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
How to get from Bangkok to Pattaya
Located just 150 km south of Bangkok along the Eastern Seaboard, Pattaya is easily accessible from the capital city via bus, van, or taxi. The travel time usually ranges between 2 to 3 hours, but may vary depending on traffic conditions and the chosen route. Some buses make stops at Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang along the way, while others offer direct routes to Pattaya. There are big buses departing from all three bus terminals in Bangkok, arriving at the Pattaya Northern Bus Station. Additionally, there is a direct transfer available from Suvarnabhumi airport. For a more flexible option, travelers can choose to take a Bangkok-Pattaya van. Vans depart from various locations throughout Bangkok, with some even dropping off passengers in the center of Pattaya.
Prices for bus and van tickets to Pattaya range from THB120 to THB400. Alternatively, taxis offer the fastest and most luxurious door-to-door travel, with prices ranging from THB1,700 for a 3-passenger car to THB4,000 for a private van accommodating up to 9 passengers. Traveling by bus, taxi, or private car from Bangkok to Pattaya is usually smooth and effortless, thanks to the country’s excellent motorway 7 linking Bangkok to Chonburi and Pattaya.
back to menu ↑Get to Pattaya in Comfort: The Bus Route from Bangkok
If you’re planning a bus trip from Bangkok to Pattaya, you’ll have three terminals to choose from: Sai Tai Mai, Morchit, and Ekkamai. However, the northern and eastern terminals are the most popular and easily accessible.
If you’re planning to travel to the Eastern Seaboard, starting your journey from Ekkamai bus terminal would be the most practical option. The terminal is conveniently located near the BTS station of the same name. While buses departing from Ekkamai can take you to Pattaya in as little as two hours, it’s more realistic to expect a three-hour journey, as they often make stops along the way in Chonburi, Sri Racha, or Laem Chabang to drop off passengers. Pattaya Bus offers three daily departures from Ekkamai: one in the morning at 9:30 am, one in the afternoon at 1:30 pm, and one in the evening at 5:30 pm. All tickets are priced at THB127.
If you’re staying in the northern part of Bangkok or arriving at Don Mueang airport, Morchit bus terminal is a convenient option for traveling to Pattaya. Despite having a BTS station with the same name, you’ll need to take a bus or taxi for a short ride from BTS Morchit to the bus terminal. Buses from Morchit take around three hours to reach Pattaya and cost THB127 with Pattaya Bus company. There are three daily departures at 9am, 1pm, and 5pm. In Pattaya, buses arrive 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 (priced at THB40 per person), motorbike taxis, or regular taxis, but always negotiate the fare in advance.
back to menu ↑Riding the Rails: A Unique Journey from Bangkok to Pattaya
It is technically possible to take a train from Bangkok to Pattaya. Train #283 departs from Bangkok at 6.55am and arrives in Pattaya at 10.34am, making numerous stops along the way. However, this journey is not a once-in-a-lifetime experience and lasts approximately four hours in a third-class carriage with fan seats only. Don’t expect breathtaking views, but you’ll have plenty of opportunities for exciting people-watching. The Huay Yai train station is perhaps the most picturesque of all the Pattaya train stations. Additionally, train tickets are incredibly affordable.
back to menu ↑Easy Travel: How to Get from Bangkok to Pattaya by Taxi
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 ↑From the Terminal to the Sand: Getting to Pattaya from Suvarnabhumi Airport
If you’re flying into Thailand’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi, and heading straight to Pattaya, there are bus and taxi services available that can take you directly to your destination without having to go through Bangkok’s bus terminals. Bell Travel operates buses from the lower level of the airport near gate 8. Buses depart every two hours from 8am to 6pm, and their VIP24s are spacious and comfortable, providing a much roomier option than economy airline seats. The entire trip takes about two hours, and passengers are dropped off at Pattaya Northern bus station on Pattaya North Road.
It’s important to note that the Suvarnabhumi-Pattaya bus route is incredibly popular, so it’s recommended to buy tickets in advance to secure your spot. On-the-spot tickets may not be available for the next bus, so you may have to wait for the next one after that. Advanced tickets cost THB272.
For more comfortable and convenient travel, PGS offers charters that can take you from Suvarnabhumi to Pattaya door-to-door. You can choose between a Toyota Camry for three passengers at THB1,980 or a Toyota Commuter that can accommodate up to nine people for THB2,200. The latter is a great option in terms of price and quality ratio. All rates are all-inclusive, meaning no extra tolls, luggage, or drop-off charges.
Additionally, for those looking for a bite to eat before heading to Pattaya, Magic Point is a cheap Thai-style canteen located right next to the gate 8 on the lower level of Suvarnabhumi. They offer mouth-watering Thai favorites such as rice with chicken (khao man gai), rice with pork leg (khao kha moo), tom yam, and more at very moderate prices (starting from THB40 per dish).
back to menu ↑Get Ready to Fall in Love with Pattaya: Here’s Why
Pattaya has gained a reputation for its red light districts, lady bars, and the presence of ladyboys who are often aggressive in their pursuit of vulnerable individuals along Beach Road. This has led to Pattaya being known as the “City of Sin” for many years. Unfortunately, some locals have resorted to exploiting their beauty and financial circumstances to seek money from foreigners, sometimes claiming to be looking for true love while burdened with the responsibilities of an extended family.
Pattaya is a well-known tourist city in Thailand, earning the nickname “the city that never sleeps” due to its bustling activities both day and night. While Pattaya has had a notorious reputation for prostitution and vice in the past, the city has since undergone changes to its image, offering a diverse range of experiences from food to tourist attractions. Pattaya is now known as a truly independent city that attracts a fair share of international package tourists, families, and visitors from Bangkok who flood the city on weekends and Thai public holidays.
While Pattaya may not have any rare or unique sights, the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the city never fails to charm its visitors. The city offers a range of authentic cuisine from all over the world at surprisingly affordable prices, as well as cheap street food options. 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, and colorful night markets. Additionally, there are nearby islands that provide visitors with a glimpse of paradise, and a growing number of family-oriented attractions solidify Pattaya’s status as one of Thailand’s most popular vacation destinations.
When it comes to getting around Pattaya, songthaews are an affordable and convenient option. With fares ranging from THB10 to THB40, depending on the distance, and several routes covering the entire city, they are an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers. Blue songthaews run from the junction of South Pattaya Road and Second Road to Jomtien, from Jomtien to the Dolphins roundabout in the north, and along a Second Road-North Pattaya-Pattaya Beach Road loop. White songthaews operate along Sukhumvit Road, extending as far as Sattahip. Songthaews can also be hired as taxis, with the fare to be agreed upon before the ride.
Motorbike taxis are also widely available and affordable, providing a convenient solution to the city’s worsening traffic.
For those who prefer to drive themselves, car and motorbike rentals are available throughout the city. Scooters typically cost THB200 per day or THB2000 per month, while small cars like the Honda City can be rented for THB1000 per day. While scams related to “vehicle damage” are not common, drivers should be aware that police often stop both cars and motorbikes to check licenses, and wearing seat belts and helmets is mandatory.
While bicycles are becoming more common on Pattaya’s roads, the chaotic traffic makes it neither safe nor pleasant to navigate between speeding cars, tourist buses, and bikes.
back to menu ↑The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Perfect Hotel in Pattaya
When it comes to choosing accommodation in Pattaya, it ultimately depends on personal preference. For those seeking a lively nightlife scene with a seedy atmosphere, centrally located hotels and guesthouses around Soi Buakhao and between Beach Road and Second Road may be the best option. The North and Naklua areas house more respectable five-star chain hotels.
Jomtien offers a range of relatively cheap guesthouses and mid-range hotels, and although the beach may be mediocre, it is still suitable for swimming and sunbathing. Pratamnak, while a bit off public transport routes, is a peaceful and verdant area with several pleasant beaches, including Cozy Beach. The Ambassador City Hotel area, on the other hand, is far from the city’s entertainment areas and may only be suitable for those seeking a lazy beach vacation.
Some important bus routes in Bangkok that pass through tourist destinations 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.
Safety in Pattaya: Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the distance between Bangkok and Pattaya?
The distance between Bangkok and Pattaya is approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles).
- What is the best way to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya?
There are several options for traveling from Bangkok to Pattaya, including by taxi, private car, bus, or train. The most popular and convenient way to travel is by taxi or private car, which takes around 1.5-2 hours. Buses and trains are also available, but they take longer and may not be as comfortable.
- How much does it cost to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya by taxi?
The cost of a taxi or private car from Bangkok to Pattaya varies depending on the type of vehicle and the company you use. On average, it can cost anywhere from 1,500 to 3,000 Thai baht (approximately $50-$100 USD) one-way.
- What are some popular attractions in Pattaya?
Some popular attractions in Pattaya include the Sanctuary of Truth, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden, Pattaya Beach, Walking Street, and the Floating Market. Pattaya is also known for its nightlife and shopping.
- How long does it take to travel from Bangkok to Pattaya by bus?
Traveling by bus from Bangkok to Pattaya takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and the time of day. There are several bus companies that operate between the two cities, with frequent departures throughout the day.
