Bus Bangkok - Pattaya
฿ 160–410
3h – 4h
Taxi Bangkok - Pattaya
฿ 1,600–11,000
1h 45m – 2h
Van Bangkok - Pattaya
฿ 200–410
2h – 3h
Bus Suvarnabhumi Airport - Pattaya
฿ 320
2h
Taxi Suvarnabhumi Airport - Pattaya
฿ 1,400–11,000
1h 25m – 2h
Taxi Don Mueang Airport - Pattaya
฿ 1,700–11,000
1h 50m – 2h 30m
Transportation Guide: Bangkok to Pattaya
Located just 150 km south of Bangkok along the Eastern Seaboard, Pattaya is conveniently accessible by bus, van, or taxi. The duration of the journey, which typically takes between 2 to 3 hours, depends largely on traffic conditions and the route taken. Some buses make stops in Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang, while others travel directly to Pattaya. Big buses departing from all three bus terminals in Bangkok arrive at the Pattaya Northern Bus Station, and there’s even a direct transfer from Suvarnabhumi airport. For greater flexibility, consider taking a Bangkok-Pattaya van. These vans depart from various locations throughout Bangkok and some even drop you off in the heart of Pattaya.
Tickets for both buses and vans typically range from THB120 to THB400. Alternatively, taking a taxi is the fastest and most luxurious way to travel door-to-door. Prices vary from THB1,700 for a 3-passenger car to THB4,000 for a private van that can accommodate up to 9 passengers. Motorway 7, one of the best highways in the country, connects Bangkok to Chonburi and Pattaya, making transportation by bus, taxi, or private car a smooth and comfortable experience.
back to menu ↑The Best Bus Options for Your Trip from Bangkok to Pattaya
If you’re looking to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya, you’ll have three bus terminals to choose from. Of these, the northern Morchit and eastern Ekkamai terminals are the most popular and offer the best accessibility.
If you’re heading to the Eastern Seaboard, Ekkamai bus terminal is the most convenient starting point. Located right by the BTS station with the same name, it offers easy access to buses that can take you to Pattaya in just two hours. However, it’s more realistic to expect the journey to take around three hours as these buses often make detours to allow passengers to disembark in Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang. Pattaya Bus company operates three buses from Ekkamai, departing in the morning (9:30 AM), afternoon (1:30 PM), and evening (5:30 PM), all at a fare of THB127.
If you’re staying in the north of Bangkok or arriving at Don Mueang airport, Morchit bus terminal is a convenient option for traveling to Pattaya. However, despite the nearby BTS station of the same name, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi for a short ride to the bus terminal from BTS Morchit. Buses from Morchit take approximately three hours to reach Pattaya and cost THB127 with Pattaya Bus company. The company operates three buses a day, departing at 9am, 1pm, and 5pm. Upon arrival in Pattaya, buses stop at the Northern bus station, located on North Pattaya Road, just 200 meters from the Sukhumvit intersection. To get to the city from there, you can choose between songthaews (THB40 per person), motorbike taxis, or regular taxis. Be sure to negotiate the fare in advance regardless of which option you choose.
back to menu ↑From the City to the Beach: Taking the Train from Bangkok to Pattaya
In technicality, it is feasible to take a train from Bangkok to Pattaya. Train #283 departs at 6:55 am and arrives in Pattaya at 10:34 am. However, this train makes numerous stops along the way, and the journey is not a remarkable experience. Expect to spend about four hours in a third-class carriage with only fan seats, and don’t anticipate any breathtaking scenery. Nevertheless, you’ll have plenty of opportunities for people-watching. Of all the train stations in Pattaya, the most picturesque one is likely Huay Yai. Additionally, tickets are very affordable.
back to menu ↑Smooth Sailing: Tips for Taking a Taxi from Bangkok to Pattaya
If you’re traveling with a large group, family, or a lot of luggage, a taxi may be the best option for getting from Bangkok to Pattaya. One recommended company is Glassflower, which offers excellent service, comfortable and clean cars, and competitive prices.
Glassflower also has minivans available that can accommodate groups of up to 12 people. Another option is PGS, which offers smart solutions for both individual and group transfers. Their Toyota Camry can seat up to 3 passengers for THB2,200, while their Toyota Commuter can accommodate up to 9 passengers for THB2,530. Both options are all-inclusive, with no extra tolls or additional fees for pickup and drop-off at specific locations. The trip should take no more than three hours, depending on your starting point in Bangkok.
back to menu ↑Convenient Connections: Getting from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Pattaya
If you’re flying into Suvarnabhumi, Thailand’s main airport, and heading to Pattaya as your next destination, there are several convenient bus and taxi services available. Bell Travel operates buses from the lower level of the airport near gate 8, which depart every two hours from 8am to 6pm. Their VIP24 buses are more spacious and comfortable than economy airline seats, and the entire journey takes about two hours. Upon arrival in Pattaya, passengers are taken to the Pattaya Northern bus station on Pattaya North Road. It’s worth noting that the route is extremely popular, so it’s advisable to book tickets in advance. Tickets purchased on the spot may require waiting until the next but one departure. If booked ahead of time, tickets cost THB272.
For more comfort and door-to-door service, PGS also offers charters from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya. You can choose between a Toyota Camry for three passengers at THB1,980, or a Toyota Commuter that can accommodate up to nine passengers at THB2,200. The latter option offers a great price-quality ratio. Rates are all-inclusive, meaning there are no extra tolls, luggage, or drop-off charges.
Tip: If you have some time to spare before departure, check out Magic Point, a cheap Thai-style canteen located near gate 8. There, you can enjoy delicious Thai favorites like rice with chicken (khao man gai), rice with pork leg (khao kha moo), and tom yam at very reasonable prices (starting from THB40 per dish).
back to menu ↑Explore the Vibrant Culture of Pattaya
Pattaya is often associated with its red light districts, lady bars, and ladyboys who can be quite aggressive in their pursuit of customers along Beach Road. This reputation has earned Pattaya the nickname “City of Sin,” where impoverished women seek money and sometimes even love from foreign visitors while supporting their extended families. However, Pattaya has much more to offer beyond these stereotypes, and visitors who take the time to explore will discover a rich culture and diverse community.
Pattaya is a renowned tourist city in Thailand, known as the “city that never sleeps” due to its lively atmosphere both day and night. Although Pattaya was once infamous for prostitution and vice, the city has undergone a transformation and now boasts a diverse range of people, cuisine, and tourist attractions. It is a city that truly offers something for everyone. Pattaya now attracts a significant number of international package tourists, families, and Bangkok residents who often flock to the city on weekends and during Thai public holidays.
While Pattaya may not have rare or unique sights, the city’s festive atmosphere never fails to capture the hearts of its visitors. The city offers a range of dining options, including authentic cuisine from all over the world at surprisingly affordable prices and delicious street food. Visitors can choose from first-class international hotel chains or simple guesthouse rooms, elegant high-rises, and traditional shophouses. Modern shopping malls and entertainment centers coexist alongside colorful night markets. In addition to these amenities, there is a choice of nearby islands that can transport you to a perfect island paradise. Pattaya also boasts a growing number of family-oriented attractions, securing its status as one of Thailand’s most popular vacation destinations.
When it comes to getting around Pattaya, songthaews are a popular and affordable option. One trip can cost anywhere from THB10 to THB40, depending on the distance you need to travel, and several routes cover the entire city. The blue songthaews are particularly useful for getting from the junction of South Pattaya Road and Second Road to Jomtien, from Jomtien to the Dolphins roundabout in the north, and for a Second Road-North Pattaya-Pattaya Beach Road loop. White songthaews run along Sukhumvit Road and can take you as far as Sattahip. Songthaews can also be hired as taxis, but be sure to agree on the cost of the ride beforehand.
Motorbike taxis are also ubiquitous and affordable, offering a great solution for navigating the city’s increasingly congested traffic.
If you prefer to have your own vehicle, rental shops throughout the city offer motorbikes starting from THB200 per day (or THB2000 per month) and small cars like the Honda City for THB1000. While scams where renters are forced to pay for damage upon return are not common, note that police frequently stop both cars and motorbikes to check drivers’ licenses. Wearing seatbelts and helmets is mandatory.
Although more bicycles are now seen on Pattaya’s roads, the city’s chaotic traffic can make it unsafe and unpleasant to cycle amidst speeding cars, tourist buses, and motorcycles.
back to menu ↑From Luxurious Resorts to Cozy Guesthouses: Where to Stay in Pattaya
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Pattaya, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are interested in a vibrant nightlife scene with a slightly seedy undertone, look for centrally located hotels and guesthouses around Soi Buakhao and the area between Beach Road and Second Road. The North and Nakluea areas feature respectable five-star chain hotels, while Jomtien offers relatively inexpensive guesthouses and mid-range hotels. While Jomtien Beach may not be the most impressive, it is still suitable for swimming and sunbathing.
For a quieter experience, Pratamnak offers a peaceful and green setting, as well as several beautiful beaches such as Cozy Beach. However, it is important to note that this area is a bit off the public transport routes. The Ambassador City Hotel area is far from the city’s entertainment areas, making it a suitable choice only if a relaxing beach vacation is what you’re after.
Some important bus routes in Bangkok that pass through tourist attractions you should know:
Route 02: Samrong – Sukhumvit – Central World – Pratunam – Democracy Monument – Pak Khlong Talat Flower Market.
Route 03: Phra Arthit – Samsen – Chatuchak – Northern Bus Terminal.
Route 15: Charoen Krung – Silom – Siam Square – Democracy Monument – Sanam Luang.
Route 25: Paknam – Sukhumvit – Eastern Bus Terminal – Siam Square – Hualamphong – Yaowarat – Pahurat – Wat Pho – Grand Palace.
Route 29: Hualamphong – Victory Monument – Chatuchak – Don Muang.
Route 34: Hualamphong – MBK Shopping Mall – Phaya Thai – Victory Monument – Chatuchak.
Route 53: Hualamphong – Yaowarat – Pahurat – Wat Pho – Grand Palace – Sanam Luang – Phra Arthit – Samsen.
Route 59: Sanam Luang – Phaya Thai – Victory Monument – Chatuchak – Don Muang.
Route 79: Southern Bus Terminal – Taling Chan Floating Market – Democracy Monument – Siam Square – Central World – Pratunam – Fortune Town – Ratchada.
Route 503: Sanam Luang – Dusit – Wat Stewamabophit – Victory Monument – Chatuchak.
Route 508: Sanam Luang – Grand Palace – Siam Square – Sukhumvit – Eastern Bus Terminal – Samut Prakarn Crocodile Farm.
Route 509: Thonburi – Democracy Monument – Victory Monument – Chatuchak – Northern Bus Terminal.
Route 511: Southern Bus Terminal – Democracy Monument – Sukhumvit – Eastern Bus Terminal – Samut Prakarn Crocodile Farm.
Route 524: Wat Pho – Grand Palace – Phra Arthit – Samsen – Chatuchak.
Money Matters: FAQs about Currency and Exchanging Money in Pattaya
- What is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya?
The most convenient way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya is by private car or taxi, which takes about 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus or minivan from Bangkok’s Ekkamai or Mo Chit bus terminals, which takes around 2-3 hours depending on traffic.
- How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya?
The cost of travel from Bangkok to Pattaya varies depending on the mode of transportation. A private car or taxi typically costs between 1,500-2,500 baht ($45-$80 USD), while a bus or minivan costs around 120-200 baht ($4-$6.50 USD).
- How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya?
Travel time from Bangkok to Pattaya varies depending on the mode of transportation and traffic conditions. By private car or taxi, it takes about 2 hours, while a bus or minivan takes around 2-3 hours.
- What are the best things to do in Pattaya?
Some popular things to do in Pattaya include visiting the beaches, exploring the nightlife, visiting cultural and historical sites such as the Sanctuary of Truth and the Big Buddha Hill, and trying local street food.
- Is Pattaya safe for travelers?
Pattaya is generally safe for travelers, but like any tourist destination, there are some risks to be aware of. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft can occur in crowded areas, and visitors should also exercise caution when using transportation and taking part in adventure activities. It’s always a good idea to take basic safety precautions such as keeping valuables secure and staying alert to your surroundings.
