a generally satisfactory experience for travelers, often preferred for its calmer environment compared to the bustling Bangkok airports. However, potential visitors should be prepared for possible delays at immigration and consider pre-booking transportation to ensure a smooth onward journey. The airport is also undergoing significant expansion plans, aiming to increase its capacity and connectivity in the future.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Routes

Popular Flight Routes
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Destination IATA City Aircraft Type Airline Details Route Map
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Top Airlines

Operating at U-Tapao International Airport
Airlines by Flight Activity
Based on observed flight operations and route network
Airline Routes Flights Destinations Last Activity
Bangkok
BKP / PG
2 80 2 Dec 11, 2025
Thai Lion
TLM / SL
2 38 2 Dec 11, 2025
Azur Air
AZV / ZF
6 11 6 Dec 11, 2025
S7 Airlines
SBI / S7
1 6 1 Oct 15, 2025
AirAsia
AXM / AK
1 3 1 Nov 29, 2025
For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status
18/36 11500 ft 197 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
APP APP 119.7 MHz
GND GND 121.9 MHz
TWR TWR 118.3 MHz

Ident Name Type Frequency
BUT U Taphao TACAN 115800 kHz
BUT U Taphao VOR-DME 110800 kHz
UP U Taphao NDB 414 kHz

Ground Transportation

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Taxis

Official airport taxis are available at service counters located in the arrivals hall. Fares to popular destinations like Pattaya and Rayong are generally fixed; confirm the price at the counter before your journey. Ride-hailing services such as Grab are also an option, with designated pickup areas outside the terminal.

Rental Cars

Several car rental companies operate desks within the airport terminal, including major brands like Avis, Hertz, Budget, Sixt, and local providers like Thai Rent a Car. Booking in advance online is highly recommended to secure a vehicle and potentially get better rates.

Public Transportation

Shared minivans are the primary form of public transport, offering affordable connections to Pattaya, Jomtien, and Rayong. Tickets can be purchased at transport counters in the arrivals area. There are also limited bus services, including routes to Bangkok's bus terminals, but schedules can be infrequent and should be verified upon arrival.

Nearby Airports

Suvarnabhumi Airport
BKK • VTBS
Bangkok, TH
Large International Airport Scheduled Service
~114 km away
Hua Hin Airport
HHQ • VTPH
Hua Hin, TH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~115 km away
Don Mueang International Airport
DMK • VTBD
Bangkok, TH
Large International Airport Scheduled Service
~143 km away
Trat Airport
TDX • VTBO
Laem Ngop, TH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~150 km away
Suvarnabhumi Airport
BKK • VTBS
Bangkok, TH
Large International Airport Scheduled Service
~114 km away
Don Mueang International Airport
DMK • VTBD
Bangkok, TH
Large International Airport Scheduled Service
~143 km away
Hua Hin Airport
HHQ • VTPH
Hua Hin, TH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~115 km away
Trat Airport
TDX • VTBO
Laem Ngop, TH
Medium Airport Scheduled Service
~150 km away
Pattaya Huai Yai Airport
TH-0032
Pattaya (Bang Lamung), TH
Small Airport
~17 km away
Atlantic
TH-0050
NoneTH
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~19 km away
Eastern Flying Club Airport
TH-0001
Pattaya (Bang Lamung), TH
Small Airport
~26 km away
Dok Rai
TH-0045
NoneTH
Small Airport
~33 km away
Nong Khor Airfield
TH-0011
Si Racha, TH
Small Airport
~51 km away
Banana
TH-0023
Si Racha District, TH
Small Airport
~53 km away
Dropzone Thailand Airport
TH-0025
Klaeng, TH
Small Airport
~59 km away
Bang Phra Airport
VTBT
Bang Phra, TH
Small Airport
~61 km away
Khao Khitchakut Heliport
TH-0009
Khao Khitchakut, TH
Heliport
~128 km away
Ram Inthra Police Heliport
TH-0047
Bangkok, TH
Heliport
~137 km away
Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.